Mottisfont

After we had eaten breakfast we set off in the beautiful sunshine to Mottisfont, a former priory turned country house. We were amongst of the first people to arrive which meant that we were able to walk around the garden and grounds before it got busy. The walled garden is delightful, although it was a bit early in the season to see it at its best. The font (source of water) from which the name Mottisfont is derived was pretty with the sun and reflections shining on it.

The Font at Mottisfont

There was a temporary exhibition of Thelwell’s artwork. The exhibition included all aspects of his artwork; old favourites including the characters Penelope (and her pony, Kipper), astute observations on country life, satirical and political cartoons along with his excellent landscape paintings. The exhibition was thoroughly enjoyable and I am glad we happened to visit when the artwork was on display. The last room in the house that we visited was painted by Whistler. The painting isn’t complete due to him being killed in action during WWII.

Hot Cross Scone

Before we explored the last bit of the estate we had lunch where I opted for a Hot Cross scone, which was delicious. It was spiced in the same way as a Hot Cross bun.

We next visited Bishop’s Waltham which we found to have pleasant architecture and even a beautiful Easter wreath on one of the doors. However there was not enough to keep us there so we returned to Winchester. Mum went off in search of biscuits for her room whilst Mr C and I set off for afternoon tea and possibly cake, although in the end I was not tempted to a naughty cake. I was then tricked into visiting a second hand book shop. I hadn’t intended to buy a book, but Mr C pointed out Pevsner’s Shropshire to me. For some time I have been meaning to source a copy on the internet so it had to be procured Before returning to the hotel we went into the Cathedral to double check which was the main Easter day service.

Parchment Street

We dined in The Old Vine. The food was nice although we all found the menu a bit limited. Afterwards we returned to the Wykeham Arms for a nightcap, where I noticed the blue Radley Charm that had been on my handbag had disappeared during the evening. This was a little disappointing because it always made me smile.

20 Comments CherryPie on May 1st 2019

20 Responses to “Winchester – Day Two”

  1. Shame to see the river source is fully fenced up otherwise I would probably dip my hot feet in the water after a long day walk. ;)

  2. The Yum List says:

    I am a big fan of hot cross buns. I didn’t eat near enough of them this Easter ;-)

  3. I haven’t visited Mottisfont – yet. Sigh…so many places… I love Winchester, but haven’t been for far too long and I KNOW Mrs B would like it. That’s a shame about your charm; I still carry a coin my son gave me 20+ years ago – I’d be really sad if I lost it.

    • CherryPie says:

      You will have to add it to your list of places to visit. You could certainly write some interesting posts about it.

      Thankfully the charm was part of the handbag so did not hold sentimental value for me. But nonetheless it was still disappointing.

  4. I’m a scone fan.
    Coffee is on

  5. Bernard (still resting) says:

    Lovely to see Winchester in the Spring. You see, I go there most years – but for the wonderful Christmas Market. All the parks are no longer colourful spaces, but are drab. cold and sometimes white frosty places. I sit there with my sandwiches and have a shiver! Not for long though – back into the market a get warmed up with a couple of glasses of mulled wine. I’m usually on a coach outing so don’t have to worry about the driving. I’m already booked in for this years December outing. :-)
    Hugs,
    Bernard

    • CherryPie says:

      This is our first spring visit our previous visits have been in October. I would like to visit the Christmas Markets there as I have been told that they are good. They must be if you keep returning :-)

  6. A lovely set of photos – it sounds as though you had a really lovely day. The scone looks yummy ) So sorry to hear about your charm.

  7. Ayush says:

    i think overall you had a wonderful day, CP. always nice to be out in the mild sun and enjoy some greenery. and the food definitely helped.

  8. Astrid says:

    We have been in WInchester, Cherry. I recognize the boy with the kite. Looks like you had a good time there. Shame of being robbed of your Radley Charm. I had to google for it to know what it is….. You can get one if you want: https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Radley-Charm/169291/bn_7023604268
    Have a good weekend.

    • CherryPie says:

      You found a good link :-) The black charm 4th down is the type I lost, although mine was a mid blue colour to match one of the bands of colour on the bag.

      We did have a good time and the weather was perfect :-)

  9. Ginnie says:

    You had me at the Hot Cross scone, Cherry. HA! But your blue Radley Charm disappeared??? (sigh)

    • CherryPie says:

      The scone was a first for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it :-)

      The charm must have snagged on something that made the attaching loop snap.