A timeless charm of Cogges

After days and days of incessant rain, we were lucky to have a sunny Sunday, and when asked what we should do, Eddie enthusiastically encouraged us to go to Cogges. Not that any of us needs any encouragement. We love Cogges Manor Farm, and have visited it so many times, I lost count.

As a rule, we first have a short break in the Cogges cafe, boys are enjoying their soft drinks, while Papa and I have coffee and tea. I rather gave up on coffee there, as it is rather uninspiring. It is not terrible but there are better places in town to enjoy a cup of latte or cappuccino. With Teapigs selection of teas, at least I know I will get a decent cup of tea. Scones are pretty good, and so are blondies. And if you are lucky, you might find duck eggs in the shop as well as some local vegetables.

Eddie always insists on buying some veggie mix for the piggies. These must be the best fed piggies in Oxfordshire, as all visiting kids want to feed them. It's a pleasure to watch them eating with gusto.

Boys love all the climbing frames, the zip wire and the wobbly bridge. Each time we visit, they do a jumping routine on the bridge.

Sasha was in a melancholic mood on the last visit and preferred to just sit and watch the commotion below.

He was happy though to share the basket swing with his younger brother.

The weather was lovely, and we had a ramble around the fields at the back of the farm, watching curious ponies who came up close to us, waiting for some snacks, and shy sheep who ran away.

I was excited to read in the Cogges email newsletter about the upcoming shooting of Downton Abbey.They have been filming this week, alas, I haven't had a chance to sneak in and watch in person. The house has been prepped for this week. I have been enjoying spotting Cogges kitchen and outside buildings in the last episodes of Downton Abbey, where it has been transformed into Yew Tree Farm, home of Lady Edith's daughter Marigold.

Dining-room at Cogges

Dining-room at Cogges

I'm a big fan of Downton Abbey, and feel thrilled that our favourite Cogges appears extensively in the latest series. Most of the Yew Tree Fram scenes take place in the fabulous kitchen. I swear I could live in that kitchen, with its cozy stove and gorgeous display of vintage china.

They have changed some of the china and kitchen gadgets to make it fit the portrayed historical period, but it is still a very recognisable old kitchen.

I hope we'll still have a chance to visit Cogges before it closes down for winter. So, rain, rain, go away.

Adding our visit to the farm post to #CountryKids linky on Coombe Mill blog.

And because we had a meal out, it fits our new Out & About linky run by Alison from Dragons and Fairy Dust and me - which is all about eating out.