My Little Bit of English Heaven

As we come to realise that it's the end of Summer, it's the time to reflect back on the last few months. I like to recall those perfect, fantastic moments I had that will always reminds me of Summer 2009.

This year, I will always remember one Wednesday in August. The weather was fantastic and so I seized the opportunity to go to the place I call "My Little Bit of English Heaven".


My old next door neighbour originally told me about this place. When she described it, it sounded idyllic and I was immediately drawn to what it could potentially offer. She doesn't drive and isn't great at directions....but I was determined to find it. I did my research with a map and used some common sense. And on a sunny day in Summer 2008, I bravely set off with my two kids, unsure as to whether or not I was heading to the right place.


After I'd managed to get everyone out of the car, I set off down a country lane. I was relieved to find that the path was robust enough for a buggy. I had prepared for all eventualities, and on my first visit I was carrying my 4 month old baby boy in a sling. But this visit, I enthusiastically pushed the buggy along the lane.


After passing a couple of houses, we walked into a field. You could feel the hush, as the noise fro the traffic from the nearby roads faded into the distance. We walked along, accompanied by the click-clicking of insects and the incessant chatter of my 2 year old. The field then turned into a clearing surrounded by trees. There were hundreds of bunnies, who as soon as they heard us they scurried into the undergrowth.


We reached the river bank a few yards ahead. There was no-one around. We set up a picnic and my daughter spent the next few hours playing in the river, catching tiddlers and generally running around. This was heaven. What more could I ask for? Sun, cold running water to cool down in, tranquillity all within a beautiful setting.


I've been back numerous times. This summer, when the temperature promised to reach 30 degrees, and the Veralanium (St Alban's main park) was full of day-trippers, my Little Bit of English Heaven remained idyllic. This year, I had two children running around, splashing in the river and enjoying a traditionally picnic. It has such a natural appeal that I can see our family visiting this spot for many years.

I would love to tell you where this beautiful place is, but it's best kept as a secret.