Dreams...... Are for livin!

This week has easily been one of the BEST weeks of my year so far....

There have been so many moments where I have actually had to pinch myself just to make sure that I was awake and it alllllll started with Arundel Castle.

ARUNDEL CASTLE

Imagine the best castle in the whoooooole world. Well. I've seen it.

I can't even explain how I felt when we jumped off the train and wandered down the footpath into the charming town of Arundel, as we turned a corner and crossed the road all you could see rising above the small brick houses was the mass of ancient stone. 

#historylesson

The oldest parts of the castle were built around 1068 (seriously impressive), moat included of course.

The castle was badly damaged during the Civil War (1642-45) and as a result a lot had to be restored, these restorations were not completed until 1900. 

It has been the seat of the Duke of Norfolk and his ancestors for over 850 years.

Furniture, clocks, tapestries and it's abundance of other exquisite items date back to the 16th century.

The castle and it's grounds were used by troops during the first and second world wars. 

It was the location for the recently released film 'The Young Victoria' starring Emily Blunt.

The Duke of Norfolk and his family still occupy the upper parts of the castle which are out of bounds to visitors. Sadly, he wasn't interested in having a cuppa and some vegemite toast.

I really can't put into words how magical the whole experience was. I felt like a little girl again in a world of princesses and princes, dragons, witches and wizards then it turned into some kind of secret garden/ Alice in Wonderland remix as we entered the gardens and strolled past countless fountains, roses, tulips, greenhouses and enormous leafy green trees. As we sat and ate our home made scones and jam on the grass I couldn't wipe the smile of my face, it's impossible to be unhappy in Arundel castle. Jordan and I thought we had seen enough to awe us outside, we were not prepared for what we would find inside it's walls, we climbed towers, nearly fell down towers, (because the stairs throughout the towers are so steep and so narrow, ropes have been attached to the walls on either side to help you get up and down relatively safely), we eyed off suits of armour, enormous swords, creepy paintings, lion head rugs, fancy china, pure gold trinkets, beautiful armchairs, mirrors, furnishings all like something out of a fairytale. (Think Downton Abbey style interiors). 
It was a place I will remember forever. 

Thursday also delivered the goods as we made our way to......

BRIGHTON

I didn't reaaaaally know what to expect from Brighton, I can tell you, I was absolutely gobsmacked.

The seaside was glorious, the pier equipped with its mini theme park (rollercoasters, dodgem cars, a gee wizzer, a carousel, a horror house, countless food options such as fairy floss, doughnuts, crepes, waffles on a stick, fish and chips, burgers, ice cream, you name it they had it + seagull poop), the giant wheel, cute little art dealers, cafés countless stalls selling fresh seafood and even nightclubs lined the beach (note to self never underestimate the brutality of walking along a pebbled beach, who needs leg day) It was such a chilled back vibe as we made our way along the shore before heading back towards the railway station to check out the local boutiques and other quirky stores. The street art was perhaps the most impressive surprise of Brighton, wherever you went there was something etched onto a wall or decorating the front of a store, and Brighton didn't try to hide it, it embraced it. We were blessed with beautiful weather which only made us more excited to be in such a beautiful place. 

CHICHESTER

Our second last day of holidays took us to Chichester, a small town about 25 minutes by bus from Portsmouth. Famous for its cathedral, it was a charming place with a totally British vibe. Little chocolate and sweet shops build upon the cobblestone pavements, gift wares, a park surrounded by small stone cottages and even a fashion parade! After wandering around the town centre we decided that lunch was in order and regained our strength at a little cafe that looked out onto the busy street. After waddling out of the cafe we hit up old mate who was selling 4 large punnets of strawberries for £2 BARGAIN and also invested in some incense to make our little home smell.....like home. By that time we were due to jump back on the bus and head back to Portsmouth, surprise surprise it was bucketing down with rain, taxiiiii. So now I'm home, cup of tea at the ready enjoying my second last day of freedom before I head back to school on Monday. 
I'm actually looking forward to seeing all of the girls again and keeping busy, the busier I am, the faster the time flies and with only 11 weeks left until summer, it can't pass quick enough!! 

We have a May bank holiday coming up in a few weeks which means a long weekend, Eastbourne and the Isle of Wight are next on our list, followed by Oxford, Stonehenge, Bristol, Kent and maybe even Manchester and Liverpool..... There is still so much to see!!