Thornbridge Hall

Sometimes you can drive past a place for years but never stop, so I thought it was time to at last visit Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell, Derbyshire. I'd been persuaded to visit at this perhaps less-than-delightful time of year by the promise of snowdrops (I'd seen Thornbridge feature in a Top Derbyshire Places to see Snowdrops guide) but apart from the occasional clump here and there I didn't see any. 

The delight of Thornbridge lies though in its water garden and formal Italian garden.

In the first, streams tumble down the hillside, with mini-cascades and still pools breaking their journey. 

Grottoes provide a place to sit and relax - though possibly more appealing in warmer months.

The lawns in the front of the hall take advantage of the terrain, looking out over fields to the surrounding countryside.

Returning towards the exit, we ambled through the Italian garden; formal with trimmed box-hedging, but quiet and relaxing.

 Last stop - the cafe for tea and cake (as always)