Spring blossom in England. I am not sure what this shrub is called, but it is very pretty!

The recent spell of warm, sunny weather has brought out the bluebells in England. Hedgerows and shady woodlands are full of these beautiful blue flowers. Click on the link below to see some of my favourite bluebell woods.

http://www.creamteaclub.com/ashridge.htm

http://www.creamteaclub.com/wakehurstbluebells.htm

The sunshine has brought the celandines into flower.

These tiny wild violets have naturalised in the grass around the edge of a playing field, here in north London. The heavy clay soil in this area seems to suit all sorts of violets, and we see them in every shade from pale violet to a deep purple shade. So lovely!

The daffodils are out in London. These beautiful blooms were just planted last year and came from supplier in Cornwall. We have had a dry spring and so many of the spring blooms did not bloom for long this year, but these daffodils have been lasting well. Such a welcome sight after a long, cold winter.

Finally spring has arrived in London and the primroses are bursting into flower.

So pretty!

The ferry on Lake Windermere. Its a small car ferry taking both visitors and locals across the lake. The autumn colours were past their best but still lovely in places.

Large clouds were looming over the northern hills of the Lake District, but somehow the rain held off during my boat trip.

The little building on this promontory has an interesting history. It looks like a miniature castle or a folly. Actually it was constructed in 1790  as a viewing point for looking at the surrounding scenery. Each window has a different coloured glass pane, to enhance nature according to the season. Have a look at this link for more information about this place-

http://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/claife-viewing-station.htm

A beautiful autumn day on Lake Windermere. Well, from this viewpoint at least.

If you looked in the opposite direction, the sky was black with rain. The boat ride lasted about 45 minutes, and the rain held off until I left the boat and started walking into town.

As we left the dock, I noticed this dinghy about to capsize. I think they were doing some training, so nobody threw in a lifebelt!

Whilst in the Lake District I took a trip to a marvellous Arts and Crafts period house called Blackwell.

I love this style of architecture and was delighted to see that this house was open to the public. Designed by the architect Baillie Scott, the house was completed in 1900 and stands in a wonderful position, overlooking Lake Windermere.

Although the house was originally built as a family holiday home, for many years the house functioned as a school. In one of the upstairs rooms there are some lovely photos of generations of schoolgirls skating outside on the terrace during the winter term.

I couldn’t take any photos of the interior, but if you look on this link http://www.blackwell.org.uk/ you can see some images. I could have moved straight in! I loved the use of wood and cosy inglenook fireplaces. It was a freezing day when I visited, but there was a cosy cafe where I warmed up with a cup of tea.

Here are some views from the terrace, out towards Lake Windermere.

The winter light kept changing as clouds scurried overhead. One minute the distant hills were obscured by mist, and the next the view was as clear as a bell. A lovely spot to stop and admire the views.