Out to tea......

For my birthday this year (it was months ago) my friends, Peter and Glynis decided that we would go out to a nearby manor house called Fawsley Hall for a posh tea, and they also decided to give Jean the same gift, so yesterday, the four of us set off across the countryside for tea. A perfect Sunday afternoon.

These photos were taken in the grounds of the Hall.....

And the sun was setting over the lake as we arrived.....

This is the winding road through the beautiful grounds......

The church.....

Peter and Glynis sitting in our alcove in the great hall. The fire was roaring in the grate behind Glynis in the background. It was large enough to spitroast a giant. See how large all the chairs and couches are? Well, it made us feel as if we were the only people in the hall, and it was just lovely. Cosy and private. Jean and I had to sit bolt upright on our couch - see how far back the cushions are? Well, we ended up leaning on the arms, because leaning back meant we lay prostrate on the couch. Hilarious. We did discuss how large it was, and if it had been in any of our lounges at home, it would have filled the room.

And the cakes..... and sandwiches.... oh my word. We ate the lot. One of those stands was for 2 people. Forget the calories. We prepared for this, No lunch and no supper. And a steady supply of fresh tea and coffee too. Linen napkins. Clotted cream. Scones. Jam. Chocolate. Sigh.

This is the Great Hall. You would not know that it was full of people now, would you. And take a look at the ceiling. And all the candles. I was so tempted to kick off the boots and curl up in a corner of the couch with a newspaper. It is also a hotel and conference centre and spa, and a weekend there sounds blissful. Plenty of space to roam around in the grounds, and then the spa, and the fireplace, and the teas......

The tower like thing on the right is the alcove we sat in. It looks stunning floodlit too. So it was an absolutely lovely afternoon out. Very different. Fun, and with the best of friends.