Out and About This Winter with Bensons
I do love a winter walk in The Cotswolds!
Getting everyone out of the house can take a little persuading, but once we’re out in the fresh air, we’re always glad we made the effort. Especially if there’s something warm to drink when we get there.
Our Winter Mulled Apple Juice was made for days like these. British apple juice with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, it’s best gently warmed and served in a mug. It smells wonderful, and because it’s alcohol-free, everyone can join in.
With Christmas around the corner, I thought I’d share a few of our favourite places to look out for Bensons while you’re out and about.
A visit to your local National Trust
We’re very lucky to be based on a National Trust farm here in the Cotswolds, so seeing Bensons in National Trust cafés always makes me happy. There’s something lovely about knowing our drinks are a small part of someone’s day at an estate.
At this time of year, a walk around the grounds is a good excuse to put the Christmas jobs aside for a few hours. And with beautifully decorated houses and Christmas trails to explore at many properties, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy.
I’m usually thinking about the café stop before we’ve finished the walk. A slice of cake, something hot to drink and a chance to warm up before heading home. Look out for Bensons and do ask whether our Winter Mulled Apple Juice is being served.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim is another place where we’re proud to see Bensons, and it’s such a lovely place to visit around Christmas.
The lights, the walk through the grounds and a browse around the Christmas market make a wonderful evening out. Wrap up properly, take your time and look out for our drinks along the way. It’s always a treat to spot Bensons when we’re visiting somewhere with family and friends, especially at Christmas!
A little Christmas shopping at Burford Garden Company
I can quite happily lose an afternoon at Burford Garden Company, especially at Christmas. I’ll go in with a couple of presents in mind and find myself looking at decorations, things for the house and probably something I hadn’t planned to buy.
After you’ve bought all your Christmas bits, pop along to the café to get a Winter Mulled Apple Juice.
A few more familiar favourites
Herd at Todenham Manor Farm, Millets Farm and Over Farm are all places we love seeing our drinks.
A visit to the farm shop is a lovely addition to a winter weekend, particularly when you can pick up some treats for Christmas. Whether you’re popping in after a walk or making a day of it with the family, have a look for Bensons while you’re there.
And don’t forget your flask!
Sometimes the best winter walks are the ones close to home, with no plans beyond getting outside for an hour.
I like taking a flask of Winter Mulled with us. Just warm it gently before you leave, pour it into an insulated flask, pop in a cinnamon stick, some star anise and a slice of apple or two for some added punch and pack a few cups. It’s such an easy thing to do, but stopping for a warm drink makes the walk feel a bit more special.
And if you’d rather wait until you’re home, get a pan warming while you take your boots off. Preferably with a mince pie ready to go alongside it.