Blue sky at Bodiam Castle and a visit to a vineyard...

We were meant to be elsewhere today but despite the early morning rain there was a promise of good weather.. the promise was fulfilled... as we drove south the clouds cleared, the sky was blue and the sun shone... glorious.

WE arrived a little early so had a wander by the River Rother whilest we waiting for the Tea Room to open..

Stood trying to find a Reed Warble... but didn't, but we did see a couple or so Common Whitethroats fitting about in the bushes..

 Around the tea room..

and our first Fruit Scone of the day... a pleasant taste but scored 4 on this occasion.  Warm out of the oven but perhaps needed a few mins more...

Whilst we ate and had a cuppa, birds posed..
Jackdaw

and one of the any Sparrows who decided to mop up some crumbs..

A Starling joined us..

So duly fed and watered, we started off for a walk around and up the ruins of the castle..

and some of us needed a sit down before we'd got very far

Lots of these in the moat

Still early in the day so we went the Smallhythe Place, the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry..  It's a small house but very pretty...

and just before we got there we had an impromptu stop at Chapel Down vineyard where Pete bought a couple of bottles  :)

 WE had a shared Stilton Platter for lunch and share a scone as well.. a little on the heavy side.. perhaps a bit more baking

The Church of St John the Baptist which is in the grounds..

All in all, a glorious day!