 Family day trips are the highlight of Summer. It's a nice time to create memories, which we all like to look back on. We initially intended to visit Lincoln on the sunny Sunday. We set out at 2.30 after lunch and everyone was finally good to go (I can't help but think of the Friends episode where no-one is ready!) Half-way through our journey, we realised that we weren't going to make it in time to enter the castle there. Slight detour - time to get on our phones to see what nearby attraction we could visit. Newark became our new port of call.
Driving through the English countryside feels like looking at a continuously-changing painting; shades of green on a canvas. The charming stoops, vibrant doors and rustic charm of Newark invited us in. When I look back at the photos of things that caught my eye at the time, I think about how it looks when considered by itself. It definitely works completely as one image, yet more so, of course, in context, For example, here's a picture of a draped leafy mound. Then this scene springs to mind and it makes sense. 'That IS a nice boulder'. 
On our journey, a field glided past us with some beautiful horses living the good life. We just had to make a quick pit stop to say hello! Their charming selves sauntered over, where a mid-carrot snack captured a cheeky tongue. They're such friendly animals, where we also met lovely horses on a visit to Elvaston in Derby (which also has a famed castle and gardens). It's safe to say you're easily enamoured. 
Newarke castle's dramatic structure swept across the landscape, casting shadows on the grassy land. The Midlands is home to a few castles. Whenever I see such architecture, I wonder what it would have been like to explore the building when it stood in its full glory. Vanilla ice-cream at hand, we made our way around the grand ruins. It was a quiet and mellow day, with many people enjoying being by the dockside. 
Walking around brought us to a surrounding moat and a view of the west tower curtain wall. According to the information point, the 1300's was when the expansive riverside wall was built. Transport by river was widely used in medieval times, where supplies would have delivered by the water gate. The water also protected the large face of the building from attack. Many a medieval film seen sprung to mind - think Robin Hood and the Prince of Thieves, First Knight, and a throwback to English classes with Macbeth's antics. 
Two types of stone were used for the construction, to give a multi-coloured effect. King Edward I made this tonal-stone aesthetic popular, where it was also used for the castle at Caernarfon (A quick google search has surprised me in the sheer scale of this castle in Wales - definitely looks like one to visit!) Blending into the hidden alcoves, they also provided a brief respite from the sun. 
The fortress once belonged to King John in 1216 and it was here that he met his demise, after consuming an infamous ''surfeit of peaches''. I believe in moderation of everything, yet if you're going to leave this earth, it may as well be doing something you love. The castle was occupied by a new owner in 1470, where two statement bay windows were put next to the north-west tower. It provided light at the end of the dining hall, where it must have been quite the view at lunchtime. What a way to survey the idyllic landscape and kingdom. 
We didn't get there in time to make the river trip, yet it was peaceful watching all the boats glide by. Classic aviators are my usual go-to in the summertime. I've been on the look out for some cat-eye sunglasses to add a fun touch to an outfit, yet which are still relatively versatile. We took a moment on the dockside to watch the sun glinting on the surface. Relaxed Sundays at their best. 
I'm a fan of nautical stripes, where my wardrobe contains a host of striped tees; navy and white being a classic favourite. Audrey Tatou in 'Coco Before Chanel' channels that relaxed chic look effortlessly, with a bold Breton t-shirt. They're great for mix and matching, where a pop of colour can add eye-catching detail. Look at that glinting water; I could stand and watch the glittering surface for some time. 
Who doesn't love a little photobomb? My sister Hinisha making her debut on the blog, who is also an artist, as well as a Kiehl's skincare expert. Looking after your skin is especially important in the sunshine, where I'm rarely seen without a wide-brimmed hat to stay protected. There's fun ones on the market which have sequinned text written on the brim - I'm all for a statement hat. I'll be here relishing the sunrays and hope you're enjoying it too.
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