Tranquil

It’s one of my favourite spots in the nearby town of Romsey. A garden which is the epitome of peace and tranquillity, almost in the shadow of the town’s historic Abbey church, yet only a stone’s throw from the town centre.
It is the garden to King John’s House and Heritage Centre, a group of three medieval buildings in the town centre which encompass 750 years of history.
It dates from the 13th century, and was once part of a Benedictine nunnery until King Henry V111 dissolved the monasteries in the 1500s.  It now encompasses, King John’s House , a Tudor Cottage which houses Miss Moody’s Tudor tea rooms, a Victorian museum, and the town’s visitor and information centre.   An old gunshop has been reconstructed above the centre.
Today the historic buildings and the colourful gardens are run by an independent trust,  supported by the local council Test Valley Borough Council.
But on a day like today, it  provides a relaxing place to sit and contemplate the world around, savour the atmosphere of the garden . . . and even enjoy one of Miss Moody’s cream cakes and tea.