During another brief stay with my daughter in Surrey over the early spring bank holiday I took the opportunity to visit some different places in the region. First of all we decided to break up the journey by overnight stops each way. Although it can take as little as 5 hours, with unexpected traffic delays it can be much longer and by breaking up the journey we only had fairly short drives.
Hindon
First stop was at The Lamb in Hindon, Wiltshire. Just over 3 hours away. We went for a meal there last year during our Wiltshire holiday and liked it. The village is very pretty and close to the A303 so not far off route. The first thing we did after checking in was to get a couple of (very expensive) G&Ts and sit outside on a very warm day! Luckily we found some shade. Then before dinner we had a stroll up past the church. The room itself was one of those with wonky floors so you always feel as though you are on a boat. The stairs leading up were steep and narrow, not the best for elderly folk carrying a suitcase. I was surprised that the (young) chap taking us up didn’t offer to carry one! Dinner was okay, again expensive, but this area does seem to cater for weekenders from London (only 1½ hours away).
Winkworth Arboretum
As my daughter works on a Thursday I took myself to the arboretum in Surrey, not far from Guildford though my Google map seemed to take me the most long-winded route through narrow lanes and little villages I have never heard of despite living in the area for 7 years. The bluebells were looking good and probably what attracts people to this place at this time of year. I had forgotten how steep the land is and fell foul of an ongoing issue with my right knee which has started to lock when going downhill which is very painful and makes it difficult to continue walking. On a very hot afternoon I was most grateful for the shade of the trees.
Hever Castle and Gardens
Childhood home to Anne Boleyn this place in Kent was added to and changed over the centuries. In 1903 it was bought by William Waldorf Astor and the castle was restored and the pleasure grounds created. My daughter and I had a lovely afternoon exploring the gardens and the castle. More about this place soon.
Isabella’s Plantation in Richmond Park
Spring is the time to visit this place. It is a riot of colour with banks of azaleas and rhododendrons. No wonder then it was full of visitors. Here’s a few of the amazing blooms, but I will do another post with more photos.
Of course time was spent with the family, visiting a garden centre and choosing plants for my daughter’s front garden, helping in the garden, sharing meals and best of all talking. I even saw something of the grandchildren this time!
Returning home our overnight stop was in Ilminster which is practically half way. We didn’t arrive until evening and ate at a local brewery chain so we didn’t explore the town and no photos were taken even though the hotel was pretty enough and our room had lovely views over the surrounding countryside. After breakfast we decided to head straight home.
All in all a good trip with pleasant driving conditions and mostly decent weather.
TRAVEL WORDS 
Wow Surrey looks amazing!
Sounded like a wonderful adventure Jude
Nice to get away for a few days. I doubt if anywhere in Surrey is inexpensive, but you have to push the boat out sometimes. And the gardens look fabulous. If I could spend jut 1 month in England it would be May xx
I’d choose part of April too to catch the tulips 😊
I can sometimes find tulips here. You know rhodies are my thing xx
Those gardens are amazingly beautiful. You should’ve told the hotel worker to take your bags up. There is nothing worse than an expensive meal that isn’t up to scratch. Oh well, all part of the travelling adventure 😊
The meal was OK, but nothing special for the price. And yes, the staff should be more helpful given most people staying there were older. I was OK as I pack light for a few days away, but I saw other people struggling.
Isabella Plantation is gorgeous. May is a fabulous month to be out & about.
Especially when the weather is good.
The prices closer to London are shocking, aren’t they? Hever Castle is one I have been to numerous times when I lived in London. Along with Leeds Castle and Bodiam Castle, they are close enough for day trips.
Best wishes, Pete. x
I have never been to Leeds Castle, that’s expensive. Bodiam we used the steam railway to get to. We used to do day trips into Kent from Haslemere, avoiding motorways, but using the A272
The gardens are gorgeous especially with all the azaleas blooming. It sounds like you had a great family visit as well.
Yes, a good trip.
Your post is a great reminder of the lovely places that England offers to the visitor – and a pleasure to read!
Thanks Ann. There are plenty of lovely places to visit in this region.
As a teenager in Surrey Winkworth Arboretum was of little interest. My loss!
Not sure it would be of interest to today’s teenager either!
Definitely your loss, Margaret
Not many teenagers have arboreta on their wishlist.
well, true!
“I was surprised that the (young) chap taking us up didn’t offer to carry one!” Last year in Arizona we ended up on the second floor of an old hotel that turned out not to have an elevator. A guest at the hotel noticed us with our luggage and volunteered to help with it. A week or two later, in Colorado, after we arrived at a two-story hotel where we’d booked a room and found out that once again our room was on the second floor and the hotel didn’t have an elevator, I had no hesitation in telling the desk clerk that he’d have to carry our main pieces of luggage upstairs.
You’d think it would be part of their training. We’ve made the mistake of having a 2nd floor room in a hotel without a lift. Usually someone offers to take up your luggage.