We had a great time in India, but all good things must come to an end so back to the UK we came!  When the weather is on your side this country is the place to be, and our first week back turned out to be bright and sunny!

We live not too far away from the National Trust property of Mottisfont, and we can be there in 10 minutes to have a look around and enjoy the gardens as the seasons change.

The early spring flowers were just beginning to show their heads, and with the clear blue sky it all looked wonderful.

We are 10 minutes walk away from the world famous Hillliers Gardens, so again we can take the opportunity at the drop of a hat to see the trees and flowers as the seasons change.

The magnolias were out on our last visit and it looks like the rhododendrons are about to burst into bloom so another visit is on the cards! One of the bits I like the best is the fine selection of cakes they have on offer after our leisurely stroll!

We also took a short break in Devon at Crofton Farm so we could enjoy some sunshine and a few clifftop walks. We did get a little sun but most of the time it was really chilly!

On one of the colder days we took a train ride from Starcross to Paignton along the Devon Riviera. It was great to get a view of the sea for virtually the whole journey. When we got to Paignton it was so cold that after a brief stroll along the prom we decided to go to the cinema and see Dumbo (we know how to live)!

There were a few lovely days where we could stroll around in shirt sleeves, one such day was when we visited Hope Cove.  We had a lovely meal there at the Cove Cafe Bar, it’s great to find a locally owned restaurant which sources all its food from local suppliers and the food was excellent.  We would both highly recommend this place!

We were joined in Devon by Kevin and Maggie with “Scruff and Dottie” their dogs. Kevin pushed their pram for 7 miles just in case they got tired and couldn’t make it back to the campsite!  I think you can tell from the look on his face that he didn’t really mind.

The bluebells were just about to show but I think the cold weather made them change their minds!

It’s not often you see a storm trooper walking along the coast path; this one was on his way to Exeter raising money for charity.  I hope the force was with him!

We took a drive down to Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust property once owned by the D’Oyly Carte family.  Richard D’Oyly Carte was famous for bringing together the librettist Sir W.S. Gilbert and the composer Sir Arthur Sullivan producing many of their operettas in London’s Savoy theatre, which he had established in 1881.  The house was lovely with a great garden and stunning views.  I only wish the weather had been warmer so we could have fully enjoyed this place!

We cycled from our campsite along the river Exe to Exeter. We passed the grounds of Powderham Castle where we saw the deer grazing and they were completely oblivious to our presence.

I can’t understand how the deer missed me………no one else did!

Time for another cliff-top walk, this time with a bit of geocaching thrown in.  Still bloody cold though!

The sun came out briefly on our trip to Salcombe.  I liked this place and would like to return for a bit more exploring.

When the tide goes out along the River Teign it exposes a footpath on the west side of the river. A brisk morning walk along here, then a roast dinner in the local pub followed by the papers is in my mind; a great way to spend a Sunday!

I have managed to get quite a few rounds of golf in since I’ve been back…………

And it’s lovely to still be able to play a few holes with dad.  In this photo it looks like he has shrunk, but really it’s just an extra long flag pole!

Down to Chideock to catch up with K&V, time to drink a few glasses of wine and sort out a few more caravan trips!

Oh and whilst we are there, take in another stunning coastal walk!