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Off the beaten track: Chilbolton

Tuesday 2 June 2015
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Outfit: Rick Owens leather jacket (old but here's an affordable alternative), Alexander Wang t-shirt, The Kooples track pants, Nike sneakers and Miu Miu sunglasses.

One of the questions I get asked the most is what to pack for a trip to the U.K. Hmm......that's a million sterling pound question. It's June and I had to briefly turn on the heater. I gave up on summer clothes and went back to wearing sweats. It didn't stop me from looking at endless websites for broderie anglaise tops and pretty dresses that I'd probably freeze into a human popsicle if I attempt to wear them out now. Who knows? By the time this post is published, the sun will rear its head and grace us with plenty of vitamin Ds.

So....the answer to the question above is....bring clothes you can layer easily and a jacket with a hood just in case it rains. If you're stuck with unsuitable clothes.....well then, you have a FABULOUS excuse to shop, particularly if you're visiting London.


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I've been to London more times than I can count yet I've never ventured 15 miles outside of Winchester to a little quaint village of Chilbolton. Friends of mine have briefly mentioned about the place but only in terms of its prime real estate with price tags that'll pop your eyeballs out of their sockets. The drive on the narrow country lane meanders through various rapeseed farmland as far as the eye can see with gentle rolling hills that add to the beauty of the landscape.

We literally gasped in wonder when we entered the village. It was as if we'd stepped into the world of Enid Blyton's fairy tale stories with enchanting thatched houses. I felt like any minute now, Snow White was going to step out of the door of one of the thatched cottages, along with her Seven faithful Dwarves.

There's the River Test that runs along the meadow (Chilbolton Common Cow) peppered with buttercups and daisies. A 12th century church stood at the entrance of the village, a reminder of its long history as Chilbolton was once an ancient settlement. I've read about the crop circle by the Observatory though the formation can only be seen properly from a plane. The locals at the pub gazed at us with such fascination which I assumed was the case seeing how few people actually traipse through the town on any given day. We had two extremely well behaved Pomeranians with us (our friend's pedigree dogs) and armed with smartphones and a camera which we promptly put to good use.

Public transportation to Chilbolton is rather abysmal. If you're a visitor from outside of the U.K,  I would suggest renting a car from Winchester. Enterprise rental car agency is located to your right as you exit the train station (it's in the same building). They're not open in the weekend. There are frequent trains from London Waterloo to Winchester. Check this website for train timetable.




5 comments:

  1. We really do need a trip to your neck of the woods Marlene, I would love to see this lovely little place. Your pictures are stunning as usual.....and I love your summary of the perfect way to pack for our British Summer. Absolutely spot on! ;0) xx

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  2. Wow, that village looks amazing. I love the picture with the beautiful dog gazing out of the window.
    I am using an oil filled radiator in my bedroom to take the chill off. Your outfit is fantastic, and you look glowing despite the weather.

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  3. Beautiful, beautiful pictures as always Marlene. I never get tired of wandering round these little chocolate-box villages, but unfortunately my kids take a different view! I've been enjoying your photos of wisteria-clad cottages on Instagram - I have a Japanese wisteria in my back garden, but it's been there 8 years and I've yet to get a flower from it. *sob* xx

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  4. agradable lugar, rica comida, bonito outfit (=

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  5. I must agree that this blog is out-of-competition, honestly. So bright and lively!

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