Tag Archives: gardens

View of the North Norfolk coast and the parkland from the gazebo viewing tower at Sheringham Park

What Mothers Want!

In 2000, there was a very successful and funny film entitled ‘What Women Want’, where Mel Gibson had a fluke accident that gave him the ability to read women’s minds.

I’m sure there are many mothers out there that wish their families could this Mothers Day. I think I can speak for most of them who would just want a little bit of your time and maybe a little effort.

If you’re stuck for an idea for an afternoon stroll, Sheringham Park could just be the place to run off a bit of steam, take in some fresh air and have a bracing walk. There are sure to be a few early rhododendrons and camellias in the park as due its coastal location and the micro climate created by the large rhododendron collection, the wild garden is largely protected from winter frosts.

View of the North Norfolk coast and the parkland from the gazebo viewing tower at Sheringham Park

Climb the gazebo viewing tower to enjoy the scenery of the North Norfolk coast.

large collection of rhododendrons in the parkland with the blue sea in the background

Due its coastal location and the micro climate created by the large rhododendron collection the wild garden is largely protected from winter frosts.

stunning bi-colour rhododendron plant

Part of the large rhododendron collection created by landscape gardener Humphry Repton over 200 years ago.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park

How about the children making mum some bread for breakfast or a few scones. Guests love home-made bread at Chimneys. I have a few tips and a great recipe  for scones that I will post before Sunday. There are lots of lovely cafes and restaurants that serve delicious Afternoon Teas but be quick as this weekend is sure to be busy.

homemade bread and breakfast muffins on offer at breakfast at Chimneys

Everyone loves home-made bread and muffins at Chimneys

freshly home-baked lemon and sultana scones

Freshly baked for an Afternoon Tea feast

http://www.follytearoom.co.uk

 

drifts of snowdrops in the dell garden at Walsingham Abbey

Snowdrop Heaven at England’s Nazareth, Walsingham.

I had a magical afternoon at Walsingham this week. There are 18 acres of woodland carpeted with snowdrops in the season and quiet river walks alongside the Stiffkey.

snowdrops in drifts follow the path and beyond in the woodland and gardens at Walsingham priory

These are the most beautiful snowdrops gardens I have ever seen at Walsingham

priory ruins on the lawn at Walsingham

The magnificent East Window arch on the main lawn, just one of the mediaeval Priory ruins at Walsingham

entrance to dell snowdrop garden and woodland Walsingham Norfolk

The gates to the dell garden are locked at 3.30pm but I don’t honestly think I’d mind being stuck there

river with snowdrops around the river bank at Walsingham Abbey

snowdrops follow the meandering river in the Walsingham Abbey grounds

Entrance to the Abbey grounds is permitted through the Georgian Shirehall Museum, for 200 years a courtroom but originally built as a pilgrim hostel where there are local artefacts and illustrations of life in Norfolk long ago. Entrance to the Abbey Grounds cost £5

It is particularly apparent that little has changed (architecturally) and the buildings are full of charm. You’re likely to see a nun or two as Walsingham has a long history of religious pilgrimage, dating back to the 11th century.

http://www.walsinghamabbey.com

If you’d like to see the snowdrops in full bloom I suggest you think about it quickly.

The Black Lion, Walsingham is a cosy pit-stop for a light lunch with great atmosphere and a roaring log fire.

sandwiches and homemade chips at the Black Lion, Walsingham

A great light lunch sitting beside a roaring fire at The Black Lion Hotel, Walsingham

Whilst in the area, Pensthorpe Natural Park is definitely worth a visit, just seven miles from Walsingham. With beautiful gardens, spectacular wildlife, an adventure play area, lakes and trails, it’s a great attraction for families

http://www.pensthorpe.com

Creake Abbey is only five miles away, where there are beautiful ruins of an Augustinian abbey founded in 1206. They are freely accessible and in the care of English Heritage.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Creake Abbey is also the home to a stunning Café and Food Hall, fantastic shops and studios plus an award winning farmers’ market.

http://www.creakeabbey.co.uk

The farmers market is the first Saturday of every month and is a culinary feast of all things wonderful in Norfolk, not to be missed!