Coughton Court and Packwood House

On the way south to Worcestershire, we stopped once, at Baddesley Clinton. On the way back to Derby we pulled in two National Trust visits - first at Coughton Court, then at Packwood House; both involving a little snack at the tea rooms.

We visited Coughton Court last year and accidentally caught the wisteria in full bloom. This time we were too early, and the trees very much still in the 'bare bones' stage.

The gardens still had good places to sit and relax after being in the car, and I ambled along from one seat to another, till we reached the orchard.

Some trees, damsons mainly, were coming into blossom along the south-facing wall but the main attraction was bulbs flowering beneath the trees.

From here we continued past the (second) church returning to the house via the riverside walk. 

 Back in the car then and onward the relatively short distance to Packwood House.

Again the visit started with a snack. this time including the NT scone of the month lemon and white chocolate with clotted cream.

I thought this was a property I'd previously visited, but I had no recollection of it at all! 

 

The topiary garden was temporarily closed and main gardens by the house were still  in that slightly sluggish early spring mood. At the back of the house though, we were met with a marvelous display of daffodils, flanking the path down towards the lake. 

I'm not sure that I've seen so many daffodils anywhere!

Paths led backwards and forwards among them but we headed straight on as I wasn't sure how far the path around the lake would be.

As it turned out. not as far as I'd feared.

Packwood definitely looks like a garden to re-visit in summer, and perhaps (if I were feeling really fit) to attempt the walk to Baddesley Clinton, which isn't that far away.

Baddesley Clinton

Our route down to Damson Cabin in Worcestershire took us down the A/M42 then the M5, and, although only a short trip of about 2 hours, I needed a break from the relentless traffic. Not at a motorway service area, but at somewhere more tranquil - Baddesley Clinton, a National Trust property in Warwickshire.

It's a place I've visited before, a long while ago (maybe over 30 years!), and although I've been inside I never really realised there were extensive grounds surrounding the hall.

It was a lovely sunny blue-sky day, perfect for wandering round the grounds. 

The moat surrounding the house is, I think, well known but beyond that are more 'waterworks' - a small lake, streams, ponds.

Lots of pleasant spots to sit on a lovely day.

 There's something romantic about the notion of a moated hall (though part of me can't help but imagine it's damp inside) especially with daffodils and camellias surrounding it. 

A beautiful spot to visit, and as it's not really that far from home, I intend to be back a little sooner than this time. 

 

A Cabin in the Woods (well. orchard)

For Christmas we treated ourselves to a Canopy and Stars gift voucher and received a bonus voucher to spend early this year. The holiday didn't HAVE to be taken this early but the weather was sunny and it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.

We picked the Damson Cabin, nestled amongst the orchards of Worcestershire. It wasn't far from the main 'A' road from Droitwich to Tenbury Wells but felt lost in the countryside.

 We approached along a drive lined with daffodils, anemones, and primroses, past the main farm and outbuildings, through one orchard to our own private spot with only sheep for company. It's hard to imagine a more tranquil spot.

We didn't do much over the couple of days we were there - walked to the nearby Oldfields cider farm, with orchards lining the sides of the road, and otherwise just chilled on the cabin verandah or by the stove.

I'd hoped the trees, presumably damsons, would have been in flower - last year at Lichen Cabin near Tintern we were too late in the season, this time too early. It's an incentive to return though.