Could there be a more perfect view? With a
bookshop in the foreground and a castle in the air!
The bookshop is
situated in the heart of the village in the courtyard of Tessa’s Tearooms.
A good selection of books on Somerset and Exmoor ,
railways, military, history, art and literature. Not quite so hot on children’s books
so sadly nothing for me on this visit, but I'm sure I will be back.
A castle has existed at Dunster since at
least Norman times. It became a lavish country
home for the Luttrell family during the 19th Century. Further information at the National Trust Website here
I loved the furniture and light fittings in this beautiful room.
A cosy corner in the library.
So many beautiful rooms to explore but the gardens were calling us;
When I took this, I didn't notice the
colours in the top right-hand corner. Terry insists it’s a sun spot on the lens,
but I prefer to believe it’s my guardian angel leading me forward.
As if to prove spring has really arrived a clump of perfect bluebells.
Detail from a headstone in the pet cemetery.
One of several Magnolia trees flowering in
the castle gardens.
We picked a perfect April day for our visit
to Dunster. Situated on the north edge of Exmoor
and close to the sea, Dunster is a small slice of heaven. Pretty cottages,
teashops, a second-hand bookshop and a castle make for a thoroughly enjoyable
day. Lots more information on the Dunster Village Website here
Oh dear Barbara! I just came back from your previous post and now another fantastic tour of your beloved England...this is so warm and charming, that I can feel the sun. We are having snow at this very moment, but how I long to stroll in our little book shops, in our parks and to see the "castles" here. Yes, we have many mansions and homes here that resemble castles! Thank you for this delightful tour! Anita
ReplyDeleteHello Anita, it’s a Bank Holiday weekend in the UK so you get two posts for the price of one!!
DeleteI hope the snow stops very soon so that you can visit your bookshops and castles, maybe you can share some ‘photos when you get back from France!
I love the newest post on your blog the images are beautiful. Barbara x
Oh Barbara, this is so beautiful and I would love to be there right now! As I look out my window, we are having snow flakes falling again on another gray day! I am ready to pack my bags and come over for a visit! Thanks for sharing your lovely day with us! ~~ Diane
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, we would love to have you so come on over! Spring in the UK is the best time of the year (in my opinion) everything is fresh and green and the colours are beautiful. It’s still a little chilly so make sure you bring a coat! Barbara
DeleteOh Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYou can come to visit our links all you want. I should do an England link party one day...maybe during the holidays!
Be well my friend! Anita
I think that would be a lot of fun. You have the best ideas!
DeleteIt certainly was the perfect view for a perfect day. I love visiting British castles and bookshops. When I was a girl, my aunt introduced me the English tearooms and I still love them. When I took my daughter to England (3 times) we spent a lot of time in bookshops, tearooms and castles. Thanks for sharing this with us. I love reading about you day trips.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex. I have a real fondness for teashops too especially if they serve scones with cream and jam! We were very lucky with the day. The sun never stopped shinning. I’m so glad you enjoy our trips.
DeleteI have not been to Dunster since I was 11 years old....many many years ago, but it's a holiday I always remember as I loved it there. I must try and get back for a visit one day or even for two days.
ReplyDeleteHello Suzy, I can understand why you remember it - it's the most beautiful place. We've visited the village in the past, but it was our first time at the castle. We loved it and would like to go back and spend a night or two. There is just so much to see.
DeleteA gorgeous day it must have been for you and Terry, Barbara. The magnificent castle, the snug bookshop and the garden pathway, flowers and a touch of sad beauty in the budgie tombstone. Everything looks like something from a favourite detective show of mine: Midsomer Murders. (Bluebells are my favourite flowers even though I haven't seen any except from pictures. It's that tone of blue and the upside-down bell jar shape.) Thank you for all these fabulous pictures!
ReplyDeleteHello Claudine, it really was the perfect day. It sounds silly to say but even the pet cemetery was beautiful. It's situated in the woods some way from the castle in the most peaceful spot. I expected to see lots of dog's names on the headstones but was surprised to see a budgie. The only sound was bird's singing, so it felt right that Jo the budgie was laid to rest there. I love bluebells too, on a warm day the smell is amazing. I hope you get to see and smell them one day.
DeleteOh I so want to visit there. I love the picture of the bookstore with the castle in the background.
ReplyDeleteHello Darlene, I’m sure you would enjoy it. Perhaps you could build it into your next book tour?
DeleteThat sounds like a most delightful day! Books, castles, and tea.... ahhh
ReplyDelete-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
Hi Jamie, it really was a perfect day! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteIts beautiful - I can't think of anywhere more perfect - a day wouldn't be enough for me - I'd love to linger over everything you've shown us here. And you had such a stunningly gorgeous day with that wonderful clear blue sky. Lucky you for being able to go there and lucky us for getting to enjoy these photos (guardian angel and all!)
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon, we did see a lot in one day, but you could spend a week there and not run out of things to do. We were really lucky to be able to pick a day when the sun shone. That’s the beauty of working from home, it’s OK to take a day off and then work all weekend if necessary. I’m sure everyone thinks I’m bonkers talking about guardian angels. In reality, it probably was just a reflection, but it’s much nicer to squint a bit and see a pair of angel wings!! I hope you are enjoying a bit of a break over the long weekend.
DeleteWhat beautiful pictures! A great day for a visit.:) I think the streets with the castle in the background reminds me a little bit of Hogsmeade from Harry Potter. Loved getting to take a visit through your pictures.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I was expecting to see Harry or Hagrid around every corner.
DeleteCobbles Bookstore, how quaint is that.
ReplyDeleteYes, pretty as a picture Barbara. I would have stayed inside the bookstore for ages.
Hi Michelle, you would love it! It’s a super book store with a sunny garden, so I could take my time browsing while Terry sat in the sun. Perfect!
Delete~This is my kind of day out, Barbara....Lots of quirky interesting shops, tea rooms, views and the most fabulous weather to 'cap' it all off....LOVE the picture of the magical angel light....guiding you onwards....Barbara, I wanted to thank you also for the kindest generous comments always and just say 'A visit from you always makes my day'...Leaving you with a smile :) Maria x
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria, I really appreciate your visits and your wonderful blog and your smiles! xx
DeleteOh my goodness, how wonderful. My idea of a perfect day out, thanks for my (virtual) day out Barbara.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us!
DeleteLoving these photos and oh, what a perfect view! Perfect weather too, by the looks of it :)
ReplyDeleteHello Nikki-ann, it really was that perfect! Thanks for calling in.
DeleteCastles and bookstores with flowers! I'm in dreamland! Someone pinch me so I can get my face off my computer screen!
ReplyDeleteHi Eve, it is a very special place. It would make a lovely setting for a book!
DeleteYes, I just had to come back and check the guardian angel.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful series of photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda! Thank you also for visiting, I'm very happy to meet you. Barbara.
DeleteWhat great pictures. I felt like I was right there. That bookshop - how fun. You'd never be able to get me out of it.
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean Donna! Terry always struggles to get me to leave, but it was easier this time with the promise of a castle to explore.
Delete