And So It Begins...

On a very misty morning in Warwickshire, Jennifer and I headed off on our first adventure. Our destination: Warwick Castle, one of the biggest and best tourist attractions in our leafy county.

The last time I visited the castle I was 12, so going back and exploring was pretty exciting, we definitely reverted back to our 12 year old selves!

Warwick itself is worth a visit, really sweet residential roads lead off the towns main streets and exploring these is where we started our day. If you wander down this sweet, but inconspicuous street...

 



 You are greeted by this:

Pretty impressive I think you'll agree? Imagine looking out of your bedroom window and seeing that every day?

A little further up into Warwick from here you get your first proper glimpse of the castle and its riverside location.

For entry to the castle you can pay a basic rate and have access to the castle and grounds or pay a little more and enter some of the extra attractions that Warwick are so good at. Jennifer and I decided to experience the whole lot (although we later came to regret that). Ticket details and prices can be found here.

The grounds and castle are incredibly impressive. You could easily spend a whole day in the grounds, so vast is the foot print of the castle.

 Most ridiculous picture frame I have ever seen.

 

 A literature students dream.

 Award for the ultimate bed goes to this!

 If you have the energy I would really recommend walking the castle battlements. Climb the increasingly steep spiral staircases and you will be rewarded with incredible views (be warned that those steps are not for the faint hearted, or those with a fear of heights!).

 After that climb it is definitely time for a rest, take yourself down by the river for a picnic or go and watch some of the live shows played out in the grounds.

 

Now, if you, like us decide to pay for the extra attractions you will be 'treated' to a trip into the Castle Dungeons. Brilliant but absolutely terrifying! A word to the wise, don't make eye contact with the actors (or make my fatal error of smiling at them) because they will pick on you. I found myself with my head on a wooden block with an axe dangling above me. I definitely hadn't imagined my day taking that direction! Photos aren't allowed in the dungeons but if you love being scared out of your wits you can find out more here.

 

Warwick Castle was an excellent start to our adventures, and if the rest are anywhere near as good, I'm headed for a great couple of months!

 

A Sign Of Things To Come

I have spent the past 8 months exploring Oxford, my new home and a tourist hotspot. Warwickshire is my real home and thanks to a certain gentleman you may have heard of, a certain William Shakespeare, my county is pretty touristy too.

They say we take where we live for granted and often ignore and miss out on what it has to offer. With this in mind I have decided to become a tourist and rediscover home.

Over the coming weeks I'm going to be heading on adventures a bit closer to home and posts will be appearing here about my discoveries.

Lets see where this takes us!

How to find joy in 5 minutes...

If you would like to feel happy today, give this a listen.

Joule(s) In The Crown

Yesterday I was a little bit naughty (a lot). On a visit into Leamington Spa with an old friend I happened to stroll past Joules. And outside of Joules was posted one of my all time favourite words: 'SALE'. I was in like a shot.

My love affair with Joules formed fairly recently. I have been a stalwart Jack Wills wearer for years but I had decided it was time to dip my toe into the waters of some other preppy outfitters. From my first shop I fell hard and fast. I could easily spend my last penny in there (and almost did). It took infinite amounts of will power to restrain my crazed garment grabbing.

First up, Muck Boots.

Muck Boots, Joules

 I have been eyeing up these beauties FOREVER. After months of never being able to source my size the muck boot gods finally answered my prayers.
Completely un-summery but considering the weather we get in this country these will probably be in action long before winter draws in.

Shorley Shirt, Joules

I adore this shirt. Everything about it is so perfect. The pattern, the cut and especially the versatility. It can be worn as above, loose and unbuttoned, perfect with jeans. The real icing on the cake with this shirt is that it comes with a removable pussy bow which makes it perfect for dressing up an outfit.

I am a blazer whore. In my opinion you can never have too many (which is good considering my collection take up most of my wardrobe space).

 

My current favourite is my Mango navy military blazer (those of you who follow me on instagram may have spotted it).

Military Blazer, Mango

Teamed with my new shirt it is equestrian perfection. Now all I need is a horse...

Beginnings and Ends

I've been wanting to start a blog for quite a while now but the time has never been quite right. Well now seems as good a time as ever. I have just come to the end of my first year at university and it has been, without a doubt, the best year of my life. I have safely achieved all of the clichés, met amazing people, drunk far too much and had some incredible experiences. But it has been so much more than that, for the first time in my life I am truly content with where I am and what I am doing. All of the pieces have fit into place.

This must be partly down to the wonderful city in which I find myself. Oxford.

I have wanted to live here since I came on a school trip aged 13 and in September 2012 that wish finally came true. I enrolled as an English Literature student at Oxford Brookes University and it has turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.

This blog is going to be full of my musings and adventures, through my summer and on into the rest of my time at university and beyond. Who knows where this may take me?

Here's to the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Harriet.