Tuesday 2 April 2013

Way Down South

We let the train take the strain this Easter and headed south-east to stay with our fantastic, old friends who we don't get to see nearly enough. It was so good to spend time together, the kids hunting for eggs, eating lovely food and having the time to laugh and catch up.
The south-east of England, outside of London, isn't somewhere I know well at all and our friends were brilliant tour guides taking us to lovely Dickensian Rochester and the moody coast at Whitstable.
 
 
 
Even on a grey, freezing Easter Sunday I thought Whitstable was fabulous. I love the sea but I was just as captured by the textures and colours of the shingle, clapboard buildings and mellow brick as we walked along the shoreline and braced the breeze.
I couldn't be tempted by the famous oysters though and we all settled for some delicious fish and chips we ate on the shingle with the sun finally emerging. Four adults, four children, all relaxed and very happy to be beside the sea.
It seemed even colder inland but small children always seem to have the energy to dash about and keep warm. Hot chocolates in the cosy cathedral tea rooms really helped too I think.
Such a great time. Looking forward to seeing more with our lovely friends soon; especially with some sunshine!

20 comments:

Donna said...

Lovely pictures, especially the harbour ones. Sounds like a fab time was had by all :-)

Ali said...

I grew up in Whitstable - it is the most photogenic of seaside towns.

louise said...

Your photos are super. There's something beautiful about the English seaside out of season.

Unknown said...

Looks beautiful - I would love a trip there now! Fish and chips by the seaside, nothing like it!

Vintage Jane said...

Looks like the perfect Spring seaside day out. I would love to visit but never seem to head over that way. M x

dottycookie said...

Whitstable isn't that far from my parents, and yet we have never visited. Hmmmm. I can see I need to hatch a plan to head over there when it's a little bit warmer!

PinkCatJo said...

Oh, it looks lovely and bracing! Brilliant, atmospheric pictures! x

jen said...

I'd love to visit Whistable and I like the sound of your trip. The bracing sea air always does wonders for me! x

Pretty at Heart said...

I thought I recognised our local beach!! Did u get a chance to look around the little individual shops? Some lovely ones!

LandGirl1980 said...

I adore Whitstable :) I would move there tomorrow if I could :)

Rose H (UK) said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time!

Jo said...

What a wonderful way to spend the hols..... Am definitely in need of a "sea fix" I think! Jo x

Gillian Roe said...

Lovely pictures, it all looks wonderful. I do love the english seaside, especially when it's out of season and cold. And fish and chips too, how perfect!

Gillian x

Judy said...

Love all the photos and it sounds like it was a wonderful Easter!!

Judy said...

It looks like you all had a wonderful Easter. Thanks for sharing the photos. I love the texture also and it makes up for the grey day.

...Nina Nixon... said...

I can't believe we missed each other again. We went to Whitstable on my birthday and dined at the Samphire - we were just days apart. So glad you had a lovely time and if you come again....!

Nina x

Gemma Mortlock said...

Welcome to the Southcoast....this is my home, and actually my partner used to live in Rochester and its where we met and fell in love. We usually grab our tent and head off to whitstbale most weekends in the summer, its hard to imagine in the gloom but it can get seriously hot down there. So glad you enjoyed it. P.s i love your blog :) Gem
x

CJ said...

Stunning pictures. The seaside is beautiful and dramatic in winter, you have really captured the atmosphere.

silverpebble said...

I visited Whitstable for the first time about 18 months ago. GOodness, it was wonderful - it rivals Southwold for my affections

Karoline said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful time