Wonderland, Will, and Way Too Many Mugs!

Good morning! Can you believe we’re in the second week of December already, and I haven’t even told you about last month yet?

I had a busy November, not least because I took myself away from the desk for a couple of jaunts with friends. I know, I know. Shameful. I should be head down, chained to my desk, office door firmly closed as I bash away at the keyboard… Actually, it’s true. I should. I do have a deadline after all. But then, what’s new? And it is nearly Christmas. And these were irresistible invitations, so what’s a girl to do?

I completely forgot to take my hat off in the house! No wonder I was so hot…

First off was a visit to Castle Howard. It’s become a bit of a tradition with Jessica Redland and me to visit the Christmas installation every year at this glorious country house. This year, we’d extended the invitation to our good friend, Eliza J Scott, and we were all looking forward to seeing the house decorated in its 2024 theme of Alice in Wonderland.

But we couldn’t believe it when, that day of all days, snow fell! What are the odds in November, really? Where Eliza lives she gets more snow than either Jessica or me, and unfortunately had to make the decision, after setting off, that the weather was just too risky and she’d have to turn back. We saw her message after we’d parked up at Castle Howard, and it was a disappointment to us, but more to her obviously.

The Queen of Hearts and the thieving Knave!

Anyway, we went inside and had a lovely time wandering the beautiful house and marvelling at the installation. I did think it was better than the Peter Pan one they had last year, but then I’m biased. I love the story of Alice in Wonderland, whereas I’ve never been a big fan of Peter Pan. I don’t know why. It’s just never appealed to me. So I definitely thought they’d done a great job with this display.

I’m still not certain that it’s as good as the Mannequin one they had the other year. However, I do realise that’s the first one I ever saw at Castle Howard, and it may be that the first one always stays with you and it’s the one by which you judge all others that follow. Jessica went to the Narnia one too, and she said that was really good, but even she thinks the Mannequin display was best, so who knows? It’s all about personal taste, isn’t it? Definitely worth a visit anyway, and I’m glad I saw it.

Naturally, after our exertions walking around that enormous stately home, we had to replenish our energy supplies, so we headed to the cafe. We had the most yummy sandwiches, filled with turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets and gravy. Honestly, they were so warming and filling, yet somehow we managed to find space for fruit crumble and custard afterwards. Jessica had rhubarb, and I had apple and cinnamon.

I could show you the crumble but I wouldn’t want to make you envious…

After that, we browsed the gift shops, admiring all the lovely things on sale. There are always lots of gifts that match the theme of the installation, and this year the shops were full of Alice in Wonderland Christmas decorations and tree baubles, mugs, and various editions of the book. I already have a gorgeous edition of the book so I wasn’t tempted, and as for baubles - I have so many I couldn’t possibly buy another one. Hold that thought…

Less than a week later, I met up with Jessica again as we were going on a road trip! We headed down to Stratford-upon-Avon where we met up with two of our fellow Write Romantics, Jo Bartlett and Jackie Ladbury. Initially there were going to be seven of us going, but unfortunately three of them had to drop out for various reasons, which was a shame. Even so, it was brilliant to be with Jackie and Jo, and we had an amazing time.

I’ve been to Stratford twice before - once, about three years ago with Jo, Jessica, Jackie, Helen Phifer, and Helen Rolfe, and then I returned in September with The Husband - but I was more than happy to be there again.

I love that town. It’s absolutely beautiful. There are some fabulous little independent shops, gorgeous cafes, pubs, and restaurants, the river and boats, the canal, and of course, all the history connected with William Shakespeare.

Trust me to find a dragon! 

We were staying at the same Premier Inn we stayed at last time, and it was as good as ever. The staff were lovely, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and the meal we had on the Sunday night was tasty and very reasonably priced. On the Monday we spent the day wandering around the town itself. We loved the gift shops and spent a lot of time in them! There was lots of Alice in Wonderland merchandise there, too, and I may have bought myself a Wonderland tote bag… There’s also a Christmas shop in Stratford, which sells Christmassy things all year round. Remember when I said I couldn’t possibly buy another bauble. Well…

I know, I know. I’m a lost cause.

We also visited The Works because Jessica and Jo wanted to see if their books were in stock. (They were.) I got some stickers for my journal, which I’m absolutely obsessed with. I nobly resisted the washi tape though, which I thought was pretty restrained of me actually. That, and the fact that I think I’ve already bought every type of washi tape in stock!

After a stroll to the river we walked up another road past a beautiful pub called The Rose and Crown, where Jessica and I had a lovely lunch the last time we’d visited. We stopped to take photos down a gorgeous little cobbled alley, which seems to be an entrance for a living history museum. Just my sort of thing(!) but we went instead to a local cafe where we restored our flagging energy with a (non-alcoholic) drink before heading to a shop Jessica and I had visited last time we were in town - Magic Alley. I love it in there, and got myself another mug. Yes, another mug! It was so lovely and witchy that I couldn’t resist it. The Husband has given up on me completely.

A mug. Because … Well, look at it!

Jackie then headed back to the hotel, while Jo, Jessica and I continued to explore. Of course, we had to pop into a cafe, where we sampled the delights of a cream tea and a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows. After that, I went round another couple of gift shops while Jo and Jessica headed off to return to a shop we’d visited earlier, where they wanted another look around. It was getting colder and darker by then, so I returned to the hotel, while Jo and Jessica had an adventure being chased by swans, and then sneaked in a visit to a cat cafe. Naturally!

That evening we all went to the same pub that we’d visited on our last trip to Stratford - The One Elm. The staff there are lovely, and the food is very good. To my horror, Jo presented me with a glass of mulled wine. She couldn’t believe I’d never tried it, but I was adamant I wouldn’t like it because I hate wine. I’m not very keen on any alcohol to be honest, so couldn’t imagine I’d enjoy that. But I didn’t want to throw her gift back in her face (not literally, you understand!) so I bravely tasted it. Well! You could have knocked me down with a cinnamon stick! I really loved it - so much so that I’m going to get a bottle for Christmas. You can probably tell from my expression that I really wasn’t expecting that!

My face! I really did try to hide my horror from Jo!

We had a yummy meal and a truly scrummy dessert, and a lovely evening of chatter and laughter before heading back to the hotel and our beds.

The following morning we met up for breakfast, then it was hugs all round as we said our goodbyes to Jo and Jackie, who were heading home to Kent and Hertfordshire respectively. Jessica and I, meanwhile, were set on visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace in the town, so we packed our suitcases in the boot of the car, handed in our room keys, and walked down the main street to buy the tickets.

The staff at Shakespeare’s Birthplace were lovely. We were welcomed into the building by some very friendly people. Then, as we explored the house itself, we were met by tour guides in each room, who were full of knowledge and information, and were clearly enthusiastic about their subject. We lingered for probably far too long with each of them, asking questions and learning so much that we hadn’t known. I’m no expert on William Shakespeare, but I am a fan, and his life fascinates me. Plus, one of my ghost characters in my next book, Kindred Spirits - Walter Tasker - is Shakespeare’s (fictional) former teacher, so I wanted to immerse myself in his world as much as possible while I was in Stratford!

Yes, another blooming mug! Sorry, Husband…

Of course, we had to buy souvenirs. I’d got a book of Shakespearean quotes and a book of Shakespearean insults from the official gift shop the previous day, but I also got a Shakespeare mug from the shop opposite. Last time I was at the official gift shop I’d bought myself a Shakespeare teddy and a bauble, and I’m looking at that teddy right now as he’s sitting on a shelf above my computer. I also have a card next to him which says, “This above all; to thine own self be true”, which is one of my favourite Shakespeare quotes.

After our trip to his birthplace, it was sadly time to go back home. We’d had an incredible time there, and I loved every moment. I hope, one day, I get to go back because, honestly, Stratford upon Avon has to be one of my favourite places.

It was so good to spend time with Jo and Jackie again. Fingers crossed that, on our next Write Romantics catch-up, there’ll be more than four of us!

Have a lovely week.