Quintessential England.
I read this saying many times while planning our trip to England. B&B’s especially like using this phrase, but can you blame them. Searching for the perfectly situation street or house or garden is why we visit England.
The rock fences, rolling hills, grazing sheep, green green grass, plethora of blooming flowers, thatched roofs, the warm colored stone houses, narrow streets, friendly people and their accents make England a welcoming and charming place to visit.
I’ve combed through my photos and gathered these few because they show the spirit of England.
The Character.
The Beauty.
The Charm.
Lilac sachets for sale in a residential door stoop. 
Flower petals outside a church… 
We visited several gardens either alone or include with Estates we toured.
They garden well.
This interesting structure below is a bug house. Constructed with a wood frame and stacked full of sticks, rocks, pots, logs and plants and placed in the outskirts of gardens to provide a habitat for bugs. First time I’ve seen or heard of these. 
We hardly passed a church that we didn’t stop to visit. There are opened churches in every community and an interesting cemetery to peruse. Flower arrangements in the windows, and on the baptistery and embroidered cushions adorned the wooden pews and kneeling benches. Some of the churches near the popular footpaths had snacks available for the hikers.
Character can be found in every aspect.
The worn steps.
The door pulls.
The windows. 
The gentle wave of the rock shingles. 
The thatched roofs. 
The layers of petals. 
I especially love visiting this time of the year because there are still some of the summer flowers blooming but there is a crispness in the air and the autumn fruits are on the trees and with the kids back in school it’s more the typical English days with fewer tourist. 
We visited grand estates. Do you recognize this? Pride and Prejudice fans will recognize it as Darcy’s home. (Colin Firth) Lyme Park. 
Or this charming place? Highclere (location of Downton Abbey) 
Incredible wonder.
We visited our fair share of the “tourist” spots like Chatsworth and Westminster Abbey and Tower of London which are all lovely to visit don’t get me wrong, but my favorite days were the ones spent walking the country side or poking through the little villages and churches and ducking in for a latte for a late afternoon pick me up. To me that is quintessentially England and reason enough to visit again.
Katey
PS. Next Doors and Dogs!!
Oh, Katey, what magical, fairy tale places you visited & captured for us to enjoy! Thank you, sweet lady — such vicarious delight & awe this provided!
Thank you Lori. It is beautiful and I thought of you many times as I knew you’d enjoy our cemetery walks. Katey
so beautiful! just curious… how many times have you been? xo
It is a beautiful country. This is my 3rd trip. Have you been? Thank you for your comments on my blog. Glad to have you for a reader. :) Katey
Katey, the absolutely stunning images and evocative words here are the work of a truly gifted photojournalist. Thank you for taking us on a beautiful armchair visit to what truly seems to be one of the most charming countries on earth. Sincerely, John O’Dowd
thank you John. what a lovely compliment! and an encouragement to me. Katey
Every picture sooo beautiful! Definantly made me want to see in person. They are all beautiful! Wish you would take me next time? If I could walk! Guess I’ll just have to enjoy thru your eyes! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jo. It is so beautiful. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. As I look at them I find it hard to believe I was there. Wish you could go. Katey
Katey, you make good use of your camera. There is no way words alone could describe the charm and beauty of what you all experienced. The photo’s are inspiring,and soul enriching. Thanks for sharing your love for ‘ things old,outside and odd’.
Carolyn
thank you Mrs. Hayes! I feel so fortunate to be able to travel to places such as this and share with you. Katey
You are indeed blessed, and I’m confident that your sincere expression of gratitude is as a sweet smelling savor to God, and He will continue to bless you as you spread your joy.
Very beautiful! I always wanted to go to England.
Natasha, you need to go. you would really love it. charming. hope you are doing well. love to you. katey
I enjoyed your beautiful photos and descriptions, so much!
Thank you Diane! I appreciate your comment. I am happy to share with you. Katey
I am simply in awe of that most beautiful and historic land which is England! I am planning a trip there myself someday, to include Scotland, and it cannot come soon enough. Your wonderful photos help fuel the fire burning in me to get there sooner than later! Thank you!
Thank you Cynthia. You do need to go and enjoy this beautiful place. I can recommend you a few things when you get close. Wish we could visit over some tea! Remember me buying that little thatched English house from you? I gave it to my mom for Christmas to dream of our trip. Thank you for your sweet comments. Katey
Yes, I do remember your little house purchase and your planned trip! I put 2 and 2 together when I saw your posts this week! It will likely be a few years before I go, unless my Etsy shop really takes off! Keeping my fingers crossed!
I will! I love your sweet pieces! I wish you the best!