After taking a short break from the world of blogging, I am back! This past week end has been absolutely wonderful. We started with a trip into Derby on Sunday morning and of course first stop was Lush! I was in need of a Fizzbanger, just having one in the house makes the bathroom smell wonderful. After a wonder around the shops we headed to the Babbington Arms for brunch. Next stop was Kedleston Hall, i recently joined the National Trust - a present for Paul's birthday - and i was eager to make use of our membership. Kedleston Hall is amazing, you drive down a winding country road to be welcomed by sheep blocking the way and apparently curious enough to wander right over peer in the window! The Hall is really beautiful, opulent and absolutely stunning inside. Each room brings another gasp of delight as you take in the splendor. We had a lovely afternoon exploring the property, and are already planning a return visit.
On leaving Kedleston Hall, we made our way to De Vere's Orchard Hotel in Nottingham. I booked the room as a birthday treat for Paul, he knew about the week end away but not that the hotel had upgraded our room to an executive room and also that they had included complimentary breakfasts. How cool is that!! Our room was gorgeous and was the best in the hotel! It was certainly the only room with windows on two sides of the room and stunning views! It was a large room, and you know its posh when you find dressing gowns and slippers in the cupboard....LOL! But best of all, when we got there we found a plate in the room with chocolate brownies on and the words 'happy 60th Birthday' iced on in chocolate. I was really impressed, and Paul was delighted. It was a lovely touch, and i can't tell you how impressed we were with the hotel. We went for a walk around the grounds, and then returned to the hotel for dinner. The hotel was too nice to leave, so we decided to eat in the bar. The meal was delicious (tho a tad pricey) and i very much enjoyed the peach bellini I had. I had my heart set on a cocktail! After dinner we returned to our room for a little while, i was feeling very tired. But after a rest we were ready to head back to the car and experience more cocktails. This time I had a raspberry daiquiri, oh my.....good! We sat down in the bar people watching and enjoying a night out! I guess neither of us wanted the day to be over.
On Monday morning we started the day with a wonderful breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Everything tastes better when its free! We sat and chatted while we ate, a cooked breakfast, yogurt and fruit, and danish pastries and croissants. YUM!! After breakfast we went for a walk to the Millennium garden and sat there for a while just enjoying the morning. The Orchard is such a lovely place, we didn't want to leave. But alas we had to eventually! From the hotel we drove to Hardwick Hall. It was so crowded, but we still enjoyed the day. We explored the house, its a beautiful and interesting property. You are filled with wonder at everything Bess of Hardwick accomplished. Quite an amazing woman! While we were in the area, we also decided to visit Hardwick Old Hall, its an English Heritage property, but luckily we're members! Its mostly a ruin now, but you can still climb the 127 steps to the top. A free work out and amazing views.
The whole week end was fabulous, and i really feel like we made the most of it. And i can't thank De Vere enough for making the week end so special for us.
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