escaping to the english countryside

for our trip to the english countryside, we debated renting
a car but decided that we wanted to take the train. it is
just the way to travel in england! it’s smooth and easy.
we left london after work on a busy friday night and caught
the train from paddington station –> out to newbury. of
course there are a lot of ways to book trains in the UK, but
we used goeuro at the recommendation of a local friend.
it was simple and guaranteed we got the best price since
it is an aggregator of all train lines, times, and tickets! you
can book other modes of transport on it too, so it’s a
really good source for travel options throughout europe.
onto our getaway! we had a smooth train journey (so beautiful
and relaxing through the countryside), pulled into newbury
station, and took a cab a few miles up the road to the small
town of kingsclere where we would be staying at bel & the dragon.
enter the most charming country inn on earth. nestled
right in the heart of kingsclere village, it is cozy and
classic all at once. bel & the dragon is a bed & breakfast
chain through the UK, and after experiencing the kingsclere
location we have it on our list to stay at each one of them.
i knew i was a fan of the rustic feel here from the
second i walked in and saw these pretty floors.
i also knew i was a fan when this was
the village view out of our room window ^^
another favorite touch: books stacked in the windowsills ^^
remember to “mind your head” as you walk through the inn!
i’d like to pack this very bed up and transport it straight to
our home. cutest + comfiest bed i never wanted to leave!
i did eventually leave it for a walk through the village followed
by a bubbly soak in the cutest tub (i also wanted to keep that!)
breakfast in the morning is the best perk of
staying here. it’s hard to choose from the options!
homemade bread + butter ^^
the best part of this bed & breakfast is that you
don’t have to leave for any meals if you don’t want to!
after a day of exploring in the blustery weather, we cozied
up by the fire for the best dinner right in the restaurant.
this bed & breakfast group is known for the food …
a lot of locals come by just for a meal here. it’s incredible!
if you dine here, do NOT miss the buttery cauliflower side dish.
we were both practically drinking it by the end!
we finished off all of that food with a brownie board for dessert.
we didn’t know it was quite this many brownies
when we ordered it, but somehow we managed :)
back up the charming staircases to our room ^^
it was truly so hard to say goodbye to this weekend away ..
it was right at the end of our time in london, so we had a
bittersweet goodbye to the UK! we will be back here for sure. 
thank you to bel & the dragon – kingsclere for inviting us out for a stay.
clearly, we adored it!

xx