This is my legs by the pool photo
From pyjamas to Pitt Rivers — a cosy bookish escape
Forget the classic ‘hotdog legs’ holiday shot. Sunbaked legs by the pool? An open book? Maybe a cocktail on the side?
This is my version — legs out, slippers on! Just like the influencers do it, only with a comfy pair of pyjamas and a cup of tea just out of shot.
Clare and I have just got back from a lovely few days at the Weston Manor Hotel near Bicester where our suite had this amazing little reading nook high on a minstrel‘s gallery.
I mean, look at it!
Leaving the nook (temporarily)
Away from the minstrel's gallery, we had a great time exploring Oxford, including the Pitt Rivers Museum which I’d somehow never visited before, and the adjoining Natural History museum — which, leaning heavily into one of my many fixations, delivered a wealth of top-notch Dodo content.
One day I will write the definitive Dodo-themed thriller. You have been warned.
One does not simply walk past a bookshop
Other highlights of the trip included — surprise, surprise — trips to multiple bookshops (although I was good and only picked up a few pressies for other people. Keep reading for the reason behind this rare display of self-control.)
This sign at Gulp Fiction in the Covered Market made me smile:
All the food types (except tea!)
Great shop, too! I especially liked this bookish promotion — buy anything from the featured table and get a free hot drink.
Also pictured: one of the amazing Alice in Wonderland lanterns by sculptor Eilidh Bryan that hang in the market
You have no idea how hard it was not to grab something for myself but, while I’m not officially on a book-buying ban, my TBR pile is already teetering on the point of collapse. Seriously, any minute I'm going to star in next year's most relatable disaster movie. All it needs is a title. Bookslide? TBRmegeddon? Shelf-Destruct? You decide (but make sure I get 10% of box-office takings, come what may!)
Retreat. Read. Repeat.
Thankfully, reading continued back at (what I’m now calling) Scott Manor.
For those interested, minstrel gallery reading matter included:
- Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao (which I’m loving as much as Iron Widow! Really hope the movie version is still happening.)
- Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman (part of my ongoing quest to be a little more zen and a lot less perfectionist!)
- Dipping in and out of the latest issues of Writer’s Digest. (I always learn something! Rob Hart's articles in particular are crammed with nuggets of gold.)
The lobby of the hotel also provided this great photo op.
New author photo, anyone?
Join the conversation
- What are your current fixations? (Bonus points if they’re vaguely bird-shaped 🦤)
- What are you currently reading — and where’s your cosiest reading spot?
- Any favourite bookshops or museum visits I should add to my list?
Let me know in the comments!