loopyloulaura

My very own website!!! Yikes!

days out

Rochester Castle, Guildhall Museum and Cathedral

On our way to Dymchurch in Kent, we visited Rochester. We began by using our English Heritage membership to visit the Castle. The inside of the keep is quite magnificent with multiple floors accessed via spiral staircases. Matthew was a bit scared but bravely persevered to reach the top! Anya boldly led the way, fearless […]

Our day in Chawton part one: Jane Austen’s House

I have long been a fan of Jane Austen’s novels and remember my grandparents visiting her home three decades ago and bringing me a gift. The Hampshire sign near our home say ‘Jane Austen country’ but it was only last week that we finally visited her former home ourselves. We also went to St Nicholas […]

An afternoon at Shaw House, Newbury

Last weekend we went to Newbury to visit the vegan fair and we needed something to do in the afternoon and I picked Shaw House. Shaw House is a stately home situated just 5 minutes’ drive to the north of Newbury town centre. It dates from the 1500s when the Dolman family bought the property. […]

Our trip to STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon

Last Monday we celebrated our first day out of the summer holiday, later than planned due to Matthew’s self isolation. To cheer him up, we decided to go to STEAM in Swindon. We purchased tickets in advance as this is necessary as part of the Covid guidance to reduce numbers to allow social distancing. Masks […]

Hever Castle visit September 2020: history and hand sanitiser!

I last visited Hever Castle as a teenager and every time we drive past on the way to Chris’ mum I wish to go. Wishes come true! To mark the end of the summer and enjoy a final day out before school started for the kids, we visited on Saturday 5th September. Tickets for the […]