Originally built in the 1750’s for a naval hero and his wife, Hatchlands Park has since housed wealthy families, was a finishing school and even a printing press. Now the National Trust owned mansion is a family home containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture.
The stunning Frensham Little Pond, and Great Pond, in Surrey were created in the 13th century, when the Plantagenet King Henry III was on the English throne. The Bishop of Winchester wanted a fish supply for when he visited Farnham Castle and ordered that ponds should be created at Frensham.
It was formed by building an ironstone wall (some of the original stonework remains) across a shallow valley and damming a stream entering the other end of the pond, which came from a spring in the grounds of Silverbeck, Churt.
Last week we escaped to a National Trust favourite to blow away a few cobwebs. Hatchlands Park is nestled in the Surrey Hills and luckily for us located a short drive away from where we live. The mansion is a family home containing a collection of paintings and fine furniture as well as Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments. Hatchlands Park also has some 400 acres of ancient woodland and parkland – the perfect playground for four year old POD.
There’s something rather wonderful about getting up close to nature. Whether it be an unexpected crane going for a wander or capturing the detail in the every day. With Spring most certainly upon us, this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to really embrace the outdoors and I love it!
Here are just a few of the gems I’ve discovered recently at RHS Wisley in addition to orchids in the jungle and alpine gorgeousness. A bit of a photo extravaganza if you like. Some were taken on a day off I had recently and the rest on a blogger get together with some of my favourite people.
One of the best places in Surrey to see the bluebells is Hatchlands Park which is managed by the National Trust. This time of year has traditionally been a bit special as their ancient woodland is visited by fairies. In the past we’ve seen them flying about the trees and they’re always good fun to find. Although POD thought for a time think all woods had fairies living in them, she’s since discovered that’s not the case.
The fairies are no more this year but Hatchlands Park still had some magical treats in store. POD was looking forward to seeing the fairy houses we’d heard about but she was rather taken by the spacehoppers on the lawn when we arrived. Staying on one however was another story! The next few minutes mostly comprised of POD bouncing twice then lying on the ground laughing. There was more fun en route to Willow Wix as she found a partially hidden den which provided a great lookout point for watching people pass by.
It wasn’t long before we spotted one of the fairies houses though, a tiny blue door at the base of a tree. POD knocked gently hoping to find someone inside but the fairy living there must have been asleep. She did check the entire trunk to make sure there weren’t any fairies hiding from her.
I love this time of year, the trees smell fabulous and it’s great to see the primroses popping up.
While admiring the surroundings, we spotted another fairy house – this time higher up. There was no reply when POD knocked so she presumed this fairy was out shopping.
We missed a couple of fairy houses on the way into the bluebell wood as we got sidetracked by all the beautiful cows.
At the Willow Wix Wood, we were back on the fairy house trail.
The smell of the bluebells and the wood chip after the rain we’d had earlier was just divine. It was great to see the purple carpet again, it looked amazing. The staff at Hatchlands Park have done a fabulous job making it look wonderful too.
It wasn’t long before we discovered a few more fairy doors.
POD was convinced if she did a bit of magic herself they might appear!
I adore this look of joy on her face, just priceless.
After leaving the Willow Wix Wood, POD and Daddy thought it would be really funny to hide from Mummy while she was taking photographs of the bluebells. Both jumped out from behind a tree and POD let out the biggest roar ever – this is her scary face!
Another fairy door and more knocking. It was great to see POD check all the doors even if the fairies were sleeping or shopping. She does seem to think they’ll be back next time though so we might have to smuggle one in!
POD then embarked on some running around before attempting to do some star jumps. These mostly consisted of gurning and leg bending with little in the air action!
On walking back to the house we met a few more chums. This chap was especially friendly although we didn’t get too close. Horns are horns whatever size they are!
Another fabulous visit to Hatchlands Park. Next time we must stay longer and eat their cake. It’s very good.
Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.
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If you read the orchids in the jungle post, you’ll get a feel for RHS Wisley. Funnily enough we visited several times before we discovered the landscaped alpine houses. Located above the beautiful rock garden and boasting fabulous views of the wild garden and the Glasshouse, it’s a place of wonderment and colour.
There’s a degree of escapism feasible in this area of the garden too as it’s often quieter than the popular Glasshouse for example. It’s the perfect environment for really appreciating the joy of nature.
The houses showcase the most amazing collection of alpine plants with most flowering in Spring or early Summer. There’s plenty to see in the Winter too – I’m yet to see the alpine houses not bursting with colour.
It really is a feast for the eyeballs and whether you’re into flowers or not, you can’t help but be blown away by the absolute delights on display.
And who doesn’t want one of these in their garden? I adore these rocky planters and there’s quite a few dotted around.
They’re all different in terms of style but just as beautiful. Truth be told something like this would look amazing in the garden although I’m sure my variation wouldn’t be quite so pretty!
I love capturing the magic of the flowers at Wisley and when the opportunity arises, its the best feeling being able to do that. Especially when it means getting up close and personal to mother nature.
Whether it be teeny tiny flowers
or the pollen laden interior of a brightly coloured bloom.
There’s a fabulous range in the alpine houses too. From the bright pinks, yellows and oranges through to the pastels. Subtle but just as pleasing to the eye.
Then there are the flowers that jump out at you. From these fuzzy friends (must find out what these are called)
to the downright remarkable!
Joining Mammasaurus for #HDYGG and Sticky Fingers where the theme is colour.
POD has attended the same nursery since she was a year old. Now in the pre-school class, she’s grown into a bright and sociable child. All the staff know her and she’s built some strong friendships over the past four years too.
We looked forward to the children starting primary school together in September. It was presumed the majority would attend the nearest one which is located just 0.45 miles from our house. We got a great vibe from the school when we visited and we could imagine POD being there. We knew however hard it was for us to see POD off on her first day, she would thrive. And she’d have people she knew to hold her hand – whether she wanted them to or not!
We didn’t think for a second POD wouldn’t get offered a place at the only school we can walk to. But last Thursday we learnt she’d not been accepted. Worse still all her friends had. Although the success rate appears to be very low, we submitted an appeal form that evening. It may prove fruitless but you don’t know unless you try.
The following day was a crash course in the school selection process. It involved asking numerous questions and attempting to glean a few answers. Not to mention continually being asked if POD had any siblings. It was a tough day that ended with two of POD’s friends asking “why isn’t POD going to the same school as us?”. Utterly heartbreaking and a question we don’t yet know the answer to.
The school that’s been selected for POD can only be reached by car, it’s located in one of the busiest parts of Guildford. We’ve not seen it yet but we’re visiting soon – at least we know she has a place. Although POD will no doubt make friends quickly, it’s hard thinking of her going to school and not knowing a soul. It’s so very different to what we imagined and what we, perhaps rather foolishly, presumed.
As it stands today, POD is on the waiting list for the local school. We don’t know whereabouts yet but we can find out from 7th May. We’re looking at other options too just in case. Much can change in the coming weeks so we remain optimistic albeit with a sense of caution.
So now we wait. And hope that someone is on our side and she’ll get to start school with her chums.
Having a day off when you’ve had a few months with little time to yourself is very exciting! Although I should have had a cheeky doze and caught up on some much needed sleep, the orchids were calling.
We were RHS Wisley as a family recently to see the butterflies but it’s been a while since I’ve ventured there on a week day. And I love orchids!
If you’ve not been to RHS Wisley before, the Glasshouse is huge and has three temperate zones. My favourite is the tropical zone. Not just because it’s c.30 degrees inside but because it’s always brilliant. On this occasion a jungle setting with orchids hanging from above. Did I say I adore orchids?!
It was almost as if you were wandering through an enchanted garden and everything around you was perfect. I’ve really missed seeing the colourful blooms while I’ve been in London – it was like heaven. For once I didn’t even mind waiting for my camera to acclimatise.
Although I really wanted the place to myself, I was happy just wandering around in a daze taking it all in.
There was so much variation in colour and the types of orchids on display.
Plus the environment was something else, just beautiful.
As were these Ladies Slippers – the detail is incredible.
What a fabulous location to take time out and gain a little head space. And just because I took too many photographs, I will leave you with some more bloom loveliness.
Linking up with Mammasaurus for How Does Your Garden Grow?
You’d think after all the exploring we’ve done we would have seen all there is to see in Surrey. Thankfully there is still much to discover and although we’ve visited (and re-visited!) numerous National Trust sites, there are many more to fall in love with.
Limpsfield Common is an ancient common located in the Surrey Hills. It was once used by commoners for grazing their animals, collecting stone and firewood but today its myriad of footpaths and bridleways take you through ancient woodland.
We’d heard a couple of things about Limpsfield. There are recently restored (to their war time condition) Second World War air raid shelters to be seen and Peter Rabbit has a post office there! We did do a bit of research on the shelters before leaving and discovered the last guided tour was the weekend prior to our visit. We will no doubt be back to experience what life was like during an air raid and check out the shelters which you can do (albeit not inside) if the tour is not running.
We weren’t going to be put off by seeing Peter Rabbit’s post office though! There are seven car parks at Limpsfield Common so pick the right one before you leave as there is lots to do there.
There will be bluebells at Ridlands Grove (where we were) before too long plus there are spectacular views from Scearn Bank and you can watch a cricket match on a Summer’s Day. As well as have the obligatory picnic!
When we arrived at Limpsfield Common, we headed left where we found Fox’s Villas which was surrounded by miniature fencing.
In addition to having a little peek inside and wondering if anyone was at home, there were also dens to explore and logs to ride.
Not to mention trees to climb. Daddy got a bit carried away clambering up one and POD obviously took the opportunity to jump off it!
There were many trees to climb though and it wasn’t long before POD found another one to investigate.
After taking a short detour across the golf course and down a bridlepath, we headed back on ourselves to discover some more tiny houses.
First there was Hedgehog Hall complete with a working well and a door with a letterbox. The attention to detail is great.
A little further down was Peter Rabbit’s post office. The care that’s gone into creating these splendid houses is just fabulous.
POD was thrilled to discover there was a rabbit inside and would have crept in herself given half a chance!
What a lovely introduction to Limpsfield Common. We shall be back to explore again soon I’m sure.
Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.
This time last year we made a spontaneous visit to local woodland. The skies were blue, the sun was shining and it was so mild. It was the first time in months we weren’t wrapped up in layers of clothing and donning wellies.
POD had a renewed sense of freedom that day, kicking leaves and running ahead with her white dress flowing behind her. It was an idyllic setting and we had it all to ourselves.
The sky was an amazing colour and it was uncharacteristically warm for March.
We’d been heading elsewhere that day but made a detour when the traffic was bad. What a fabulous alternative this woodland wander was to returning home.
I remember thinking POD looked so grown up at the time but she looks small. It was an effort to climb onto that bench – now she’d be on it before you could blink!
POD didn’t think we could see her when she had an impromptu lie down, little did she know we caught every moment. Let’s hope this Spring arrives quickly so we can enjoy more glorious days.
Linking up with #whatsthestory on PODcast.
