Warwick, England: Exploring The City in my Blue Printed Dress

by - June 03, 2017


Warwick, round 2.

Back to Warwick a couple weeks ago, with my friend Julie who visited me for the weekend. Warwick is a beautiful town to visit for a day trip, so I was happy to go back - and managed to do some things I didn't get to do the first time!

Like visiting the inside of the Lord Leycester Hospital, which I mentioned in my first post about Warwick here. Most of the structure is medieval, with the chapel on top of the Norman tower built in the 12th century. There have been some Victorian alterations and restorations (we wouldn't want the building to just fall apart, obviously). The Hospital, used as a retirement home for old soldiers, still houses twelve retired soldiers. They happily welcome you and are eager to share the history of the place, and a lovely old soldier named Bill kindly offered to talk to us about the history of the hospital.


There was an Elizabethan play organised later that day, so we had the chance to visit the Hospital surrounded by actors in medieval costumes, painted faces and funny hats. Makes the illusion even more complete!
We went around, exploring every place we had access to, from the tiny chapel on the tower to the hidden back gardens and the meeting hall where you can still find a chair where King James I himself put his royal bottom all these centuries ago. 

It was a windy and somehow cold day, so I went for a practical outfit, overlooking the fact that I am still wearing jumpers in May. But more on the outfit later! For now, follow me along as we walk under the buttresses all the way to the chapel. 


Behind the chapel is the Secret Garden. This place feels so private and intimate, it felt special to be able to explore. There was actually a little garden party going, with people walking around in fancy attire, champagne in hand.


After a wander in the gardens, we went back to the courtyard, where a beautiful part of the building is preserved from the 14th century. You can't do more medieval than that,which is probably why that courtyard was used as the open-air stage for the play!


As we climbed the steps to the meeting hall, I thought how wonderful it was to still be able to use this building, climb the stairs, lean on the railing and walk on the creaky, dusty wooden floor. Inside the meeting hall, it felt like being in a time machine and stepping right back in the 1600s.


After visiting the hospital, we had a little afternoon break at the Thomas Oaken Tea Rooms. This café in an absolute gem! When we arrived, there was no table available so the lady kindly offered to take my number and call us when a table became free. Not even fifteen minutes later we received the said call, and they kept the table for us until we arrived back at the tea room. The customer service is impeccable, the staff genuine and polite - I understand the popularity of the place!
I had the best Victoria sponge I've ever had in my life, the strawberry jam was delicious and the sponge had a slight taste of vanilla which gave it just the right sweetness. I drank a mocha - the only thing with tea rooms is that I'd never have traditional tea and always opt for coffee!



After our lovely sweet treat, we headed towards Warwick castle and the Mill Garden. These I've already shown in my previous post about the town, so I'll keep it short. This time, there were more flowers around and it was a joy to see the facades covered in wisteria. Proper Instagram dream right there.


Despite it being May, it was a grey day so I opted for a jumper & dress combo that I really like. The white and blue pattern of this dress makes a real statement, and reminds me of Portuguese azulejos - the beautiful ceramics that adorn the walls of houses and churches. This thick cropped jumper is the perfect length to be worn with the dress, and of course allows the collar of the dress to show, which is another statement detail! 

We ended the day at the Mill Garden, to get the prettiest view of the castle. The owner was sat there with his friends, having some kind of afternoon get-together, which frankly isn't the worst way to spend a Saturday when you own a cute pink house and a big garden that overlooks Warwick castle. Lucky guy.


The garden was full of a variety of flowers, from bluebells and pansies to lilac and white lilies. The scent in the air was heavenly, and it truly felt like being in a fairytale. I'm the princess obviously.


After having a little wander around the garden, I finally found the perfect spot. As I said, you can't beat that view. Thank you Warwick for being as lovely as ever!


How is summer going where you live?

Lots of love,
Julia x

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20 commentaires

  1. Oh, Warwick looks so beautiful! I'm going back home in a few days which I expect will be hot, humid and sunny. I'm probably going to cuddle in my room and sleep in hahaha

    with love, Bash   |   HEY BASH

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    1. Are you going back for the holidays? Sleeping sounds like a totally acceptable plan haha! xx

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  2. It is pretty hot here, but today, right in time for the weekend, the rain set in. It still is supposedto have 23 degrees today, so I am not complaining.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    1. Rain always comes when you don't want it, but we should always make the most of weekends, it could lead to spending some relaxing time indoors! xx

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  3. This is such a gentle and beautiful post - so much to love! The historic architecture is incredible, I love your sweet outfit and YUM to the Victoria Sponge cake!

    aglassofice.com
    x

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    1. Thank you Gabrielle! If you ever visit Warwick again go to the Thomas Oaken tearooms, you won't be disappointed! xx

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  4. What a gorgeous quaint place.
    I would have loved to see more of the gardens - I imagine you could have one amazing shoot there!
    Kiri
    Set to Glow
    http://www.settoglow.com.au

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    1. The gardens are definitely a beautiful place for a shoot. It was small, but you could spend a good couple of hours walking around and sitting near the river with a snack! xx

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  5. Warwick seems so beautiful! I'm stunned by every single picture - everything seems so picturesque and cute!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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    Replies
    1. Everything is picturesque there, one of these little towns that just represent traditional England in a nutshell! xx

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  6. What a gorgeous little place! I'm also really loving your outfit x

    Bits of Reg | Regina

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  7. It looks so beautiful there!! Definitely adding this to my list of places to visit! :) I love old cities!

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    Replies
    1. You should definitely do a tour of England or the UK, there are so many gems you'd love to visit! :D xx

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  8. what a charming place to visit!

    http://www.onecrafdiygirl.com

    xo
    marissa

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    Replies
    1. Warwick is a beautiful little town! xx

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  9. what a beautiful little trip. such nice photos too, and you're outfit is adorbs!

    so much i like about this post (mainly that victoria sponge because phwoooooooar - i am starving right now while waiting for my dinner to cook and that's just tipped me over the edge!)

    katie. xx lacoconoire.com

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    1. Thanks Katie! Victoria Sponge is the best, I could have it all the time! xx

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  10. OMG I love things like this so fun ad interesting and you look so cute hun love this look. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! Dominica from London, www.dominicas.uk xXx

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    1. Thanks Dominica, glad you enjoyed it! xx

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