national trust: corfe castle

In early September we spent a lovely weekend in Dorset celebrating the wedding of two good friends. En route back to London, the husband and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous fall day and check out Corfe Castle.

As with many things in England, the history of this castle is epic. Building started in 1066 by William the Conqueror and was expanded by King James from 1199 to 1216. For centuries after the castle was used as a private home until the English Civil War which saw the Roundheads (such a funny name for a political party!) destroyed the castle leaving the ruins still visable today.

The castle is on top of quite a big hill giving you views of the surrounding Dorset countryside. And to make a lovely day even nicer there is a fabulous pub at the base of the hill serving super fresh fish and seafood straight from the coast.

If you're heading south west I'd recommend stopping by. Still an impressive sight after so many hundreds of years.

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ

a trip up north

Hello friends and happy Tuesday! What did you do this weekend? On Friday, a group of friends saw the world premiere of Third Star - epic film, stunning photography, amazing soundtrack and a shocking but riveting ending, definitely worth checking out.

On Saturday morning, the husband and I traveled by train to Yorkshire to spend a few days with my new in-laws. We went for a lovely long hike through the country, ate amazing food, and discovering Fountain's Abbey - beautiful ruins from an Abbey first built in 1132. I am loving the National Trust properties and have plans to visit many more over the summer.

More pictures after the jump.