Day 6 of my '90 days of summer' posts; visit a botanical gardens. The botanical gardens in Sheffield are a hidden gem not far from the city centre. In fact, it's so peaceful and quiet, it's hard to believe you are anywhere near a built up area at all.  We spend a lot of time here all year round but it is particularly beautiful at this time of year. 

There are so many places to sit and read, eat a picnic, chat to friends and admire the view. If it's a cold day, there is a little tea room that sells hot chocolate and in the summer it's all about ice cream. There are so many varieties of plants and flowers and the rose garden is just beautiful. 

What better way to spend an evening after work or a weekend afternoon. 

Of course, we always have a picnic with us! At this time of year, the picnic baskets are always packed and ready so that if we decide on impulse to pop over here, we are set to go. 

I don't know if you were like me as a child but I always had a Famous Five book in my hand. I read them over and over many times and used to read them to my girls too. Visiting Dorset, which was a holiday destination for the author Enid Blyton, gave me an opportunity to bring my childhood dreams to life and experience a bit of nostalgia.

The beautiful Corfe Castle was the inspiration for Kirrin Castle so I just had to visit there with a picnic that I'm sure the Famous Five would have enjoyed, or so I like to think! Lashings of ginger beer, beef sandwiches, hard boiled eggs. shortbread. fruit cake and oranges. What could be better!

A view of the castle from the village.

How cute is this signpost!

Looking down from the castle walls.