Living in London, life can sometimes feel rather frenetic. While I adore city living, I make an effort to escape at least a handful of times annually to properly unwind.
During the summer months, the town is adorned with vibrant bunting, while small vessels drift along the waterway. In autumn, it’s equally as gorgeous as the trees turn gold and every shopfront becomes a cosy respite from the cold outside.
There’s lush riverside greenery, and the town buzzes with energy. After crossing the bridge, pop into The Curator for a coffee – the first of numerous independent establishments scattered along the high street.
The coffee is excellent, and they offer a delightful range of pastries should you wish to settle down for a snack – although don’t overindulge, there’s plenty more to discover.
The high street ascends gradually and is flanked by hundreds of independent retailers, charity outlets and tearooms.
Further along the high street, you’ll find the Cornish Bakery, which fills the street with the tempting savoury aroma of pasties. They cater for all tastes; even my vegan brother discovered something he loved.
As the high street curves to the left, you’ll discover Butterworth’s Vintage Co, a compact yet impressive secondhand emporium stocked with everything from knitwear to workwear and even vintage magazines.
Once you’ve finished browsing the collection, you may fancy a refreshing beverage or perhaps another bite to eat – fortunately, you won’t have far to go.
Just a short walk from Butterworth’s sits The Bull Inn, a delightful pub serving an extensive organic food menu and offering nine guest rooms, should you need somewhere to stay for the night.
For me, the highlight of The Bull Inn is its pretty garden, where you can unwind in the sunshine and watch the world go by. Located just across the car park, and like much of the town, it’s frequently adorned with colourful bunting.
On a sunny day, it genuinely is hard to beat – and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be more than ready to rest your feet after all that browsing along the high street.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
