Summer in Britain, is there anything more wonderful? I vote no. Well... kinda. To be honest i'm more of a autumn/winter person, I prefer the crisp bite to the air, crunching through leaves, the long cozy nights, curling up with a blanket and hot chocolate and getting lost in a good book, the anticipation and excitement of bonfire night and Christmas, the smell of cinnamon and spices...
... Where was I?
Right, Summer. Glorious summer. Alice pretty much summed up my feelings with her blog post on why it is a stressful time of year. Summer for most (normal) people is all about carefree living, having fun and relaxing and living life to it's fullest. Instagram is full of happy, over-filtered snaps of the beach and half naked people and reckless activities like jumping of cliffs (health and safety people!). You see the young and the carefree teenagers hanging out in the parks and making cool (annoying) summer playlists full of preppy poppy artists i'm really too old and uncool to know/care about. You want to go do things but it's too humid and you become a hot mess as soon as you exit the shower. You wear sandals as it's sunny when you leave the house but then you get caught in a typical British summer rain storm.
The struggle is real.
BUT for a few short weeks, just before the schools break for summer, Britain can be a peaceful, magical place. And I got to spend those magical moments in my happy place..
Be jealous.
Let me introduce you to the wonderful place that is Exmouth, Devon.
I took lots of pictures of boats. Just because.
So it's not some exotic, white beached, clear blue seas, foreign destination.
But look at this sunset and tell me this place is not special. I dare you.
Seriously.
We ate fish and chips overlooking this view of the Exe estuary and it was the best night ever. We also decided that we could walk on the mud banks like the cockle pickers were. Except we both forgot that my Mamma has the worst coordination and balance ever. And that mud is kinda slippy. It was an interesting walk. Also the state of our feet... they were not a pretty site. Even the friendly stray cat that wanted our attention once we got on dry land was put off by all the mud.
Good memories.
I just love this place.
My family have been coming here for as long as I remember and then some. It's home away from home, in the best possible way. I know the best spots on the beach away from the noisy tourists. I know the best fish and chip shop, the best pizza place and the best place for a cream tea (crucial information). I know what time the trains leave the one platform the station has. Exmouth is as much my home as Bristol is but much more exciting.
You can't go for walks like this in Bristol.
Hi Mamma!
This was about eight in the evening. And it wasn't getting dark anytime soon. Coastal walks in the balmy evening summer air? Oh if you insist...
I dare you to tell me this isn't a magical place.
It rained pretty heavily one day when we were there so we decided to go the cinema. It is literally the cutest place ever. It only has four screens. The theatre we were in seated 40 people so you have to get pretty up close and personal with the strangers seated next to you. Maybe it's a small town thing but everyone is super friendly and we were personally escorted to our seats. Talk about customer service.
We walked through the park in the rain on the way home, because yolo this is England, and there was bunting in the trees! I l o v e this place.
The surrounding places are pretty cool too. My favourite is Topsham. It has dutch styled houses and a pier called " The Goat Walk" and amazing charity shops. I brought some real cute skirts and a Burberry trench coat! Who the heck gives away a designer coat?? "One mans rubbish is another's treasure" has never rung so true. I guess I win this one! Ha!
On a food related note (what isn't with me?) Topsham also has the BEST cheese shop. I am not exaggerating. The cheese is sublime. I'm drooling just thinking about the shop... It's our main reason for going to Topsham. We brought a small fortune in cheese, as per. I regret nothing.
I love Lympstone as well because it has a book shelf and home made jam and washing lines on the beach.
I'm seriously all about the food.
I don't even care.
I didn't get to go this time as I ended up going to London for a couple of days (a story for another time) but my Mamma walked there whilst I was away and thoroughly enjoyed it. Mostly because she brought some more jam..
It was pretty much had the best week ever. I loved being able to spend time with my Mamma and relaxing. Every time I go to Exmouth, I never ever want to come home.
Where are your happy places? Comment below, i'd love to know and maybe discover some unknown corner of the world! Maybe i'll become one of those summer people who plan exciting adventures in the sunshine..
Anything is possible.
Catherine xoxo
I LOVE. Jam !!!!
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