22 July 2010 - Cornwall

Today we headed to Glendurgan Garden - a National Trust property. After you walk through some of the gardens you get to a small beach.



In the garden.



Another view.



This apparently is a copy of the original schoolhouse.



Looking down on the laurel maze.



After stopping for lunch at the cafe, arguing with a number of wasps and splashing out on some rather tasty chutney at the cafe shop, we headed to the Minack theatre.



The theatre was carved out of the rock.



Looking down from the top.

12 July 2010 - Polesden Lacey

Today we headed over to Polesden Lacey, a National Trust property. This was in the gardens.



As was this - whatever it is.

A view of the house.



Round the other side of the house, to the right, you can just make out a giant chess board. 10 mins later I'd trounced Amber.

15 May 2010 - Robert Smails Printing Works & Harmony Garden

Today we headed over to the Robert Smails Printing Works in Innerleithen where we learned all about the print works and even got to make our own book marks.

Next we drove over to Melrose to see the Harmony Garden.





And as we were in Melrose we took a wander round the perimeter of Melrose Abbey - it was late and not worth paying the entrance fee for the 10 mins we'd have been allowed in it.

03 May 2010 - Crathes Castle

I thought Crathes Castle was built in a very similar style to Craigievar. Both castles were built within a few years of each other. This one isn't however bright pink!



There are beautiful gardens next to it to which we loved exploring.



One section of the garden was called the camel garden. I swear we hunted high and low for any sign of a camel. We were then told it's because that section of the garden undulates a bit; like 2 humps on a camel! Well that would explain.



And now for a spooky story from the castle. On the top floor there is a room which has a mirror hanging above the fireplace. If you move close to it on the left hand side, and stare across it side aways, there is the face of a woman in it. Not everyone experiences it. They were all synical about it and I admit so was I until I stood and looked and there it was the face of a woman!! Blimey!

There was also the strange story of the smell of pipe tobacco whafting around the house. One of the guides smelt it and went in to the room where it was coming from, ready to give the person a row for smoking in the castle. Nothing! Other staff have experienced it too.



i thought these hedges were nicely trimmed and looking like aliens from another planet! And guess what? They wobbled too when you punched them! Can't take that child anywhere!



A little bird takes a leisurely stroll round the garden.



A last look back at the castle before resuming our trip.

02 May 2010 - Pitmedden Garden

Time was marching on so we headed out to see the nearby Pitmedden Gardens. A warm welcome awaited us from 2 high five boxing hares on the front lawn. Absolutely no idea of the significance!



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Much of the planting of annuals had still to take place so we were not blessed by waves of colours. However all the neatly trimmed box hedges were a delight to see. And also the carefully pinned fruit trees against the wall. Always amazes me how they manage to get it looking so uniform.



There were larger hedges around the garden which, as Amber noted, wobbled when you punched them! Ooops.



From the upper part of the garden looking down, you can see the detail of the box hedges. Thistles and the Saltire were popular.



And more pruned trees.

02 May 2010 - Craigievar Castle

Fresh from its makeover, this pink castle looked like a must to visit. They spent millions with the renovations including putting on new rough casting in a bright pink!!! Apparently it used to be pink so they were trying to recreate it.



They replaced and repaired much of the stonework including some of the gargoyles.



This was one of my favourites a stone piper!



If you ignored the ornate turrets, the base of the castle with its small windows has a hint of the deco to it?

01 May 2010 - Castle Fraser

We have had a couple of nice long weekends in Aberdeen and it is becoming a favourite bolt hole for us. With work and school over for the day we drove north to the granite city for a 3 day break.

We took the chance to look round a couple of National Trust places while we were there. First on our travels was Castle Fraser.



It also has a lovely garden so we took a stroll round it.



For some reason Andrew likes this roller. Did it deserve a picture on the blog though???



Gardens are fine when you have an army of gardeners looking after them.



The meadows leading from the gardens to the castle.



And a very ususual play area in the wooded area. How cool is this carving of the castle?



A full view of the castle and its courtyard area.

05 September 2009 - House of Dun

Today we headed north to see the House of Dun.

These trees greet you as you walk up the drive to the house - and if you touch them you'll find they're very spongy.



We were 25 mins early for the next tour so had time to look at the gardens, this picture shows part of the garden from the side of the house.



Looking at the side of the house from the garden.



Pear and apple trees that have been trained onto the walls.



The back of the house.



After the tour - which was very good - we had a quick refreshment stop in the cafe which was run by an American lady from San Antonio, she'd have been right at home in a stereotypical diner but was also right at home in Scotland. I took advantage of her Mothers recipe "auchenoat cake" which while it may look like haggis with a suet topping actually had more of a carrot cake texture and was delicious.



Amber got herself a crocosmia. I'd have liked the chairs.



Finally, a picture of the front of the house.

23 August 2009 - Falkland Palace & Kellie Castle

Today we headed off to Falkland Palace.



Then headed over to Kellie Castle which had an interesting "bat" sign.



And this is the castle from the front.