After a delicious breakfast - my choice was smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, plus yogurt, fruit and nuts - it was time to leave the Midlands and to head for my happy place.
The coach journey was trouble free, and we arrived at Hever Castle at lunchtime. It was like coming home when I was greeted by a member of staff I've known since 2010 and the comment was "your usual room, Madam"! I really need to just move in!
We then enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch before having free time to explore. As I'm working on a book project with castle supervisor, Owen Emmerson, Philippa and I headed off to meet Owen and enjoyed some time in the castle catching up with him and being shown some new findings - exciting stuff! We then had time to freshen up before Owen gave us the "Hidden Hever" tour, which took our group behind the ropes that usually cordon off the rooms, and also into rooms usually kept locked and private. It was an excellent tour. Then, the perfect end to a perfect day was a three-course meal in the castle dining room. There's really nothing like it. To be sat there feasting, surrounded by tapestries, suits of armour, portraits.... it's just magic.
Some of our group turned in for the night then, but a few of us stayed up to chat in the music room. This is what I live for - talking with like-minded people. I love it.
Well, I'm in my second home now and all is right with the world, well, here anyway. I love this place!
Looks as lovely as ever! And glad to see that you got the Anne of Cleves chocolate this time!!
Fantastic! I love seeing you in front of the portrait of Anne Boleyn. It couldn’t be more thrilling!
Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures. I’m admiring them from across the pond.
xoxo
Mary