At The Coaching Inn

Over Easter, I had a whole week off work and the PhD.  I didn't want to be near a computer, and threw myself into a big Spring Clean instead, as well as catching up with some friends and family.  As part of my break, I had a few days away with an old university friend.  We stayed in a hotel near Newbury in England, and wanted it to be a restorative time for both of us, as we've both had a few stressors to contend with in the last year.  This meant we spent our time on long country walks, swimming in the hotel pool, and eating lovely meals.

On the Saturday, Linda and I had spent a good few hours on a walk, starting in a nature reserve and taking us along a canal, through woods, over a common (that was a former military base) and back again.  It was supposed to be a 6.5 mile walk but we had another mile or two to and from the start/finish and our hotel, so my legs were certainly feeling it by the end!  We decided to freshen up before heading out for a well-deserved pub lunch at The Swan Inn.  This beautiful pub is a former coaching inn from the 16th century.  It was idyllic.  Our table overlooked a pretty little stream running through the gardens, and we sipped G&Ts while we watched two boys leaping over it to see if they'd fall in (they didn't).  The food was excellent, prices were reasonable and the staff were lovely.  I highly recommend it if you're in the Newbury area (perhaps visiting Highclere Castle, of Downton Abbey fame).

I hadn't packed a 16th century costume to go with the surroundings, so I made do with matching the black and white exterior in this Pearl Lowe for Peacocks dress.  It was based on a vintage original in her personal collection, and I think the details are just lovely, and stretch far above the cheap and cheerful Peacocks price range.  I bought mine off Ebay, as it had sold out when it was released some years ago.  These dresses do pop up every now and again, so do keep an eye out if you fancy one.

Wearing: Pearl Lowe for Peacocks dress, via Ebay.  Pointed flats, George at Asda.  Faux Chanel bag, via charity shop.  Primark sunglasses.  Photos by Linda, thank you!

Most of my weekend was spent in a pink waterproof jacket to be honest though!  As well as our long walk that day, we also walked to Watership Down (yes it does exist!) on the Sunday, and although short of rabbits, there were many lambs bouncing along in the fields.  It did indeed recharge my batteries, which is just as well as the level of work and PhD I have over the next few weeks is best described as an 'onslaught'.  My next break is already planned in anticipation of this - under three weeks until Spain!! (Note to self: buy some fake tan.  This is the first time my legs have been out of tights/trousers since the trip to Petworth over 5 months ago!)

Clockwise from top left: Reeds at the canal; Watership Down; village house; on the canal swing bridge.

What do you do to recharge your batteries?  I'd love to hear your tips!

Linking up with: #iwillwearwhatilike, Visible Monday, Passion for Fashion, Fancy Friday