Hi
I hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend! Ours was a special one, as we spent it in the beautiful Peak District celebrating my Dad’s 80th birthday - well, he officially turns 80 next month, but we decided to make the most of the long weekend to start the celebrations early.
It was a lovely family getaway with my sister, her husband
Martin, my husband Paul and of course, Mum and Dad. We rented a charming accommodation right in the heart of Bakewell, a picturesque little village famous for its Bakewell Tart and Bakewell Pudding. If you ever get a chance to visit, I highly recommend trying them! The whole place had such a cosy, welcoming feel, and it was the perfect spot for our family gathering.
After unpacking on Friday, we decided to take a wander around Bakewell, and it ended up being my favourite day
of the weekend. There was a lovely craft fair being held in the village with unique items from independent businesses. We bought a couple of things - there were so many beautiful handcrafted pieces, it was hard to resist! I love supporting small businesses, especially as one myself. I know first-hand the hard work that goes into working for yourself, and it always feels good to contribute to someone's passion.
On Saturday, we took a trip to Matlock Bath by bus and were
surprised to find a food festival happening! We had a great time wandering through the stalls, trying different samples, and soaking up the festive atmosphere. Afterward, we did a lovely walk to Abraham Heights. Although we didn’t take the cable car ride this time - the walk along the River Derwent was just as enjoyable.
On Sunday, we did a lovely walk to a nearby farm shop, which took us about an hour and 40 minutes across fields and stiles. It was so peaceful, and the
fresh air was invigorating. When we arrived, we stopped for a drink before heading back on foot for another hour's walk. My parents, at 75 and almost 80 years old, did amazingly well! I was so proud of them for tackling the stiles and walking that distance. We all needed a bit of rest after, but it was a brilliant day.
The best part of the weekend was definitely spending quality time with family. It’s not often that we all get together like this and I know Dad especially loved
being with both his daughters. Martin, my sister’s husband, is a chef, and he made some absolutely delicious meals for us during our stay. On one of the nights, we went out for a meal at a fantastic restaurant in Bakewell. It felt so nice to dress up and enjoy an evening out. Unfortunately, we were so caught up in great conversation and the amazing food that we didn’t take any pictures! I suppose that’s a sign of a truly memorable evening.
Overall, the weekend was filled with
lots of good food, long walks, fresh air, and some much-needed downtime. The fact that we didn't have a strong internet or phone connection actually made the experience even more relaxing. It forced us to disconnect from everything else and fully embrace the present moment. I’ll be catching up on my admin over the next few days now that we’re back.
I'm really looking forward to celebrating Dad's actual birthday next month. It’ll be another opportunity to make even more
wonderful memories with the family. I’m also encouraging Mum and Dad to keep moving and stay active. Just because we get older doesn’t mean we have to stop doing the things we love. In fact, it’s when we stop that the problems start creeping in, isn’t it?
Now that I’ve shared my weekend, I’d love to hear from you! How did you spend the bank holiday? Did you enjoy a weekend away, some quality time with loved ones, or perhaps a bit of relaxation at home? What are your favourite
things to do over a long weekend? Let me know in the comments - I’m always curious to hear how you make the most of those extra days off!
Until next time, take care and keep making time for the things that matter most.
Nicki xx
