Well the one thing we can never guarantee is good weather and the one thing that is certain is that our guests seem good at finding interesting things to do come rain or shine. And it has to be admitted that compared to the heatwave last June this year it has rained most days. The upside is that everywhere is green, the trees and shrubs are looking particularly good and when the sun does come out we really do appreciate it.
We are particularly fortunate in being an hour or so away from some wonderful towns and cities and we have more National Trust houses and gardens near us than I can easily count. I would recommend Hidcote, Snowshill and Chastleton. Travel a bit further and Upton House, Packwood, Baddesley Clinton, Hanbury Hall and Coughton Court are all well worth the trip. We also have Sudeley castle on our doorstop.
Below are some photos from a visit to Sudeley last week (June) and a trip to Hidcote yesterday. Hidcote gets very busy with coach loads of tourists and even at 10.30 as we discovered it is teeming but if you are members, arrive at 4.30 for a shorter but quieter visit. I particularly love the long borders and the vegetable garden and when you visit as often as we have you find new images to treasure. You can see images from Hidcote 2015 here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltingsusy/albums/72157654870577160 and 2013 here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltingsusy/albums/72157635103152413
Walking through the trees at Sudeley
Sudeley Castle
Peeping through the ancient yews
Filming for the White Queen
These flowers are a couple of metres tall swaying over the borders
History displayed in the potting shed
View from the window at Hidcote
The long borders at Hidcote
I’d love a watering can like this one!
The Barn Reborn at Charingworth Court Winchcombe 