Mummy Diaries | Autumn Afternoon at Cressing Barns

Wednesday 1 November 2017

I don’t know about you, but I really take where I live for granted. Not so much at the moment, but when I was back living at home mum’s. The village was is beautiful, surrounded by country parks, plenty of places to visit by car and not too far from the seaside. I knew when I moved, I would miss it and wish I’d spent more time outdoors. Which is why I really enjoyed an afternoon at Cressing Barns so much.

Cressing is just north of Witham, northwest of Tiptree and is a historical site, home to three old barns (previously used for barley, wheat and malt), as well as a lovely walled garden and tearoom. The barns can be hired for events, including weddings and craft fairs, but it’s a lovely place to stop by and have a look around – especially if you’re heading to the tearooms (worth the visit alone!).

There’s plenty to see – although not all completely buggy friendly – with smaller buildings to go inside, as well as the barns themselves. Mum did have to wait outside with Alfie a couple of times as I explored. Walking around the gardens were fine though, there’s plenty of space and while the terrain isn’t completely level as you walk around, it was never a problem.

The gardens were really beautiful and although they’d be better in full bloom, the pumpkin patch gave me all the autumn/Halloween feels! Isn’t it cute? The smells were lovely as we walked, with flowers, fruits and herbs grown everywhere – and even better, everything was labelled! You could also buy small potted plants or packets of seeds for a minimal fee. We didn’t buy any, though.

And to the tearoom, which even contained products by Wilkin & Sons of Tiptree to purchase. My mum and auntie shared the afternoon tea for two: a selection of sandwiches (they chose brie and coronation turkey, both on granary bread) with a pot of hot gooseberry chutney, scones with clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry preserve and a selection of four cakes/pastries. It looked lovely. The brie was thick cut and there was even a small salad amongst the sandwiches. I helped them out with the cakes, having a piece of red velvet, as well as half a scone. Of course, I had a ploughman’s: slices of ham, turkey, cheddar and brie, with a large salad, apple slices, homemade creamy coleslaw and a fresh cottage loaf roll. In my Tiptree jar was a gorgeous onion chutney – perfect for accompanying the cheese. This was probably one of the best ploughman’s I’d ever had and I even managed to eat it all.

I would definitely return for afternoon tea and another look around, probably in the spring. While the weather was perfect for the time of year – sunny, but crisp – it would be good to see the garden in full bloom. I imagine weddings in the warmer months are particularly beautiful, especially with all the wonderful backdrops... if any of my friends are getting married soon?

Love, Lucy xx

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