there’s no denying that winter is creeping up on us like an unwanted visitor and i don’t like it one bit.

having missed the cold snap last year, thanks to a secondment in la, i have been dreading the harshest of seasons.

a rare day of sunshine last weekend did not only come as a welcome break from the dreary wet weather, but it also reminded me of just how beautiful britain can be in the autumn.

despite waking up with a slight headache following a boozy night of birthday celebrations, a deliciously crisp day brought with it a bright blue sky, and, the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, with zero danger of getting caught in a downpour. i have been sporting the drowned rat look in recent weeks and i can tell you it isn’t a pretty sight.

as i was staying back home with my parents, we decided to go for a late afternoon family stroll in heaton park.

armed with a bag of carrots, we arrived just in time to make the most of the beautiful sunshine at the end of the day.

the vegetable supply didn’t last long – the treats were gobbled up in seconds before the horses lost interest and returned to grazing on the grass. while the donkeys or the cows were nowhere to be seen, you will always find a few greedy mouths keen to be fed in the fields.

we made our way around the park and up to heaton hall, a building dating back to the 18th century, which boasts impressive views for many miles, particularly on a clear day.

near the hall there is the temple, a circular building sitting at the highest point in manchester, you can see out across to the the pennines which circle around the town. it really is worth the short climb up.

given i’m usually battling with an umbrella on any trip home it was so lovely to get outside win such glorious weather. there really is something wonderful about the rustling of crunchy golden leaves underfoot.

i hope you enjoy my snaps as much as i enjoyed taking them! 

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p.s. it’s not too late to get your entry in for our ppq shangri-la giveaway! we’ll pick a winner on friday, so don’t forget to get your name in… details here