Friday, February 25, 2011

Lovely Break!

We got back yesterday from a couple of days away from home--part holiday--part research  for some paintings of the local area, so I can get some paintings done ready for the show at Welland.We stayed at The Rising Sun hotel, Cleeve Hill, nr Cheltenham where we had a room with this wonderful view.We cannot praise the staff at the hotel enough--from the time we checked in on Tuesday til we left yesterday every member of staff were so helpful and I'm sure we will be returning there for another break.
It was a little overcast when we arrived--but the view was still breathtaking--you could see for miles.
there was a lovely seating area with huge windows overlooking the views
and lovely comfy sofas to sit on
The Malvern Hills in the distance
The food was excellent at the hotel---I'm sure we must have put on a few pounds while we were there--how could we resist this ginger pudding-which came with a chilli and toffee sauce and rum and raisin ice cream---it was scrummy combination which I will try at home sometime!
We went into Bourton On The Water on the way home-and walked along the river that runs through the centre-we spotted lots of lovely trout in there and an eel as well.
Such pretty scenery around Bourton
The eel was a good 2 ft long--none of the local people we spoke to had ever seen an eel in there before!
The Old Manse Hotel---looks lovely!
We went onto Birdland and saw these cute little chaps---they were waiting to be fed---and were well fed up because their pool had been drained that day!
Handsome Chap!
Snowy Owl taking in the sunshine
This little chap was called a frog mouth--for obvious reasons--
despite the sign saying she may bite-she was adorable and loved all the fuss she got from everyone
It looks like I'm strangling her here!
as well as lots of photos for reference for future paintings , the waitress kept us the tiny jam pots from breakfast--they are handy for holding the turps we use in class--we also picked up some beautiful pieces of treen from the local charity shops--absolute bargains--they cost a fortune at the craft fairs.I also found 4 ramekin dishes for my nephew Rhys who is a very keen (and very good cook)

1 comment:

Aitch said...

I love Bourton - I'm sure that hotel you've got apic of is where I went to a craft fair a few years ago, too!