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.

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.

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.

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.