Tulips at Sizergh Castle

Heading back south from our stay in Carlisle, we stopped first at Rheged centre near Penrith for a print exhibition and lunch, then at Sizergh Castle near Kendal for a walk around the gardens.

It was tulip season, and we encountered them almost everywhere around the garden.

These beds leading up to the castle were probably the most impressive though; each one given over to a different shape or colour.

Elsewhere there were others - in pots, in mixed bedding, or as solitary colours.

As we sat for a while, we got talking to two regular visitors who said we'd caught the best time of year to visit; and I think they were right

 

Carlisle

The last weekend in April was our annual short break with out younger daughter. Looking for somewhere new but a reasonable distance from her home in Manchester, we headed for Carlisle - a place completely unknown to us all.          

The first day was spent very quietly, exploring the countryside near where we were staying and taking a quiet stroll round nearby Dalston. 

I really liked Dalston - it was a smallish place but had everything you could want; A pub, two cafes, a good sized Co-op, riverside walks, and an excellent chip shop. 

The second day we headed into Carlisle - to the Tullie House Museum which was just re-opening after a re-fit and extension. It turned out to be more interesting than expected with an exhibition of rag rugs by Winifred Nicholson (including a chance to have a go myself) , and numerous permanent displays about the Roman Empire, the Border Reivers and local history, and an art collection in another building. We had lunch in the museum's cafe  (Chicken Caesar salad) and could have spent all afternoon exploring the galleries but wanted to visit the Castle while that was open. 

On the other hand, the castle turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. I'm not quite sure why - there was a keep, a wall walk - but to be honest I regretted having left the museum early.

We just had time left for a quick visit to the cathedral. Not the sort of place I'd usually go but it was amazing. Its exterior looks rather dull but that's made up for by the interior, with wonderful carvings and a fantastic painted ceiling. Definitely a place I'd love to explore for longer.

 

March

 March seems like another month which dashed past. The weather turned sunny and warmer so we were out and about a lot. I feared that a day or two would see a return of rain, but apart from a very occasional dull day the sunshine continued. 

We had days out near home to Markeaton, Calke Abbey, Elvaston Park, and Chatsworth gardens, and

a quiet couple of days in the Worcestershire countryside with only sheep for company.

There were family celebration with a wedding anniversary and  Mothers Day, so plenty of excuses for treats.

A couple of long-awaited projects got completed too. - On a grand scale we had a new kitchen (or at last new cupboard doors) and on a smaller one I finally finished the last sewing up of my crocheted bag and started a new knitting project.

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.