Surrey Archives - Page 16 of 19

Feeling festive

It’s always fun to see the reindeer wreath go up on our front door. He made me smile when we returned home from the hospital with POD in 2010. Everyone loves him.

Daddy was away last weekend so the decorations were up earlier than usual. They look fantastic and POD is definitely embracing the festive spirit. The Christmas characters are often treated to a ride in her buggy – Father Christmas has already lost some beard as a result!

The hand-made advent calendar looks wonderful on the wall. POD has got to grips with opening presents on consecutive days now after accidentally unwrapping the wrong one.

Elf on the Shelf was introduced as a bit of fun for POD. She named him “Elf the Elf” but then settled on “Ben Elf”. Although she enjoys searching for him, the no touching rule doesn’t apply here and he’s often doing the splits!

We took the Eurotunnel to France recently and enjoyed a short break in Bruges. Those decorative displays in Europe never fail to make you feel festive! While we were there we also got to see the incredible Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival which is based on Disney’s new animation Frozen. Just brilliant!

Next Monday sees us return to the crystal grotto at Painshill Park where POD will meet Father Christmas for the first time.

We’re linking this post up with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers. The theme this week is feeling festive.

Foraging for Father Christmas

With this year being the first Christmas and birthday POD is likely to remember, we thought it nice to surprise her. Last night she got to meet The Elf on the Shelf, more to come on that, and today a Christmas themed treasure hunt was planned.

Daddy hid various Christmas characters in the garden while I occupied her busy indoors. Treasure ranged from Christmas themed soft toys to decorations and finger puppets. Father Christmas, reindeer and snowmen were hidden in the flowerbeds, trees and bushes.

The plan was once she’d found her ‘treasure’, we’d surprise her with the Christmas tree. Then we’d decorate it together. It was inevitable POD would have other ideas so we stayed in the garden and played with her new friends. They had a ride in her trike and paid a visit to her playhouse while she got re-acquainted with her slide. In the garden we noticed an apple tree had born some rosy red fruit so POD picked a few samples.

While we were outside Daddy made a start on putting the tree together. We have an artificial one but it’s German so well made and looks great especially with lots of red baubles and beads . I always get a fuzzy feeling when I see the decorations.

POD was born on Christmas Day 2010 and that was the first year we had these decorations. They’re hugely sentimental. As is the reindeer we have on our front door – he was the first homely thing I saw when I came back from hospital.

As well as fir cones with ribbons, Beatrix Potter characters and hand-made decorations, there’s a snow globe that says “Baby’s first Christmas 2010” on it. It really was although POD and I were still in the hospital at that point.

After their garden adventure, the characters came inside for some indoor fun in Daddy’s boots. The tree was then decorated and POD’s amazing advent calendar was hung on the wall. It looks wonderful as does the tree. It’s great we’ll be able to enjoy it for that little bit longer this year. Here’s to POD having an incredible Christmas and third birthday.

We’re linking this post up with Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

The Savill Garden

The Savill Garden is part of The Royal Landscape in Windsor Great Park which comprises of The Savill Garden, The Valley Gardens and Virginia Water. Woodland, lakes and gardens cover over 1,000 acres.

The Savill Garden was created by Sir Eric Savill in the 1930’s with the support of King George V and Queen Mary. Since then many others have been on a tireless quest to add their expertise and creativity.

It is said to be Britain’s finest ornamental garden, a true wonder and a garden for all seasons. November is probably not the best month for a first visit but those Autumnal hues beckoned!

It was difficult not to notice the wigwam like structures when I arrived. They were quite spectacular. On closer inspection they seemed to comprise of those huge leaved perennials called Gunnera I think.

They have thick, hairy leaves than can grow nearly 5 feet across and the plant can be 8-10 foot. The conelike blooms they produce can be 3 foot high. It’s a weird plant but intriguing and I’m sure they provide a great hiding place in the Summer!

Taking the Azalea Walk, there was a sense of calm amid beautiful surroundings. Burnt orange bracken lined a wonderful pond with bridges offering the opportunity to pass from one garden to another.

The Winter Garden was already showcasing wonderful displays with blasts of colour. The woods were covered in a blanket of golden leaves. The other gardens looked beautiful especially the Maples. How incredible the Spring and Summer Gardens must look in the warmer months.

The Autumn Wood was still alive with reds, oranges and golds. leaves, acorns and chestnut husks littered the ground, berries hung from the trees. Just when I was thinking what an enjoyable walk it was, I came across an Acer.

Protected from the elements, it had retained the majority of its red leaves. I didn’t realise I was being watched until I was taking photographs from underneath it. That’s perfectly normal though isn’t it?

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus.

First photography award

Earlier this year Loseley Park and Surrey Life magazine launched a photographic competition. The idea being it to find the finest photographers who could capture the beauty and atmosphere of Loseley’s ancient walled garden and grounds.

The competition was open to all ages of amateur photographer with the categories including landscape, the walled garden, flowers, wildlife and people in nature.

Loseley Park is a historic manor house and acquired by the direct ancestors of the More-Molyneaux family at the beginning of the 16th century. Incredibly the 500 year story of the family and their home continues with visitors still finding it fascinating.

We were initially attracted to Loseley Park by its incredible gardens. The rose garden for example is planted with over one thousand Old English Rose Bushes and framed by long, low and precisely clipped box hedges.

The herb garden provides seasonal flavours and essential ingredients to the kitchen on a daily basis. It is an important part of daily life at Loseley Park and has been for hundreds of years.

The flower garden offers a combination of traditional herbaceous plants and mixed shrubs set off with annuals and bulbs to build a bold and fiery display. Think subtle reds and burnt oranges complimenting vibrant yellows and blues.

A contrast to the white garden which provides a tranquil oasis of white, cream and silver around a central water feature. The kitchen garden has adopted organic methods gardeners have used through the years, including companion planting, and also houses a collection of Garden Organic Heritage Seed Library plants.

We were invited by Loseley Park to attend the prize giving of the photography competition which took place this week. The house looked spectacular in the dark and we received the most wonderful welcome from the More-Molyneaux family.

There we were able to browse other entries in the photography competition whilst we took in what is a truly magnificent house. This was the first time we’d been inside and it was an incredible sight.

It was a special evening thanks to the More-Molyneaux’s hospitality.

What topped it off was winning the best flower category with a Foxglove photograph. A huge surprise but as the first photography competition I’ve entered, one I will most certainly relish.

Nature’s Autumnal wonderland

The signs of Autumn were first evident on a woodland walk in the Surrey Hills. The ground was damp underfoot and the change in season could be smelt in the air. Trees displayed lush green leaves and perfectly formed fungi clung to the trunks.

POD was ecstatic at the first sight of muddy puddles and took great delight in jumping in all those we saw.

There’s nothing better than seeing Autumn through a toddler’s eyes. Everywhere we’ve explored has provided POD with the opportunity to see, hear, touch and smell her surroundings. She’s taken everything in her stride and loved it.

The expression on POD’s face when she saw conkers for the first time was one of joy and utter excitement. She was fascinated by those shiny gems that are encased in spikey shells and fall from the trees. Over these past weeks, she’s collected sticks, acorns and pine cones. She’s climbed wet logs and she’s examined moss.

POD’s taken to kicking leaves with aplomb and she’s treasured her favourites. She’s seen the change in leaves from green to hues of red, orange and gold.

We’ve been lucky to see some incredible Autumn sights during the last month or so. Taking the time out to appreciate this season really does make you appreciate how wonderful mother nature is.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

The follies of Painshill Park: Part two

We returned to the follies at Painshill Park last Sunday as Daddy had missed out on seeing the Crystal Grotto.

Historically its been recognised as the finest stalactite Grotto in Europe and was officially opened this year following extensive restoration. Lady Lucinda Lambton, a crusader for England’s forgotten architectural heritage, placed the last crystal in the Grotto describing it as rare and extraordinary.

We’re looking forward to visiting Father Christmas there. Elves will guide us from the Wishing Tent to the Crystal Grotto. It will be POD’s first experience of sharing a wish with Father Christmas so it will be interesting to see what happens!

Located in Cobham, Painshill Park is Grade 1 listed and has been awarded the rare Europa Nostra Medal for its exemplary restoration. Having taken the accessible route on our last visit, this time we opted for the longer historic route.

This route took us past the Gothic Temple with its pillared arches and down to the serpentine lake. It was the most glorious of days. Much to POD’s delight there were ducks everywhere and the Five Arch Bridge looked wonderful.

After admiring the Turkish Tent close-up, we *unintentionally* ended up on the wrong path for a short time. That said POD was more than happy jumping in muddy puddles!

Next stop was the fabulous Gothic Tower where you can climb 99 steps and enjoy views across four counties. We then enjoyed a wander through the Alpine Valley until POD decided she would walk no longer. Instead she’d lay down midst the trees having a tantrum in a way only a toddler can. Within reason too, she’d outgrown her wellies in less than a week!

POD cheered up at the beautiful Hermitage nestled in the woods. The Honourable Charles Hamilton had created Painshill Park as a romantic landscape to stimulate the senses and emotions of visitors. He had advertised for a hermit to live as a recluse for seven years in the Hermitage. Legend has it the hermit was found worse for wear in the local watering hole less than three weeks later!

Built in the 1830’s and restored in 1987, the Waterwheel is one of the largest working wheels in the UK. It was a fabulous sight, its red wheel gleaming in the sunshine. We then passed the Cascade and Mausoleum before arriving at Grotto Island and the Crystal Grotto. It almost takes your breath away with its shimmering features.

With POD on Daddy’s back, we took the route along the River Mole past the Ruined Abbey, Vineyard and Bastion. En route seeing geese, swans and more ducks. Then it was back home for a well deserved hot drink and coffee cake.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus and Country Kids at Coombe Mill.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

Autumn at Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is one of several National Trust properties we’ve visited recently, POD and I were there just last month. We’d taken the access for all route which is a walk with no steps. Whilst our toddler loves walking outdoors, it’s inevitable she’ll need her buggy at some point.

The temptation to return to Winkworth Arboretum to see what had changed was too great this week. Especially with an Acer in our garden the most glorious red. It’s still a wonderful location too, even if many of the trees had lost their leaves.

The steep wooded valley of Winkworth and its lakes was bought by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 so he could experiment with planting styles and different tree species. It was given to the National Trust in 1952 for what Dr Fox described as using plants to “paint a picture”.

It was a positive sign to see both the main and overflow car parks busy on arrival. Although strange not to have my toddler running beside me, I was also keen to investigate part of the challenging walk, which comprised of steep steps, to see the Boathouse.

After heading down the Fiona Adams Steps, the peaceful glade that is the Badgers Bowl with awash with hues of yellow, orange and red. The frost, chilly air and sunshine just added to the mystique. Squawking sounds could be heard in the direction of the Boathouse.

Rowe’s Flashe Lake was a haven of peace and tranquility, overlooked by the wonderful Boathouse. Following the path past wetlands to Rowe’s Flashe Meadow, a viewpoint framed the lake, Boathouse and surrounding woods beautifully.

The Azalea Steps were littered with colourful leaves, it reminded me a little of Alice in Wonderland. This pathway led to an idyllic spot where a superb collection of Acers stood tall above a carpet of red and yellow. A perfect Autumn display.

The Magnolia Wood was even more beautiful than our last visit and the view across The Bowl was incredible. Brightly coloured leaves were scattered everywhere – reds, yellows, greens and browns. POD would have had so much fun kicking them! Next time…

If you’d like to hear more about Winkworth Arboretum, October’s post is here. Other National Trust reads include The Sanctuary of Claremont, Exploring Polesden Lacey, Fairies & Bluebells and Maoris & a secret garden.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at the Mammasaurus.

The follies of Painshill Park

Moving to Surrey in 2010 after nearly two decades in London was the best thing we ever did. We’ve discovered some absolute gems since we arrived and we’re continually exploring new places that offer different experiences.

Painshill Park is described as England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden – a magical wonderland with hidden surprises. Located in Cobham, it’s Grade 1 listed and has been awarded the rare Europa Nostra Medal for its exemplary restoration.

Painshill Park was created by the Honourable Charles Hamilton who wanted a romantic landscape to stimulate the senses and emotions of visitors. He certainly achieved that.

The dramatic slopes of the vineyard can be seen with the lake below. The trees of Fir Walk provide a frame to views as far as the North Downs taking in Chatley Heath and its semaphore tower.

A Gothic Temple is one of Hamilton’s great surprises with narrowed openings of pillared arches framing a living painting. From inside the landscape falls away dramatically offering spectacular views of the Serpentine Lake. Even POD seemed in awe of it, surprising perhaps given she’s not yet three.

There’s also a zig-zag path that leads from the Gothic Temple downhill to the Chinese bridge peninsula. At the other end of the lake the land rises where there are glimpses of the Hermitage, Temple of Bacchus and Turkish Tent.

POD had a brief nap while I took in the Ruined Abbey which is built of brick but rendered to look like stone. Situated on the edge of the lake and with the sun shining brightly, it was a wonderfully calm place to be. My thoughts were disrupted by a swan flying at speed then coming to rest on the lake.

We came across many ducks, some of which were quite unusual, as we headed towards the Chinese Bridge. POD said “hello duck” to the majority of them. The surroundings really were quite beautiful, imagine a sunlit lake surrounded by old trees and Autumnal colours.

Also at Painshill Park is a restored Waterwheel, the largest working wheel in the UK, a Hermitage and a Gothic Tower. We saved these for our next visit as we spent too much time in the Crystal Grotto (restricted opening times apply). You can read The follies of Painshill Park: Part Two here.

It’s one of the main attractions at Painshill and the latest historic folly to be restored. Hundreds of thousands of crystals including calcite, gypsum, quartz and fluorite have been used to re-create this extraordinary folly.

The surrounding area almost takes your breath away, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. With a small entrance POD was apprehensive at first but once in and her eyes adapted to the light she loved it.

Stalactites hung from the ceiling and the walls sparkled with crystals. It’s said on a still day ‘nature’s mirror’ can be seen inside the crystal grotto. There were beautiful reflections that’s for sure. As you’re not permitted to touch the grotto crystals, the volunteers had loose ones available which could be held. POD’s offer to look after them was politely declined.

Painshill Park is like a magical wonderland. The excitement on POD’s face in the crystal grotto was something else. I can’t imagine what she’ll be like when we visit Santa there!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus.

Fireworks at Stoke Park

In November 2011 I was all set to see the fireworks at Stoke Park in Surrey. It sounded like the most incredible event. A torchlight procession from Guildford’s cobbled High Street up to Stoke Park followed by fireworks. I was SO excited.

It wasn’t to be though as on November 3rd I broke my wrist. We didn’t make it the following year either.

Last night we were determined POD would see her first firework display. Having decided against the torchlight procession this year we headed straight to Stoke Park.

There we were treated to a fun fair with everything you’d expect from bumper cars to a waltzer and a ghost train. Lots of lights, lots of noise and lots of people. POD had never seen anything like it so it was a lot to take in.

She had the best time spinning in a tea cup with Daddy and would have gone on again and again and again given the chance. Instead we opted for a train where she got the opportunity to drive her own carriage. It was a role she took very seriously and she didn’t want to get off!

It was quite a sight seeing the torchlight procession arrive – hundreds of torches amid a sea of darkness. We followed them to where the firework display was taking place. It reminded me of being at a concert where everyone is waving a lighter in the air.

It was reported 17,000 people were at Stoke Park last night. It was hardly surprising given it really was a spectacular show. And what a great introduction for POD. It was wonderful to see her little face when she saw fireworks for the first time.

We’re linking this post up with the Mad Mid-Week blog hop at Super Busy Mum.

Remembering Loseley

You may recall we visited the wonderful Loseley Park earlier this year.

The house was one of the first stately homes to be open to the public and its been home to the More-Molyneaux family for 500 years.

It has a phenomenal garden which covers 2.5 acres and is divided into ‘rooms’, each of which has its own personality.

We had sat in the sunshine eating Loseley ice-cream before visiting a magnificent walled garden. It was beautifully laid out with roses, flowers and herbs. Ancient Wisteria covered an entire wall and nearby was a Mulberry tree reputed to have been planted by Queen Elizabeth I.

There were over a thousand old English rose bushes in the rose garden, perfectly framed with low and precisely clipped box hedges. The flower garden contained a fiery display of reds, oranges, yellows and blues.

A herb garden showcased an array of ingredients which have supplied the main house for hundreds of years.

The white garden was my favourite. It was a tranquil oasis of white, cream and silver with a water feature taking centre stage. It’s also where POD saw her first dragonfly.

Located near there was the Kitchen Garden, a practical organic vegetable garden with unusual varieties, and a wildflower meadow which could be seen across the moat.

Aside from not visiting anywhere this past week, there is a reason for this trip down memory lane. Loseley Park held a photography competition shortly after our visit which I entered. An exhibition showcasing all entries and the prize giving takes place in 2 weeks. Although I won’t win anything, I will be so proud to see three of my photographs mounted on the wall.

We’re linking this post with How Does Your Garden Grow? over at Mammasaurus. If you have a garden post you’d like to share, click on the badge below.

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Surrey

Feeling festive

Foraging for Father Christmas

The Savill Garden

First photography award

Nature’s Autumnal wonderland

The follies of Painshill Park: Part two

Autumn at Winkworth Arboretum

The follies of Painshill Park

Fireworks at Stoke Park

Remembering Loseley

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

Find us on Facebook