A Dorset Day

Five WI members set off this morning to visit Thomas Hardy's cottage in Higher Bockhampton. We walked through the picturesque woodland to reach it, but there were plenty of other people there today! See Extra photo 1.
Afterwards we visited Stinsford Church (the setting of the wedding of Tess of the D'Urbervilles) where Hardy's heart is buried, as well as his parents and several ancestors. The church was pretty and very well kept - well worth a visit. A pleasant walk along the water meadows led us towards our lunch stop. We had a delicious light lunch at the "Wise Man" in West Stafford, another picturesque village, and then it was a short drive to Kingston Maurward, an agricultural college with extensive, varied and gorgeous gardens - and lake. My blip is the Manor House, which stands in the grounds - rented out at present. Kingston Maurward also has a fine house which is used as part of the college. See Extra photos 2, 3 and 4 !!
A cup of tea rounded the day off nicely as we sat in the sunshine, and then it was time to set off for home and husbands!