Today is my thirty second birthday. I’m not actually sat here writing this, it’s a scheduled post.
I’m Thirty Two Today!
My birthday plans include a well-earned break from work for a week.
Today I’m off to Newcastle to see castles with Simon. In fact we are probably already on our way as this post is published. There are two English Heritage castles nearby that we want to see, along with Newcastle Castle.
Later in the week, mum and I are off to re-visit Harry Potter Studio Tour. You can see photos from when first visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour in 2014 here.
So expect to see blog posts about the above soon. In the meantime have an awesome week.
Earlier today my good friend Steve and I went to Beeston Castle and Woodland Park. The weather was glorious, sunshine, temperature in the high twenties and not a cloud in the sky.
Beeston Castle is more a ruin than a castle. The gatehouse is at the bottom of a hill and it houses a small gift shop. It’s a uphill walk to the main ruin of the castle, a walk that I felt in my legs and reminded my of how un-physically fit I am.
There was a St. George & The Dragon event on which was popular with families.
Here are some photos:
Beeston Castle has a small exhibition detailing its history.
Beeston Castle exhibition display cabinet (1).
Beeston Castle exhibition display cabinet (2).
Ruins of a tower.
The path up to the main ruin.
The main ruin from a distance.
The entrance to the main ruin (1).
The entrance to the main ruin (2). From the bridge was a sheer drop of at least thirty feet.
Me.
Inside the main ruin (1).
Inside the main ruin (2).
Inside the main ruin (3).
Inside the main ruin (4).
Essential Info
Beeston Castle is ruins of a castle. It also has a woodland park to walk in.
Parking: A paid carpark is opposite Beeston Castle’s Gatehouse.
Caution: If your mobility is poor, this isn’t a great site for you to visit. It’s an uphill walk to the main ruin site.
Has a small exhibition.
Has a small gift shop.
I’ve wanted to visit Beeston Castle for a number of years and I’m glad I did, especially on such a lovely day. But because it’s more a ruin than a castle, I probably wont be going back any time soon.
Especially not when I have Rivington’s Lever Castle on my doorstep with no entry fee and beautiful woodland to walk in.
Well what a week its been. I’ve been off on annual leave for a week. In the true spirit of Imbolc, I’ve spent the week at home undertaking a Spring clean. I’ve chucked out more than ten bin bags of clutter. There’s still some more sorting and cleaning to be done, but I’ve made a good start. It feels good for things to have their places again.
I’ve always loved plants, even if at times I’ve killed them with over love. But the problem is my two bengal cats. Cats are known to love to chew/destroy house plants. But then I discovered this indoor greenhouse at Ikea (see photo below). Steve and I were going to Ikea anyway, so I decided to pick it up along with an Aloe Vera plant.
I’ve always loved Venus Flytraps and because I had the space in the greenhouse, I decided to order a Flytrap online (see photo above).
I’ve named the Aloe Vera plant, Alan. I originally called it Dave, but couldn’t remember its name. I’ve named the Flytrap Edward, but watched Little Shop of Horrors (film) for the first time this week, so am thinking of renaming it to Audrey. I loved Little Shop of Horrors film. Feed me. Feed me. FEED ME!
The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted that I’ve padlocked the greenhouse handles. This is just to ensure the cats don’t get at the plants. Bengal cats are known for being intelligent. They’ve already scratched at the plastic windows, but failed to gain access to or munch on the plants. This is good, especially as Aloe Vera is apparently toxic to cats.
Robert & Neha are two of the most gorgeous, kind and wonderful people that I know. I am so lucky to have them both in my life.
I arrived in Leeds on Friday night. We talked, catching up on the last few years, drank wine and had the most awesome handmade pizzas by Robert.
On the Saturday we had a mooch around town, visited the oldest pub in Leeds (well it would be rude not to!) and had a game of Monopoly.
Monopoly!
I was the first out of the game, Neha had Lady Luck on her side, but in the end Robert won. We watched some of the wedding video, some Netflix and ultimately chilled.
This is what life is all about, I thought to myself on more than one occasion throughout the weekend. Spending time with people you love and care about. Having the time to converse and connect. To share good times with one another.
We’ve promised each other to do this more often. So Robert & Neha, if you’re reading this, my turn to host next time. I doubt I’ll be able to top the superb job you did. But I look forward to giving it a try and having another fantastic time.
