Surrey Archives - Page 12 of 19

Winkworth Arboretum in May

Winkworth Arboretum is a wonderful find. Maintained by the National Trust, the hillside arboretum has 1,000 different shrubs and trees with many of them rare. The red, orange and yellow hues displayed in Autumn are incredible, so much so we made two visits to take full advantage! In February we were greeted with daffodils, snowdrops and sunshine too.

Having not visited Winkworth Arboretum in Spring before, a return visit was necessary to see the magnolias, bluebells and azaleas. This is the sight that greeted me when I arrived – bluebells as far as the eye could see.

That wasn’t the last of them though, beautiful bluebell displays were everywhere – in some cases lining each side of the pathway.

If that wasn’t magical enough, heading towards the Azalea Steps I turned a corner only to be greeted by a huge rhododendron. It was so immense it stopped me me in tracks and caused me to saw “oh wow” out loud. This towering ball of white must have been five times the size of me, I’ve never seen anything like it.

Little did I know what was around the corner.

The Azalea Steps are something else. An inferno of colour all the way down to the Boat House and Rowe’s Flash Lake. It was a breathtaking sight.

As well as capturing the azaleas en masse, it was great to get up close too. There was so much to discover

like these moss covered branches.

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The smell was wonderful too.

Even at the bottom of the Azalea Steps you couldn’t help but turn back and have another peek.

The Boat House looked as inviting as it always does.

Inside you can read its history, see old books

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and a few of the flowers I’d seen were there as well.

The view from the Boat House was as beautiful as it always is

and there was no shortage of blooms nearby.

The walk back took me across the Badgers Bowl and up to the viewing platform. The reward being wonderful views across the Surrey countryside.

It’s the first time I’ve visited Winkworth Arboretum in Spring – it really was spectacular.

Thank you to everyone that nominated PODcast in the BiB awards. I’m thrilled to be shortlisted in photography. You can vote to get your faves into the final here.

Linking up with Mammasaurus for #HDYGG.

Ponies, bluebells & fairies at Hatchlands

Bank Holiday Monday saw us head over to National Trust owned Hatchlands Park. We last visited earlier this month but were enticed back by the prospect of ponies, bluebells and fairies!

Located in Surrey, the mansion is a family home containing paintings, fine furniture and keyboard instruments associated with famous composers. What we love about Hatchlands is the vast expanse of woodland – some 400 acres of parkland to be precise.

There are way-marked walks, a parterre garden, a quiet garden and a natural play area for children. With it being the Easter holiday, there was even more happening today including archery – a sport I used to play at school!

Once we’d collected our Eggsplorer Passport and journal for the Easter Egg Trail, first stop were the pony rides. POD hasn’t been on one before so it was an interesting wait in the queue watching them. We didn’t have to wait long before it was POD’s turn though.

She loved having a ride on Dotty the pony.

We continued the excitement with the Easter Egg Trail which involved looking for items for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. There was the clock that tells you when you are late and the Queen of Hearts,

a red cup, a cupcake with an orange cherry, a white rabbit and a golden frog.

There was lots of fun to be had along the way

and POD was rewarded with a Cadbury’s Easter Egg at the end.

We had a picnic next to the cowslips in the wildflower meadow before we devoured the egg. The sun was shining so it was a wonderful place to sit – or in POD’s case climb nearby trees!

Hatchlands Park is always a great place to visit but Spring is particularly special with all the bluebells in the Little Wix Wood.

The fairies were back which pleased POD and lots of other children no end. Spotting them in trees is even more exciting that seeing the bluebells if you’re three. Daddy ran out of names for them though so one did get called Bernard!

It was a great day with so many highlights. Top picks would have to be POD’s first pony ride and of course the blue carpet.

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Linking up with What’s The Story? here on PODcast and Country Kids at Coombe Mill.

Thank you to everyone that nominated me in the BiB awards, I’m thrilled to be on the photography shortlist. You can see each of the categories and vote for your faves here.

Spring at RHS Wisley

We recently had the most fabulous time at RHS Wisley with Annie from Mammasaurus, Kitty and Ozzy. The day started well with the discovery of fish under one of the bridges – POD has not quite mastered disguising her excitement!

We visited the wonderful Orchid display first which took place in the state-of-the-art Glasshouse. It really is as impressive as it looks with dry, moist and tropical temperature zones housing beautiful and exotic species.

After the Glasshouse and a picnic by the Alpine Meadow we ventured into the Wild Garden. POD loves this area and spent a time peering into one of the streams.

At Seven Aces we admired the view,

said hello the ducks and watched a few more fish.

There were many pretties to see along the way

but we stopped for an ice-cream. Sitting on a bench, our view was a blossom tree with Grape Hyacinth beneath it.

We then made our way back past the canal and loggia to the walled garden. There we saw these wonderful Crown Imperials and an array of colourful blooms.

We even had the adjacent garden to ourselves for a little while

although a couple of ducks dropped by.

The Top Terrace was awash with hundreds of daffodils.

A great photo opportunity had POD faced the camera!

From there we headed to the Alpine Houses and Centenary Crevice Garden. Having only discovered the alpine area last month, it was a treat to return so soon. With miniature displays from all over the World, there’s a huge variety of alpines to see.

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These hairy Pasque flowers are just lovely

and these were amazing.

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There are many succulents to see as well.

The nearby Rock Garden was our next stop, the children enticed by its waterfalls and rocky steps,

but we did stop for a few minutes to watch a duck.

Beneath us the bridge beckoned

and there was just enough time to look at the fish again before we left. It was a great day which saw POD asleep before we’d even left the car park!

Linking up with #HDYGG at Mammasaurus and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.

Bank Holiday fun

Bluebells, fairies and a beach were just a few of our Bank Holiday highlights. POD also rode on a pony for the first time. It was a leisurely weekend spent hanging out.

Good Friday saw Daddy hide Easter eggs in flowerbeds, bushes and shrubs around the garden for POD to find.

Having located her eggs, she sat outside her playhouse savouring the first. Mummy and Daddy sampled a couple too.

On Saturday we headed to Devon where we spent the afternoon at the beach. It was the most glorious day!

We skimmed stones, ate ice-cream and admired the views.

The weather took a turn for the worse on Easter Sunday. We took cover from the downpours in a local coffee shop and shared cake. POD had her first babychino too. Then after lunch we headed back home.

On Bank Holiday Monday we visited National Trust owned Hatchlands Park in Surrey. POD did us proud when she took to her first pony ride with aplomb.

After saying goodbye to Dotty the pony, we followed the Easter egg trail

looking for items required for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Once we’d located them, POD received a Cadbury’s Easter Egg. We enjoyed a picnic beside a meadow of cowslips before we devoured it!

After lunch we hit the bluebell wood keeping an eye out for fairies hidden in the trees. Daddy had clearly run out of names when he called one Bernard!

So that was our Easter weekend, how was your break?

Linking up with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers where this week’s prompt is Easter.

The Easter Egg Hunt

Good Friday saw POD partake in her first Easter Egg Hunt after Daddy hid foil covered eggs in flowerbeds and bushes around the garden. The first couple were more visible to get her started – a look of joy spread across her face when she found them.

After launching herself off the decking (she’s jumping off everything at the moment), she continued in her quest to find eggs.

She found eggs in flowerbeds, bushes and in the grass. One even slid down her slide!

When POD spotted this golden egg above her head, she wondered how she was going to get it.

But after taking instruction from Daddy, the egg dropped to the ground and POD added it to her collection. She nearly missed one Daddy had camouflaged in the magnolia tree!

Once all ten eggs had been found, POD sat outside her playhouse enjoying every mouthful of her first chocolate egg. Mummy and Daddy ‘helped’ by eating a couple of eggs themselves.

But the fun didn’t end there, we scoured the garden for dandelion clocks and blew what we found.

The swing then became the focus with POD wanting to be pushed “high, high up in the sky”. Raucous giggles followed until the swing slowed and the process began once again.

It was a lazy Good Friday spent mostly in the garden enjoying the simple things in life. What more could you ask for?

Linking up with #CountryKids at Coombe Mill and #WhatsTheStory here on PODcast.

Orchids in the Glasshouse

Monday was spent with Mammasaurus, Ozzy and Kitty at RHS Wisley. We had the most wonderful day and it was gloriously sunny to boot. POD explored the gardens, watched fish and jumped a lot.

But what she loved most of all was making friends.

As well as Gardening Week, and the Lindt Easter bunny hunt, we timed our visit with Wisley’s annual orchid display. The cathedral-like Glasshouse was our first stop. It’s an amazing structure, equivalent to 10 tennis courts. It looked even more incredible gleaming in the sunshine with the bright blue sky above.

It always feels like a sense of calm washes over you when you enter it. The sound of the waterfall is immense and that’s before you take in your jungle-like surroundings. There are three interlinked temperature zones – dry, moist and tropical.

Having passed the spectacular display of cacti, we hit the tropical zone which can reach temperatures of 30 degrees. We were able to take in all the colour and the amazing displays while our lenses accclimatised.

There were orchids all around us, even hanging from above. It was the most beautiful sight and a great way to kick off our day after we’d checked out fish, ducks and giant buttercups.

The Glasshouse never fails to impress with its impressive plant collection which includes rare and endangered species. Like the rest of Wisley, it offers something different each time we visit.

Outside the tropical zone, there were more unusual gems to be discovered

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including this Lady’s Slipper.

After the Glasshouse, it was off to the children’s play area before relaxing in the the alpine meadow and having a picnic. We then explored the rest of Wisley taking in the wild garden, the rock garden and the alpines. Far too much for one post so these adventures will follow in next week’s post. If you can’t wait until then, Annie’s post is here.

Linking up with Mammasaurus for #HDYGG.

Spring at Alice Holt Forest

We always enjoy the Alice Holt Forest which is located near Farnham in Surrey. Managed by the Forestry Commission, it offers much in the way of family fun whether exploring by foot, bike or swinging through the trees with Go Ape. My mother and father-in-law had not previously been so we visited when they last stayed.

POD received a scooter for her Christmas Day birthday so Alice Holt provided a good opportunity for another practice. It was short lived though as POD’s not quite mastered steering yet! She did opt to keep the crash helmet on for a time though.

The smiles returned when POD spotted the first of the giant play structures – the 3D Maze. She had much fun inside with Daddy crawling around after her.

A little further along there was the Timberline Play Area which had a circuit that included a balancing beam, a scramble net

and a climbing wall. Although designed for older children, POD decided she wanted to give it a go. She only needed help with her footing once and

reached the top super fast. Here she is 6 foot up wondering how to get down the other side. She did brilliantly although she’s always been a climber – of furniture mostly!

The Habitat Trail is specifically designed for families although there are longer routes too. There’s a spiral staircase inside a tree trunk, an owl that’s back can be scaled, a bridge guarded by snakes, a bat and a moth to be climbed and a Giant’s Play area.

POD was happy spending time with her Grandparents and exploring today. She sought out a stick, which later became a broomstick, and examined a few fir cones en route.

But there was a fair amount of running and playing hide and seek with Daddy too.

For the first time in a long while, we got a photograph of the three of us together. We all spent time larking around here – it’s always too tempting to re-create that scene from The Shining!

In the Playwood play area, POD got to climb a pirate sheep, have a go on a swing and whizz down a slide before driving a wooden tractor. Then it was back home for a wonderful roast lunch and a sneaky doze in front of the television!

Linking up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill, Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse and What’s The Story? here on PODcast.

If you enjoy this blog, please vote for us in the MAD Blog Awards. Thank you 🙂

Exploring Hatchlands Park

We always enjoy Hatchlands Park with its parkland and ancient trees. Owned by the National Trust, it’s one of the nearest properties to us along with Clandon Park.

The house was built in 1756, replacing a Tudor house on this estate and was designed in the Palladian tradition. Today the mansion is a family home, containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture. Also on display is the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers.

Hatchlands Park re-opened for the season this month. Although we visited on a day the house wasn’t open, we could still admire it’s beauty – POD asked if we could live there! As we were heading towards Wix Woods, we could still see the temple and an ancient tree with hundreds of daffodils and Spring blooms beneath it.

We came across lots of beautiful cows with shiny coats en route. They kept their distance (this photograph was taken with a 250mm lens) but POD loved them. Initially she wanted to play with them but we managed to distract her attention by talking about where milk comes from and showing her where the cows go for a drink.

We’d purposely not taken the buggy with us so it was great to see POD having a race to the Wix Woods gate with Daddy. She won.

They then thought it would be highly entertaining to hide from Mummy behind the gate while holding it shut!

POD has always been a climber and adores clambering onto trees as a result. The Great Wix Wood provided the perfect opportunity to do this and make silly faces with Daddy. She loved this tree!

We then headed over to the Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren which is a natural adventure area for children. The she took advantage of the stepping stones, the willow tunnels and admiring the sculptures including the wonderful totem pole. She also got to see a bird grabbing a bite from one of the many feeders and watch some older children build a den.

She requested Daddy follow her on the balance beam where we spotted Wizard Wix himself.

Just up from the Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren is Little Wix Wood where there will soon be the most wonderful display of bluebells. Last year we even spotted fairies much to POD’s excitement. As we’ll be back soon, next on the agenda today was more tree climbing and looking for trolls.

POD found a big stick too which doubled up as a wand although she didn’t manage to turn this tree into a frog.

With the rain clouds fast approaching, POD hitched a ride with Daddy to the Tea Room. We made it to cake just in time! POD took it upon herself to bow to an invisible Prince while we were there. It was an impressive bow with much arm swirling – Disney would have been proud!

After re-charging we had a good look round the stable

before exploring the NGS Quiet Garden. The formal gardens at Hatchlands are open when the house is so we’re looking forward to seeing Gertrude Jekyll Garden and the house. There’s also a wildflower meadow we’ve not seen yet – cowslips can be seen in Spring and orchids in the Summer.

After displaying superb balancing skills, there was just time for POD to grab a side saddle piggy back before we headed home.

Linking up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill, Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse and What’s The Story? here on PODcast.

If you enjoy PODcast, please vote for us in the photography category. Thank you 🙂

Fun at Claremont

Claremont is a beautiful National Trust Landscape Garden located in Surrey. Described as somewhere where the views change, the water sparkles and the secret glades wait, it was once a Duke’s retreat and the playground of Princesses.

From the turf amphitheatre (the only surviving example of its kind in Europe) to the serpentine lake, bowling alley, grotto, Camellia Terrace and Belvedere Tower, Claremont is a superb place to visit. There’s even a Thatched Cottage filled with Victorian toys, games and clothes to play in. And a wooden play area.

The walk around the serpentine lake was wonderful. We saw many varieties of bird, hundreds of daffodils and we always enjoy admiring the knobbly trees!

Whenever we visit Claremont, we love to have fun in the Ha-Ha. It’s a hidden ditch originally created in the 18th century to keep livestock away from the pleasure grounds without spoiling the view.

POD loved running down into the Ha-Ha and up the other side with Daddy, she had the best time. There was much zig zagging as we followed its path, finding dried leaves perfect for throwing in the process. There was much giggling!

POD loved exploring the surrounding area too. She jumped across the log stepping stones, bounced on moss

and smelt the flowers.

She also found a great stick which she adopted as a her wand.

The lake was almost as popular as the Ha-Ha on this occasion. She sat by the waters edge under Daddy’s watchful eye poking her stick in and out of the water before taking a stance near the path ‘do magic’.

It was a spur of the moment visit to Claremont following POD’s gymnastics class. Unplanned trips are just the best!

Linking up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill, Magic Moments at The Olivers Madhouse and the Mid Week Blog Hop at Super Busy Mum.

Please vote for PODcast in the photography category. Thank you 🙂

Spring at Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey was chosen by Mrs Grenville, an ambitious Edwardian hostess, as the ideal place for entertaining. Owned by the National Trust, the property is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills.

It’s the perfect place to have a picnic in the warmer months. Or you can just grab one of the comfy chairs and admire the landscape around you. You can see why Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, had her honeymoon here.

The house is adorned with beautiful flowers including this sweet smelling honeysuckle. The tulips along the South Terrace add a splash of colour – so great to see those brights back again!

Once you’ve taken in the views from the South Lawn, it’s time to explore. If you’re lucky you might see a pheasant. Not for long though, they’re speedy little fellas – even if you walk really quietly!

The Sunken Garden and Rock Garden is a sight to behold. It’s a wonderful area where you’ll find all kinds of alpine treats

and unexpected treats like these beautiful cowslips.

Over from the croquet lawn, you will see the herbaceous border.

The garden team are currently in the midst of a project to mirror the existing border on the other side of the wall.

After admiring the Frameyard and Bridge, if you pay a visit to the Winter Garden you’ll find these beauties

and many plants and flowers. There are 20 varieties of snowdrop at Polesden Lacey.

The Cutting Garden and Orchard is especially interesting – particularly the display of gardening artifacts and advertisements from a hundred years ago. It’s not long before you’re enticed into the Rose Garden by these fabulous gates though – I’m a sucker for a walled garden too!

This part of the garden is great to visit whatever the time of year. Now Spring is here, it’s a joy to see new life popping up everywhere. Just look at these pansies!

If you came out of the garden here and looked left you’ll see those breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills.

I stayed put in the Rose Garden and saw a fuzzy friend looking for treats

as well as this flower that almost looks like it has two tiny apples inside it!

Mrs Grenville transformed Polesden Lacey into the perfect setting to host her lavish parties. A visit inside the house will provide a true sense of this as you get to find out what she was like. We’ll be doing that next time we visit.

Admirals Walk almost took my breath away, I may have actually gasped! This pathway down to the woodland on the estate really has to be seen to be believed. Spring has most definitely sprung at Polesden Lacey!

Linking up with #HDYGG with Mammasaurus.

Thank you to everyone that nominated PODcast in the MAD Blog Awards. I’m thrilled to be a Finalist in the Photography category along with awesome bloggers like Annie. I’d love it if you could vote for me.

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Surrey

Winkworth Arboretum in May

Ponies, bluebells & fairies at Hatchlands

Spring at RHS Wisley

Bank Holiday fun

The Easter Egg Hunt

Orchids in the Glasshouse

Spring at Alice Holt Forest

Exploring Hatchlands Park

Fun at Claremont

Spring at Polesden Lacey

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

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