A visit to Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon. There's so much to see here I hardly know where to start!
Wonderful gardens, the centrepiece and star attraction being the long borders in front of the house
The gardens are set out in 'rooms', set to each side of the main border
Here is Sylvia's Garden, a peaceful haven, named after the current owner's grandmother, and the Rose garden
Other lovely sections of the garden included a rock garden, autumn garden, white garden, tropical garden, 2 lakes and a lily pond.
Delightful to walk around discovering yet more variety and beauty.
There were many lovely flowers, but this sumptuous gladioli was the winner of the day for me
A lake with weeping willows and black swans
An adventure playground with swings and slides, boats and bridges and this funky fountain to dodge under
and a miniature railway
A sculpture park in the woodland outside the gardens
Another visiting sculpture exhibition of work by Zimbabwean sculptors
All of the sculptures were for sale; much as I loved some of the works, my wallet just isn't full enough to purchase something so monumental; admiration is all I can manage.
The coffee and home baking in the cafe was delicious, and I'm told by the 3 little ice-cream connoisseurs I was with that the ice cream was great too!
This was my favourite place by miles visited on this holiday; we were the last people to leave, so it's safe to say we had a great time.
.....something for everyone and much to enchant and delight.
Some beautiful pictures - makes me want to go there. Now. Hope you've enjoyed your holiday - really does look as though you have.
P x
Posted by: Pam | Friday, July 17, 2009 at 11:28 AM