Blickling Hall - wisteria and rhododendrons

Our day at Blickling started out in the parkland on the search for bluebells. I've seen photos online of woodland carpeted with a stunning blue carpet of flowers and hoped to find it. Two things were against us - it was a little late in the season so the flowers would be past their best, and we didn't know where to look.

I'd seen mention of bluebells on a circular walk near the lake so that's where we headed. We did find some but not the masses I'd expected. In the car park later, a guide said we hadn't been in the best area, so that's a walk for another year.

Still this was a pretty walk and not too strenuous to start the day. There were glimpses of the house in the distance, views over the lake, dragonflies along the path, and pretty paths to follow.

Back to the car then and round to the main entrance to the house and gardens.

It's always an imposing building but on this occasion I was absolutely stunned by the wisteria growing along the building which houses the cafe and shop. 

Then, inside the gardens there was even more! This time along the top of, and tumbling over, the retaining wall between lower and upper gardens. Absolutely wonderful!

Walking onwards then into the upper garden, where the central grassed walk was lined with beautiful hydrangeas.

I've visited Blickling many times but I think this occasion it was at its most impressive