Tag #seaside

Margate, England

Mishmash Media Blog 3 Comments

Feel compelled to write about my wonderful day out at Margate because it is such a fabulous place, these days. Visited yesterday, so decided to write this impromptu blog post about my adventures…

I started off with a visit to the Turner Contemporary and viewed an exhibition called Animals and Us. All about the examination of humans and animals and concentrating on modern and historical art works and installations. An unusual exhibition which displays our distance and closeness with animals using symbolism, cultural and experimental views.

Next stop was lunch at the Sands Hotels. I sat next to the large window with the most spectacular view of Margate beach. Had goats cheese mousse, beef and Etonian mess. Fantastic, not expensive and once again, I felt quite spoilt.

Then I wandered around the beach area, had a few soft drinks, enjoyed the views and realised, as I was relaxing, that I should frequent Margate more often. Going to the beach for a day is like having a mini holiday because it is so much fun and very relaxing.

Then I had a look around the Shell Grotto which was discovered during 1835. Nobody knows why it was built and who was responsible for this incredible tunnel full of shells. Ornate and quite a surreal structure. Apparently, the folks of Margate have argued about the grotto’s origins ever since it was discovered. Rather a perplexing matter. Maybe an ancient pagan temple or meeting place? Very odd.

Popped in a burger place then the, what must be, the world’s most quirkiest micro pub, Fez. Really fun place, full of quirky artefacts, vinyl music and a warm welcome. What a day!

Fez

Margate has a fantastic selection of micro pubs, cafes, galleries and of course, a wonderful beach. Can highly recommend. I left Margate walking along the promenade whilst viewing this amazing sunset!

Thanks for reading my blogs. Don’t forget to follow…

Source: http://shellgrotto.co.uk

A Weekend Getaway

Mishmash Media Blog 2 Comments

Decided to go down to the coast and languish on the beach for a weekend getaway. The weekend weather looked promising and the sun was blazing so it will be warm by the coast, won’t it? With chairs, jumper and a scarf, which resembles a blanket, I thought I’d be warm enough. I was correct. Well, sort of. Although blustery, it felt quite cosy watching the waves, reading my new book and relaxing. The warm sunshine on my face was warm and welcome. Not sure I’ve managed to sit on a British beach before, in March? This trip has been quite uplifting because the British winter seems interminable this year and I’m glad of some sea air.

It is invigorating to get out and about rather than succumbing to cabin fever. I have been known to meander to the sea shore, visit art galleries and enjoy the tranquil break by the sea, doing my own thing.

After a couple of hours, I took off and stopped for a cuppa, which tasted of sawdust, then walked to the pier. Why do cafes provide rubbish tea? The place had a negative atmosphere when I walked in. Maybe it was my windswept look that shocked 😳 them. Or maybe the putrid tea.

The brisk walk became suddenly very brisk. Ok, now it felt a bit chilly, so I admired the floral display and pier, then, turned around and went back, speedily, to the warmth of the car. Was I a bit bonkers to visit the coast on a windy, sunny day in March? Well, it felt great. Always feels like a mini holiday when you spend some time away from your normal environment.

Do you do this? If not, perhhaps you should. But pick the cafe stop wisely.

Broadstairs…

Mishmash Media Blog 2 Comments

The summer is drawing to a close and it is always a good idea to squeeze a few mini breaks in as you can while the glorious weather remains.  Sometimes it is a worthy notion to explore a place you haven’t visited for a while and so Broadstairs became the obvious choice.

The drive through Kent takes about an hour and a half, especially if you attempt the journey during August.  But it is worth it.  Parking is ok for a start and then the day improves as soon as the first glimpse of the beach is spotted.  Broadstairs has seven sandy beaches and bays and the views are spectacular.

20160828_104900

Viking beach has everything for everybody, including beach huts, deck chairs, windbreaks, rides for children, cafes, a harbour and an impressive cliff top promenade that encompasses a band stand, café and park area.  As you saunter along the promenade you will come across cafes, pubs, art shows, gift shops and of course, Dicken’s House Museum.  This was the home of Mary Pearson Strong, who inspired the character Betsey Trotwood in Dickens’ novel, David Copperfield, one of my all-time favourite novels.

20160828_105622

The quaint buildings are a wonderful sight to behold and to be honest, I had forgotten how charming Broadstairs is with the distinctive architecture, independent shops, restaurants, pubs and nostalgic magnetism.

Also, the community spirit seems very much alive.  It has a great music scene (folk festival during a week in August), food and Dickens events during the year.

I really enjoyed a walk along the promenade looking at the enticing surroundings, then visiting the town and lunch in a café with a wishing well in it!  The food was yummy too.  After lunch wandered down to the beach and enjoyed the sun.

So what are the advantages of a day out in Broadstairs?

  • 7 sandy and safe beaches
  • Array of eateries
  • History (Dickens’ Museum etc.)
  • Quirky town (gift shops/pubs/restaurants)
  • Community (Friendly and has many events and festivals)

Really enjoyed the day out and feel Broadstairs is a celebration of a great day out enjoying some sea air.  No wonder it is known as the jewel in the Thanet crown.

2 ways to raise your mood…

Mishmash Media Blog Leave a comment

wp-1461334425283.jpg

Sometimes it is hard to raise your spirits if you are feeling down. Two things seem to really help. The first one is to exercise and the second is to take a road trip and have a few hours at the country, seaside or park.

I spent a recent Sunday afternoon exploring the sleepy seaside town of Bexhill. Well I say sleepy, it is on a Sunday, but on other days there are a super array of indie shops and restaurants to pursue.  The purpose of the visit was to take in some sea air and enjoy a stroll along the front.  The beach is pebble but looked spectacular in the spring sunlight. A cuppa, in a mug, on the sea front, whilst watching the seagulls swoop down into the sea, was just what was needed.  A slow saunter along the front taking in the spectacular view also helped lift the mood.  Can’t recommend it enough. If a negative mood is triggered by a particular stimulus or event then it can be challenged and changed.  So try it!

wp-1461334551981.jpg