Netley

Today we visited the lovely Netley Abbey hidden away in a little corner of wooded greenery. There we saw a family who had brought a full silver service picnic...and then set it up right beside their car. This surely defeats the object, but never the less it looked lovely.
We then explored some of the grounds and history. The Abbey has gone from a recluses' paradise where poets and writers came to enjoy its over grown charm, even inspiring the novel of Northanger Abbey. The monastery was then turned into a mansion by a rich man at some point and it is know just a ruin again.
After this we went for a stroll and sit in the Royal Victoria Country Park exploring the wildlife and woods around there near the sea, enjoying a lovely cider in the local before driving home.
A gorgeous day.