There is something lovely about a journey that begins with no fixed plan beyond a good destination and a packed picnic. This one took us to Hastings to see Paul’s son, and I was determined we would stop and eat outdoors before the catch-up.

So before we set off properly, we made the all-important detour to Marks & Spencer to grab a few picnic bits. We picked up our favourite M&S crisps, a crusty baguette, some lovely cheese and ham, and a handful of picky bits to graze on. Then a nice refreshing drink to wash it all down, and a couple of strawberry tarts for a sweet treat at the end. The kind of simple, generous spread that always tastes even better eaten in the open air.

With the boot packed and the day ahead of us, we got in the car and pointed ourselves towards Hastings. I love this part of any trip, the in-between bit, exploring as we drove and keeping an eye out for the perfect spot to lay out the blanket.

We found it at Alexandra Park.

We had no idea where to park, but as luck would have it we found a space on a side street fairly easily. We grabbed the cool box we had stored all our goodies in and made our way into the park.

As we entered the park we were surprised by how big it was, and by the wonderful feel of the place the moment we stepped in. I was starving by this point and keen to lay the picnic out straight away, but Paul suggested we explore a little first. So we did exactly that, and I am so glad we did.

As we walked, we came across a lovely little spot selling coffee, ice creams and probably a bit more besides. We had all our own bits with us, so we simply made a note of it for next time. We already knew we wanted to come back.

Carrying on, we came across a beautiful pond. The sun was shining, and the green of the trees and grass made the water sparkle. The water in the main pond was so clear you could see right into it, and it was absolutely teeming with life. Huge fish glided slowly beneath the surface, so big and golden we took them for koi, along with ducks paddling about above and what looked like eels weaving through the shallows. Out in the middle stood a beautiful sculpture, a graceful arch of interlocking female figures rising from the water with seagulls perched along the top. I later found out it is called Continuum, and the clever thing is that its reflection in the pond completes the circle. Little planted islands dotted the surface around it. We could have stood there for ages, just taking in how busy and alive it was. There was even a long wooden bank running alongside the water, shaped into bench seating, a lovely place to sit and watch the pond go by.

A quick word on getting around. The paths along the stretch we walked were smooth, wide and easy going, and felt well suited to prams and wheelchairs. I should be honest and say we only explored a small corner of the park, so I cannot speak for all of its 110 acres, but the part we saw was welcoming and simple to move around. It is one of the reasons we are so keen to go back and see the rest properly.

We wandered around the water and found our picnic spot under the trees, with a lovely view looking out over the pond. It was baking hot by now, so the shade was a real relief.

We set out the picnic and let ourselves relax. We chatted, we ate, and we simply embraced the tranquillity of it all. The sound of a little boy laughing and running around nearby, the birds in the trees, the fresh air. One of those simple, golden moments you do not want to rush.

Then it was time to head back to the car. As we started walking back, we realised just how much bigger the park was than we had thought. We had only seen a small corner of it, and there was clearly so much more to explore. That would have to wait for another day though, because we were off to visit Paul’s son.

The drive back was beautiful, and we even managed a little stop off at Battle along the way. But that is a story for another blog, so I will leave it there for now. To be continued.

Life is a journey… treasure it.

Tamsin x