Sunny skies on arrival in Lifton. View from our bedroom window in The Old Manor House
Saturday 28th March. We set off towards West Devon along the M5 and enjoyed a comfortable journey albeit being the weekend. Leaving the motorway we had a fast and pleasant stretch along the A30 to the village of Lifton. Lifton’s appeal lies in its unspoiled rural charm and connection to Devon’s agricultural roots. The village has a long history that dates back to Saxon times, and its peaceful streets are lined with thatched cottages and historic buildings. Surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and rivers,
Lifton is also famous for being the home of the renowned Devon-based food producer Ambrosia, known for its custard and rice pudding. I have loved rice pudding since I was a child. I have never made it on this scale though!
A famous coppice.Parish church – immediately behind the house.From the garden.With the grandchildren stretching their legs and happily playing football and cricket in the garden, Vickee,Tom,Barbara and I set off with Ted the dog to explore some of the locality.Uphill for a time – plentiful footpaths nearby .We were soon on the banks of one of the tributaries of the River Tamar.Ted enjoyed a couple of quick dips..Tom keeping watch.And chasing the ball.I think he got the wrong end of the stick at this point.Open farmlandAn abandoned farm machine.What a Beauty .Local floraThe girls relaxing in style in the hot tub.Pre dinner games and Nell looking the part.Time to set the table for dinner.
It had been a really enjoyable first day away together.
Sunday morning and a trip to the very handily situated village shop to get the paper.
And two trays of very healthy Geranium plugs.We had a look inside St Mary’s, fortunately open on Sundays!A very well maintained building Bluebells in the church yard.
Barbara and I then set off then for nearby Launceston, the former county town of Cornwall.
The castle remains.
Launceston is an ancient market town that was once one of the most important in the southwest. It is known as the ‘gateway to Cornwall’, due to the A30 running very close by (the road used to go through the town itself). Being Sunday, there were few shops open – mainly charity shops – but we did find a great cafe with a difference.
A dedicated “music cafe” and a classic record shop. Keep Audio Co – The Music Cafe: This is the town’s primary hybrid venue, described as a “music cafe” where you can browse and buy new and used vinyl and CDs while enjoying coffee and homemade cake.Includes a cosy concert room for live music events and a “Blues Jam” on certain Sundays. Casual and dog-friendly, with a “great, chilled vibe” and vintage hi-fi equipment for sale.Original Southgate ArchwayWar Memorial Main SquareThe strikingly impressive St Mary Magdalene church – sadly not open.
There were a couple of pedestrianised streets but nothing much to see. If you decide to visit Launceston…don’t go on a Sunday!
Sunday afternoon and we set off en famille to a local National Trust site of scientific and an historical interest.
LYDFORD GORGEWe were all impressed with the setting.Not far from the waterfall.Ted got a look in with the family…of course.Flo managed to wedge a Penny in to this section.Irresistible footbridge.Wow FactorJake getting a close up.Nearly Whoops!Ted having a chew.Local flora Dan took us back to back along the now disused railway.Nelly’s Spaghetti Carbonara was greatly appreciated by the children as was Dan’s Pork En Croute by us adults a little later.
Monday morning dawned brightly and after a leisurely breakfast we all set off for a trip to the Atlantic Ocean.
Blackrock beach in Widemouth Bay.A huge stretch of sand,rock pools and a kickabout.Lunch at the Widemouth beach cafe – pasties, loaded chips and sausage butties were favourites and Barbara enjoyed her all time favourite…A homemade cheese scone.The tide was coming in as we returned to the car park.A very bracing seascape and an enjoyable few hours.On return,Tom got to work on dinner – locally sourced.Jake in a great replica shirt – I WANT ONE!Tom’s homemade pizzas went down well for tea.Tom cooked up a really special Lamb dish for our evening meal,too.
Tuesday,31st March – some clearing up to do – all hands to the pump. Then homeward bound. It has been a memorable and really enjoyable three days.
PS The children spotted a pheasant’s nest in the garden. That’s a first!PPS Sunny coffee stop at Gloucester Farm Shop service station on the M5 – it felt quite Continental.
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