Oxford

On yet another sunny day we headed into Oxford, both to sightsee and catch up with my good friend Emma. The City of Dreaming Spires didn't disappoint and as well as the amazing historic buildings we saw many bicycles with baskets, gown-clad students (it was graduation day in some colleges) a plethora of punts and lots of straw hats!

Only bearded intellectuals beyond this point! 

Exploring the colleges...

Classic gargoyles

The classic Oxford punt! Just lacking a straw hat...

A pleasant stroll in Christchurch Meadows

Dreaming spires across the meadows!

Straight out of Harry Potter?!

We sneaked in for a glimpse of "Real Tennis" the so-called sport of kings that is second only to cricket in its mind boggling rules! 

One of many colourful side streets... 

Southern Sunshine...

Having successfully procured some new wheels, we drove down south for some time with the Durham family! Unbelievably the summer continued down there too, allowing us some nice days out and some al fresco dining!

Our first day was spent on a bellringing outing in rural Wiltshire with my parents band - mostly mooching about the country churches while they did all the hard work of actually ringing the bells! 

A thoroughly recommendable pub - especially the chocolate honeycomb cheesecake. Possibly my best ever dessert?

One of many nice church interiors... Look at those pipes shine!

A quaint little chocolate box cottage in Avebury

Can you feel the energy of the standing stones?

Henry demolishes breakfast! 

Before a little work in the garden...

A stroll down Bucklebury village to the beautiful St Mary's Church. Taken shortly before the TV crews descended around a certain baby's birth...

Ali gets arty in the cornfields...

Another jolly good pub, with possibly the largest portions in the world. Again swarming with TV crews a few days later! 

Some pre-BBQ chilling...

Ali finds some a new subject in the garden...

Henry on patrol!

Some more al fresco dining...

Lake District

With its big green fells, beautiful lakes and quaint stone villages, I love the Lake District. I've been many times but all too often end up trudging around in the rain or sheltering in tea shops. This week's last minute trip was a welcome departure though! Whilst you can't knock the teashops(!) it was a thoroughly pleasant change to have six days of solid sunshine and walking with fantastic cloudless views!

Slogging up Cat Bells in the sun!

Lovely views of Lake Windermere (the only reason I stopped obviously!)

He couldn't resist another foxglove shot!

The view from our cottage in Bassenthwaite...

Starting off towards Scafell Pike - the last time I was here I couldn't even see the fells!

Ali discovers a new flower - marsh orchids this time

Boats on Lake Windermere

Bees take second place to dragonflies! 

The ultimate foxglove shot?!

Afternoon tea in the cottage garden. Not a bad spot!

Views of Blencathra from the cottage window.

Another stunning ridgeline...

Make hay while the sun shines and all that...

Scrambling on the sharp edge of Sharp Edge...

Time for a well-earned pint?!

The Stone Circle at Keswick shortly before a pagan wedding party arrived... can you feel the energy?

A spot of Croquet anyone? No idea of the rules but we just played it like minigolf.