January getaway

January is not the best month for UK holidays but with our son recovering from a broken arm/wrist and myself watching the Postie for a hospital letter a change of scene was needed by us all.

It's always nice to see our daughter who lives in Cardiff but we are there next month so we looked at the English side of the Bristol Channel (close enough for her to visit us) ....... and we discovered Portishead. It's an area I remember as being very industrial but this coastal fishing town has had much redevelopment including a superb marina.

Marina from our balcony patio

A first for us but not a last, our Airbnb apartment was amazing: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious lounge diner kitchen and an amazing outdoor balcony patio.

Only an hour from Cardiff meant we had a superb family day including a great Sunday lunch at The Windmill with views of the Severn Crossing, if a little misty. Sunday afternoon was spent enjoying coffee and cake on the patio wrapped in blankets - January holiday at it's best.

Our lovely daughter with her boyfriend

On Monday, after dropping our son at Avonmouth station for the Bristol train to meet a friend for the day, Hubby and I decided to drive round the countryside.

Within 10 minutes we spotted the distinctive oak leaf brown sign for a National Trust property. As most properties are closed over the winter we were surprised and delighted to discover Tyntesfield was open.

This gothic style mansion house built in the 1800s was stunning. The old farm buildings are now the National Trust shop, toilets and restaurant; the tables located in the old stables.

Coffee in the stables

Great use of the old stable block

A short walk up and down a fairly steep hill revealed this beautiful house. The main house, as with most properties, was closed for cleaning but National Trust were piloting a new idea, tours of the upper parts of the house usually unseen. We climbed narrow staircases and discovered upper corridors with servant quarters, day and night nurseries, and the nurse maids bedroom. A very different tour to the usual grand house. I'm sure we'll revisit to see the grand side of the house.

Tyntesfield - a stunning house

Great gothic style

Tuesday was the day we explored Portishead. The marina area with its lock allowing boats out to sea is a modern development filled with some very nice yatchs. A stroll up and along the headland past large houses with views across to Wales brought us to the Esplanade. Very cold and breezy on a January day but the Lido and stretch of sand would be very inviting in July or August.

Leaving the sea behind we wandered into town with its small collection of shops, many still independent. The walk home just happened to pass Majestic Wine, it would have been rude not to call in. I'm very glad we did as Hubby picked up some more bordeaux and I discovered Tarquin's Cornish Pastis - oh my goodness it is amazing.

Absolutely superb

Our short break away was just what we all needed. Portishead is a lovely place, the amazing views adding to its appeal. Our apartment was perfect, especially for our Sancerre/cheese evening. A holiday destination we will certainly be visiting again!

Sancerre with cheese - perfect supper

The Second Severn crossing 

With my two favourite chaps - thank you for a superb mini break !