You can spend your business life in the hotel and tourist industry yet continually find something new. The other Thursday I decided to give the weather forecasters the benefit of the doubt and plan a weekend to enjoy the promised hot weather. My brother-in-law suggested a weekend at his 14th century cottage in Somerset and a night at the opera In the Quantocks – he could get tickets for Rigoletto in the open air in the grounds of the 18th century Crowcombe Court. It was a really enjoyable Saturday evening: the setting was stunning, Rigoletto was produced superbly by Opera Brava and Laura Pooley gave a fantastic performance as Gilda.

The following morning we fuelled up on a truly delightful country garden breakfast as crows and seagulls flew overhead and an ever watchful buzzard hovered before heading off to Britain's smallest city – Wells. I had seen pictures of Wells Cathedral but none do it justice – it was one of the most amazing churches I have visited. Our next stop was a mere 20 minutes away – the village of Bruton and luncheon At The Chapel. In fact a former chapel converted into a stylish restaurant where the atmosphere, food and service were even better than its reviews had promised. After a delicious meal, Barbara and I wandered through the old village and came across Sexeys Hospital. This was built in the 16th century by Hugh Sexey, auditor of the Exchequer to Queen Elizabeth I, as an almshouse. Perfectly preserved, it's still in use today providing independent living for the relief and maintenance of 'elderly persons of honest life and good reputation'.

A great weekend in the English countryside

WATCH: an introduction to Opera Brava here http://www.operabrava.co.uk/page_Videos_25.html