Day 262/365: Biddulph Grange Gardens

[nanila]

On our way up to the Lake District in August, we stopped off at a National Trust property to eat our lunch. We chose Biddulph Grange Gardens, and I’m so glad we did. The gardens were spectacular, even by NT standards, and this ranks as one of our favourites (and the bloke and I have been to a fair few). It was laid out in a tangled nest of paths, some leading to the next garden, others to little cul-de-sacs full of one particular type of flower or tree. Some gardens were very formal and themed, and others scarcely more than a wild tangle of leaves and fronds. It was great fun to explore.


Whichever staircase you choose, you will end up someplace magical.


The house itself (not open to the public).


Keiki doesn’t know where to look first.


Humuhumu does, though.


She found the pond with the enormous koi carp, and led the bloke and Keiki to it.


The koi were surprisingly amenable to the attentions of children.


They even seemed to enjoy showing off. This big orange one had a fondness for blowing bubbles.


More bubble-blowing.


Big Grey Koi actually did allow Keiki to stroke it with his finger. It made his day.


Red dahlias.


Keiki and Humuhumu prancing past the dahlia beds.


Keiki, Humuhumu and bloke under a stone arch.


Keiki considers the moss on the stones.


Humuhumu and the bloke march up the stone steps, heedless of mossy distractions.


Here Be Dragons.


The pretty, colourful bridge over the pond in the Chinese Garden.


Humuhumu and the bloke were the first to reach the bridge.


Standing on the bridge, looking across the pond of the Chinese Garden.


Another view of the Chinese Garden pond.


Keiki and Humuhumu ascend the steep stone staircase to a pagoda nestling high above the rest of the Chinese Garden.


And now back down, to find the tiniest waterfall.


Tiniest waterfall.


Humuhumu in exploring mode.


Rose hips.


Hydrangeas.


Keiki and Humuhumu found some sweet chestnuts in the hydrangea garden.


They also found a hidden painted rock.


Is this the way out or a way back in? Who knows.

Comments

[redsixwing]

Beautiful photos! The one under the arch is a treasure.

KOI BUBBLES

Like Keiki, I am easily distracted by moss.

I feel relaxed just looking at these. :D Thanks for posting them!

[nanila]

You're welcome!

Koi bubbles are a joy.

[kaberett]

OOOOH. One to add to the todo list. :D

[nanila]

Oh, for sure. I would take a trip back here just to see the gardens in a different season.

[kotturinn]

What a perfect place for explorations.

[nanila]

Yes, and for a picnic. We brought our lunch. :)

[djm4]

Great photos!

That looks like a brilliant, magical place, and it's not *that* far from Sheffield, either. Added to possible days or for niecephews.

[nanila]

Oh, definitely bring children! All the ones we saw were having a grand time.

[cmcmck]

Adds to list........

[nanila]

Hooray!

[paleblinds]

God, I loved it there. Magical place. I'm glad your family enjoyed it.

[nanila]

It is magical. I want to go back and see it in spring.

[ursajoanna]

Oh, lovely! We went there many years ago, when I had quite a bad fever - I don't remember much of it, so it's nice to see these photos!

[nanila]

Oh, I hope you get to go and bring A. there when he's a bit older!

[pbristow]

That is a VERY BIG adventure! =:o}

And like redsixwing, it's relaxing just to see, and remember tramping aournd places like that as a kid. =:o} [ETA the missing word:] Thankyou. =:o}

[nanila]

I'm glad you enjoyed the photos!

[askygoneonfire]

How lovely! The photo of the three of them under the stone arch is particularly lovely.

[nanila]

Thank you! I took several of them under the arch but there isn't a single shot where Keiki isn't squirming, haha.

[silveradept]

That looks like a place to budget a full day for, just so you can stroll through everything at your leisure and examine all the details of all the gardens.

Your intrepid explorers looked like they were having a delightful time as well. Especially at the koi pond.

[nanila]

It could well be a day trip. The cafe has coffee, cake and ice cream, so you could easily bring your lunch, and then have elevenses and/or afternoon tea if desired. :)

[silveradept]

That sounds like a really good day spent. So long as I didn't come across too many things that made me sneeze.

[kaberett]

HA. Current holiday location is in striking range and we were going to National Trust today anyway. This may end up being the plan...

[nanila]

I AM SO THRILLED TO HAVE GOTTEN A POKÉGIFT FROM THE GARDENS.

SO GLAD YOU WENT!!!!!

[kaberett]

<333