27/08/2026
At the weekend, I headed to Lincolnshire for the first time to visit Jayne Bernstein and Allen Howe. It was so lovely to catch up, slow down for a couple of days and recharge my batteries. Brunch at the North Sea Observatory was a real highlight – I could happily have sat there for hours, just gazing out at the choppy, beautiful and endlessly inspiring sea. There’s something about being by the sea that always helps me put things into perspective. For a little while, the usual rush and noise seemed to disappear, and I was reminded how important it is to make time for moments like that. Definitely my happy place!
From there, we headed off to Mablethorpe and Alford, enjoying some gorgeous views of the Lincolnshire countryside along the way. I loved how unhurried the whole day felt. We weren’t racing from one place to the next; we could simply enjoy the scenery, the conversation and the pleasure of seeing somewhere new (for me, anyway!). And the perfect way to round it all off? Tea and cake at Alford Manor House.
What surprised me most, especially in our 24-hour economy, was that everything seemed to close at 4pm! I remember that happening when I was a child, but I really didn’t expect it now. Life certainly moves at a different pace there. It made me realise how used I’ve become to everything being available at any hour. Although the early closing took me by surprise, there was something rather refreshing about a place that seemed happy to do things in its own time.
I came home feeling recharged, refreshed and ready for the week ahead. More than anything, the weekend reminded me that stepping away, even briefly, can make a real difference. Then the week actually happened – but that’s another story!
