Going back to Coombe Abbey

Twelve years ago, Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire was a very important place to me. It's where we got married on the beautiful and sunny Saturday before Easter Sunday, and I have many happy memories of our drinks reception on the terrace and photos in the gardens.

Photo credit - Alan Starkey

So it's very surprising that despite regular visits to family that live nearby we haven't returned since that day. So on this past Easter weekend while staying in the area we decided to pay it a visit once again, this time with the children. The hotel is set in the grounds of Coombe Country Park, and remembering how busy it was on that weekend all those years ago we made sure to arrive early to secure a parking space.

We had a quick walk through the hotel, then went out through to the terrace at the back, pointing out the places where we had various photos taken to the children. Then we walked down through the gardens into the Country Park itself, stopping along the way to take a few photos. The gardens are still beautiful, although I think we were much luckier with the flowers on our wedding day!

I love Harry's new hat which we bought the day before when we braved the world's biggest Primark in Birmingham - he chose it himself and I think he looks very grown up and far trendier than I usually do! In fact both children are a bit of an advert for Primark in these photos - when I was packing for our few days away I didn't believe the weather forecast and packed them trousers and jumpers, so they had to break out their newly purchased summer wardrobe.

We also spent some time exploring the country park which is lovely and well worth the visit, I'm determined that it won't be so long before we visit again!