My Travels Through A Lens: Research for Retirement

I was talking to my Dad the other day and he mentioned that he'll soon be at that age where he needs to start thinking about retirement. Let's face it, no one's getting any younger so I've already found the perfect place to retire... the Cotswolds :)

I went there last year and have been wanting to go back again ever since so finally I got the opportunity to go back but this time with Kum.

A 2 hour drive in our hired Hertz car took us to our first destination and accommodation in Cheltenham.

A cute 'B&B' like hotel, Cotswolds Grange.

The rooms was slightly dated but nonetheless a clean, warm and friendly service was provided. The location was good in terms of distance from the town centre but as we had a car, it didn't really make a difference where we stayed.

First stop was Sudeley Castle in Cheltenham housing tales of history about Henry VIII and his six wives. Amongst the magnificent gardens that you can admire, one part stood out for me...

...the knot garden.

I thought it was so cleverly created that I would like one in my future garden :)

The castle and its surroundings is huge. It includes a range of areas to visit. From the Knot Garden to the Queens Garden to the Pheasantry to the Herb Garden walk. All are worth seeing but make sure you're not in a rush.

Kum's first Cream Tea in Chipping Campden :)

Broadway Tower in Broadway (funny that? :P). Not a place that you would need to visit if it wasn't 'on the way'. Oh and watch out for the deer poo :)

Thatched houses. Love the look of them. Do you think it would work if I built a house in Melbourne with a thatched roof? Kum said it reminds him of Grug...

What do you think?

Next Stop: Hidcote Gardens.

One of the most beautiful gardens that I have visited. Structured as an outdoor garden with 'rooms', the sectioned off areas are homes to different plants of all textures and vibrant colours and some purposefully plain and natural. Water features, hedges, bridges, walls and paving complement the abundance of carefully presented flora.

Bourton on the Water

The very famous quaint town Bourton on the Water is known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. With many little pedestrians bridges arched over the River Windrush, it is the perfect place to relax, take a stroll, an ice cream in one hand and a camera in the other. And if you really want to let loose, you can take your shoes and socks off and splash around in the river with all the other children.

We decided to stay dry and take the bridge :)

The shallow clear calm waters... you couldn't not relax if you tried!

Have you ever felt like you're a little person in a very big world? Well, don't worry, you can have your turn of feeling 'big' by visiting the miniature model of the Cotswolds :)