Saturday slowdown 🥂🥰 at The Runnymede Hotel a wonderful place to relax, eat, drink, soak up the sun and watch the world go by.
Sitting alongside the River Thames it’s a wonderful place to base yourself for having an adventure along the Thames Path.
After exploring you can come back to sit on the beautiful lawn area and terrace and watch the boats drift in and out of the lock.
You can even hire a boat and take a sail down the River Thames or play giant jenga and connect 4 on the terrace.
If your staying you can also book in to have a spa treatment. Need I say more? It’s a glorious place to stay and enjoy some time away from the day to day grind.
Getting outside helps you to get vitamin d, which is important for your bones, blood cells and immune system. Sunlight helps your body make vitamin d and this helps your body absorb certain minerals like calcium.
Getting out and about in the sunlight even just for 15 minutes really helps and remember that in the winter you might even need to get outside a little bit more.
As we adventure and explore others are preserving and protecting so we can continue to enjoy. Do your bit and ensure you follow the countryside code when your exploring:
Respect everyone ✅ be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside ✅ leave gates and property as you find them ✅ do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking ✅ be nice, say hello, share the space ✅ follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment ✅ take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit ✅ take care with BBQs and do not light fires ✅ always keep dogs under control and in sight ✅ dog poo –bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do ✅ care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the outdoors ✅ check your route and local conditions ✅ plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do ✅ enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
The seedhead is a large conspicuous ‘clock’ composed of cylindrical seeds with a long-stalked pappus or parachute to aid dispersal.
Dandelions have many uses including as a diuretic, the blanched leaves can be added to salads, roots are used to make dandelion ‘coffee’ and dandelion wine is made from the flowers.
Did you ever blow to tell the time or make a wish?
I am currently in the process of designing, planning, collaborating and training to launch my very own experiences in Kent. Looking to provide unforgettable adventures in my very own home county. Over the coming weeks I will start to share information before my official launch. Thank you @kent_downs_aonb @visitkent for you support in making this happen.
Simpsons’ wine estate have two vineyards nestled in the North Downs that produce delicious still and sparkling wines.
We completed their weekend vineyard and winery tour and tasting experience and I would highly recommend it.
With covid restrictions in place across England they have provided excellent facilities to accommodate their tours. With hand sanitiser station at the front of the building and an impressive area which was set up for the wine tasting.
Once everyone had arrived our hosts Henry and Sylvia took us on the short walk to one of their nearby vineyards, walking through the beautiful churchyard of St John’s and a few of the beautiful village lanes of Barham you come to one of the two of Simpsons Vineyards.
Henry explained a vast amount about the history of Simpsons and the vineyard in an eloquent way and was excellent at ensuring everyone heard what he was saying. Both Henry and Sylvia answered the questions asked by the group and provided comprehensive answers.
We spent an enjoyable amount of time out exploring and then headed back to the winery to undertake the wine tasting.
Wine tasting was in the ‘media barn’ which is used to host media events (tasting is normally inside the building). Tables were set out with tablecloth’s, glasses, flowers, breadsticks, water and an information pack. Perfect set up for the current circumstances.
As each wine was poured by Sylvia, Henry discussed the wine. We placed little hearts by on the information sheet to show which wines we liked the most. We were both delighted with how delicious the wines were.
There was no pressure to purchase wines they spoke for themselves and we purchased several bottles to enjoy at home.
The experience started at 10:30 and finished at 13:15 and ran spot on time. A great experience showcasing English wines at their finest.
Don’t forget to scan your NHS Covid app to register where you have been.
P.S. My favourite was the Canterbury Rose Sparkling Rosé 2018
Aged for 15 months on lees, Canterbury Rose is delicately pink with a fine mousse and a soft bouquet of rose petal and strawberry sorbet. A creamy, rounded texture is balanced with crisp berry flavors and a refined finish.
Bluebells are a famous feature of many of our woodlands and they are truly beautiful. As we move further into April they will carpet woodland areas. This annual display is just stunning. Did you know native bluebells have a strong sweet scent? Much weaker scents come from the non native varieties. Native bluebells are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Next time you walk into the woods spend a little time looking at the magic they create.
Ancient woods are areas of woodland that have persisted since 1600 in England and Wales, and 1750 in Scotland.
They are relatively undisturbed by human development. As a result, they are unique and complex communities of plants, fungi, insects and other microorganisms.
How do I know if I’m exploring an ancient woodland? Look out for indicator species these include the commonly know bluebells, primroses and wood anemones or the less commonly known scaly male fern or hazel gloves fungus.
The truly beautiful Emmett’s Garden is a fantastic day out, boasting beautiful landscape views and tranquil gardens. A must visit for anyone wanting to explore a glorious part of the ‘garden of England’.
The Rose Garden – Emmett’s Garden
As with many gardens you must book a time slot to be able to book the gardens (there is a small possibility on non-holiday weekdays that availability will be available to the same day, but you would be taking a chance). Currently March 2021 National Trust are releasing visit slots every Friday for the following week. Please ensure that you are following national guidelines in relation to travel and visit places of interest.
The garden is open daily between 10am and 5pm, with the last entry slot between 3.30pm and 4pm.
There is a beautiful woodland walk that takes you to the ‘Ram House’ & Pond’ you can opt to take a longer walk or a shorter walk the walks clearly marked and easy to follow.
There is a play park and lots of room to play games and have picnics on the open grassland.
The Emmett’s Garden Tea Room is currently open serving takeaway hot and cold drinks, bakes and light snacks. The outdoor seating has been removed for the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers but there are benches across the site and picnic tables available in the meadow. Picnics are welcome with plenty of benches across the gardens to use.
Why not visit Emmett’s Gardens for their Easter Egg Hunt this spring running from Monday 29 March 2021 – Sunday 18 April 2021 (whilst stocks last); 9am-5.30pm (last entry at 5pm). The trail is £3.00 per person (including National Trust members). Normal site admission applies.
My Jones Life 