Today’s insta♥love is my own of a very special surprise from the very lovely ‘Dodger’ for my birthday xx

One place that has been on my bucket list for quite some time is Portmeirion in Wales, setting for the 1960’s TV series ‘The Prisoner’ and last Sunday, my birthday, thanks to my lovely children and a mystery tour to Wales, I got to tick it off!

The village is beautiful and as soon as you get through the gates you’re sucked into the magic of its quirky colourful architecture, mysterious nooks and crannies and the breathtaking coastline surrounding it. Quite apart from the village, with its coastal walk and woodland trail, you really could spend the day there. We took the easy route through the woods on the train which leaves every 20 minutes, climbing slowly up the hillside and winding through the trees past the children’s playground, oriental pond and other delights. There’s even a stop on the way at the hillside gazebo to dis-board and take the obligatory ‘aerial’ photo of the village below.

All three of us spent the afternoon like children running through an enchanted garden and we’ll definitely be visiting Sir Clough Williams-Ellis creation again!

Looking forward to the summer and loving this image by @F10naaa

I’m not Altrincham born and bred so there are still lots of places in the local area still undiscovered to me. Some I’ve heard a little of and earmarked them for further investigation and one of these is Walkden Gardens, or at least the building that led me there. I’d heard about the Dovecote, the last remaining part of Sale Old Hall which had been moved from its original location and eventually restored brick by numbered brick in its current location.

Nestled in an unassuming location off a busy road in Sale the gardens really are a hidden gem. The Dovecote stands prominent in a lawned area with seating and walls created with stones from a nearby cemetery. The gardens follow in a collection of open spaces, carefully manicured themed gardens, woodland areas and walks. From the structure of the Japanese and fuchshia gardens to the natural beauty of the bluebells woods there’s something to delight every taste. The wisteria arch was resplendent when we visited and the entrance brought together my three favourites, bluebells, magnolia and, of course, wisteria.

It’s well worth a visit and I’m sure every season brings its own unique beauty.