Enjoy the Art of Lingering at Manningford Lakes

A day off is always good for you ...

One of the things Malcolm likes to do is a spot of Trout fishing, he finds it relaxing and takes his mind off 'stuff' 😉

And sometimes he even gets a round of applause! 😂

Yep!  We all have 'stuff' and sometimes it's good to clear the mind of it!

To be perfectly honest, even if I liked the thought of fishing, there's no way I could stand still that long and flick my arms in and out - I probably wouldn't be able to move my arms the next day after all that!

If I get the chance

No, no but if I am free to go along a stroll is much more my kind of thing.  A spot of nature watching with my camera always helps to clear my head of 'stuff'.

I linger for a while ..

I just love to amble and appreciate what's around me.  This place is so pretty and so peaceful.

The only sound you will hear is from the wildlife. 

If you don't want to wander there are seats around the lakes where you can sit and enjoy the peace and stillness of it all.

So now a bit of info:

Manningford Trout Fishery.

One of the most well known fisheries in the South of England, set in the heart of the Pewsey Vale.

The lakes are well stocked with brown and rainbow trout. 

There you'll find the 4.5 acre Manor Lake, 1.3 acre Squires Lake and a catch and release lake.

They also have 2 miles of single bank fishing on the River Avon.

Opening hours: 

SUMMER    May - September 8am - 7pm 

WINTER    October - April 8am - Dusk

CLOSED Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Before you decide on a date

Take a look at the Events Page on the website to check the venue hasn't been exclusively hired out on the day you want to visit.

They also take bookings for conferences or meetings. 

If you enjoy the art of lingering, this just has to be a great place to do it.

How to Spend a Few Hours in the New Forest on a Misty Autumn Day

And you might think to yourself 'New Forest'?  Looks like a sea view to me.

And you would be right, of course, it is indeed a sea view.  A view across the Solent from Milford on Sea beach.

Beautiful isn't it.

Actually, Milford on Sea is in the New Forest.  So aren't we lucky here to have the best of both worlds.  Forest and sea.

But on a very still and misty day there's nothing more relaxing than walking along the Keyhaven Nature Reserve, a hidden sanctuary for bird watchers.

On this misty day I was lucky to see this black swan.

 And he actually glided towards me so that I could get a closer look.  Isn't he beautiful.

Now I'm not saying that he will be there when you visit, but there is certainly plenty of wildlife to see.

Sometimes it's as if they are putting on a show just for you!

I have no bird knowledge, other than knowing a swan or a duck, the simple ones, but do you really need to know to appreciate how beautiful these creatures are?

 And, of course, if you have children with you they love to feed the birds.  As long as it's not the seagulls on the beach or wherever people are sitting, it's harmless, and as long as they stay a safe distance from the swans.  They can get quite aggressive, the swans that is not the kids! :)

Ah and what's that I spy across the water?

Could it be a chance for some light refreshment?

It is definitely a place to get a snack or even a meal.

This is a happening place. Friendly service and great food.

I stopped for some yummy sweet potato chips.  Delicious!

If you fancy something a little more substantial call in there before your walk to book a table.

Raft Rocks is very popular and for lunch or evening meals it may be necessary to book ahead.

So there you have it - how to spend a few hours in the New Forest on a misty Autumn Day.

Total relaxation.