Melford Hall

From the outset, this National Trust place captures all that it is to be grand.. and old.. and stately. 

It dates back into the 1500s and was originally a monastic hunting lodge. It has been owned by the same family since 1780s and they still live in part of it!

One of the most fabulous things about Melford Hall is its connection to Beatrix Potter.  I got a little silly and excited when I began to see all the hand drawn pcitures she had left as gifts for the children of the family and was giddy when I saw the original Jemmia Puddle Duck.

Melford Hall is set, as most are, amongst grassland filled with grazing sheep. Its only open in the afternoons and allows visitor to wander the paddocks with their dogs.

It houses rare Tudor Paintings as well as many of Beatrix Potters water-colours. 

The curved library is a beautiful display of how building can be refurbished and extended over the years and still retain a fascinating theme.  The room was built on so that there could be extra room upstairs and had to incorporate curves and large columns. 

This is the pond that Beatrix Potter sat and sketched her original Jeremy Fisher story book. ( small sqwee here)

This is the original wall of Mr McGreggors Garden. ( Noted in both Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny books)

Cheddar Gorge Caves

Cheddar Gorge is one of the most famous and beautiful cave systems in the world. After visiting a number of caves around the world, I'd have to say it is the most accessible and coupled with the audio tour - for kids and adults - its one of the most extensively explained and educational. 

The displays of stalagmites and stalactites, the dripping 'lava' effect of the calcium rich water over rocks and the fairy pools are a stunning display.  The Victorians began the fascination with caves, making 'show caves' where hey played with lights, mastering the dramatic atmosphere of the journey a tourist took and the views they had as they wandered further into the system. 

These photos are from the Goghs Cave, though we explored two others in the area as well. 

Glastonbury

Glastonbury Tor is surrounded by folktales and myth. St Michaels Tower stands firmly atop, the only remnant of an early Saxon church and monastery - which b the size of the top of the hill, must have clung to it unsteadily. Apparently it was destroyed by an earthquake. Its difficult to imagine such an event occurring as you look out over the flat landscape.  

The entire lands below were once flooded, which gives some substance to the story that this is the land of mist and Avalon. 

The path up to the tower is steep and follows some of the terraced banks which predate Saxon times. Its generally agreed that these paths were a spiral maze for pilgrims on their last trek towards the tower. There is also some evidence that it may be part of a larger labyrinth from the Neolithic times. 

For others, they believe that the top of the Tor is the entrance into the land of the Fay. Followers of the Goddess hold the space a sacred area. Arthurians believe that King Arthur ad Queen Guinevere are buried nearby. Seekers of the Holy Grail maintain that it is one of the higher possibilities that the grail is hidden here.  

In anycase, the short walk up the steep hill can tire many out and its through the continual steps that a sense of peace and tranquility it earnt. 

I've always loved Glastonbury and todays visit was one of the most beautiful and special moments I've experienced.  Its a deeply spiritual place and one where the deepest commitments and wishes can be voiced in the presence of the powers you may hold the highest. 

August the 1st is also a very special date, being the festival of Lugh. Its a Gaelic festival marking the start of harvest; the middle of the middle of summer - if that makes sense - a time where masculine and feminine energies come together as one and that the promise of fertility and harvest is at the highest. Traditionally, festivals are held on top of mountains and hills, so merry makers did the pilgrimage to the highest spot in their area to drink , dance and matchmake.