An Afternoon in Cranford

Having been cooped up in the house for the best part of two weeks I decided an afternoon out in the fresh air was required. Thursday was a fine day and I took a trip out to Lacock where much of the BBC series Cranford was filmed last year. (one of a number of films to have used Lacock as a location, most famously Harry Potter). It's a very picturesque National Trust village, dating back to the 13th century and well worth a visit if you are in the area. Aside from the village itself, you can visit Lacock Abbey which is a medieval cloistered abbey converted into a country house, and the Fox Talbot Museum ( dedicated the the work of William Henry Fox Talbot, the father of modern photography, who lived in the Abbey).

A view of the Abbey as you walk into the village

I tried to recognise some of locations from Cranford, but I'm afraid I didn't, I think it's too long since I watched it, plus the presence of rather a lot of cars parked in the roads and other evidence of modern life didn't help.

For filming Cranford, the roads were covered in earth - what a clean-up job that must have been afterwards!

The houses are a mixture of limewashed, half-timbered and stone built and the village has changed little over the centuries.

A front door with a clock set into it!

You can find out more about Lacock from the National Trust Website here, information about the filming of Cranford here and loads of pictures here.

There are no charity or antique shops, so no opportunities for thrifting, but there are a few craft and gift shops which sell rather nice things, located in some wonderful buildings.

Quintesentially English is entered through this lovely stable door - how quaint. Mainly selling soap and bath fizzers but also home goods and a few hand-crafted items.

Lacock Emporium is in a converted barn and has some very pretty home accessories and gifts.

This was one of several tea rooms which also houses a small craft centre - Wiltshire Crafts. The shop is run as a co-operative between the crafters who sell there and you can buy handknitted goods, jewellery, children's clothing, pottery, ironwork, cards, amongst others. Absolutely nothing imported or mass-produced here!

Of course, with no thrifting opportunities I almost came home empty-handed - but that would be unheard of, and I found this cute poodle in the Emporium. She was the only one in the shop and I could see she was longing for someone to take her home.

Once back we had to find her a place where she would be happy. We tried several locations...

...before deciding she would like it best with a canine pal to keep her company.

Today was Mothering Sunday in the UK. For some, it may have been a day of many different emotions. However you spent your day today, I hope it was filled with love.

Spring Blooms in the ground of Lacock Abbey