We had a wonderful morning at Hopton Hall Gardens which is in the village of Hopton close to Carsington Water in Derbyshire. It is quite a long time since we last visited and there had been quite a lot of changes and additions. The walk seemed quite a bit longer and there were some new areas to explore.
We followed the Snowdrop Walk around the garden.
The snowdrops lay in patches under the trees stretching into the distance like drifts of newly fallen snow.
So magical, so beautiful
A feast for the eyes.
We followed the gold arrows along the well maintained paths. After an early 'mizzle' in the air, the skies cleared and the sun appeared above the trees.
There was a lot to see. I loved the layout of the garden and the stone walls.
The path gradually wound us round toward the hall.
More snowdrops amongst the papery leaves left from autumn and mossy stones and logs.
Another beautiful stone wall.
Aconites amongst Heuchera
Statue opposite the hall entrance with a lovely view behind it.
Pretty, delicate Hellebore flowers.
Inside the walled garden which has lovely curved red brick walls between the edge of the garden and the road outside.
A view of the Hall parts of which date back to c. 1414. For 600 years it was the seat of the Gell family. The estate used to have about 3,700 acres to its name. some of this is now where Carsington Water reservoir lies. Over the years the hall is said to have housed Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Queen Caroline within its walls. John Gell was created a baronet in recognition of his efforts on behalf of Oliver Cromwell. Sir William Gell, who was a classical archaeologist, was also Chamberlain to Caroline, queen consort of George II.
Daffodils down by the lakes. It won't be long before they are in bloom.
There were lovely reflections on the larger of the lakes but it was quite cold in the sunshine.
An Eagle Statue.
Above are more views of the garden which opens again for the roses in July and August.
Such beautiful gardens and a wonderful display of snowdrops Rosie. Fabulous photos - thank you so much for the tour especially as it is a place I have never visited. The eagle statue is amazing and I haven't seen any real aconites in flower this year so it was great to see yours :)
ReplyDeleteThank you RR the gardens are lovely, I think we may visit again in the summer as the new walled gardens should look wonderful. I haven't been able to find anything more about the eagle sculpture yet. It was great to see the aconites amongst the snowdrops. They were advertising little pots of both but when I looked there only snowdrops, looks like the aconites had been snapped up:)
DeleteSuch a beautiful place to walk...
ReplyDeleteLucky you. And thank you for taking us along.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the walk. Nice to know of another Elly Griffiths fan I'm waiting for her new Ruth Galloway novel The Dark Angel, I have it reserved at the library:)
DeleteOhhhh, a new book by Elly Griffiths! I am so happy I saw it,on your sidebar. So I can watch for it. Loved her Ruth Galloway series.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet:)
DeleteBeautiful gardens, and that carpet of snowdrops is just gorgeous. Soon the whole place will be full of colour.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely isn't it? Wechose the perfect day to visit too, not too cold for walking and not too sunny for photos:)
DeleteWhat a beautiful place, Rosie. To walk along the snowdrops on a cool morning must be heaven.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you Amalia, it was lovely walking under the trees amongst the snowdrops:)
DeleteThank you for taking us around the gardens. The carpet of snowdrops is uplifting. It was good to see the other pretty flowers and the interesting garden ornaments too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Snowdrops are lovely aren't they? So full of hope for Spring:)
DeleteSigh. Another one for the list...will it ever end? Lovely shots - impressive snowdrops - I don't think I've ever seen such a mass. Impressive eagle statue!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike - so many places and so litle time, it is conveniently close to other lovely places too though not open all of the time. I have been trying to find out more about the eagle but so far the name of sculptor eludes me:)
DeleteThat's a wonderful show of snowdrops; not everywhere that advertises snowdrop walks is as impressive. Slowly, slowly spring is edging towards us though it sounds like winter may be making a comeback next week. Ho hum!
ReplyDeleteThanks John, when we first visited, must be over 10 years ago, they were just starting up and the snowdrops were few and far between but now they look wonderful. Not looking forward to next week, I'm getting so fed up of winter now:)
DeleteWhat a beautiful place.I think it is a good year everywhere for snowdrops.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara. It does seem to be a good year for snowdrops we passed loads on the grass verges and spreading up people's drives on our way there and back:)
DeleteA lovely walk, Snowdrops are such beautiful flower aren't they!
ReplyDeleteThey are a lovely flower, they seem to give hope for Spring around the corner:)
DeleteI do so enjoy seeing snowdrops in vast amounts. Is it my imagination or is this year a very good year for them. Maybe all the damp. Such a pretty hellebore too. One of my favourite flowers. B x
ReplyDeleteYes, it does seem a good year for snowdrops, I've seen loads along the verges and in people's gardens as we have driven around. I'd love to grow them in our garden but the clay soil doesn't suit them:)
DeleteWow, the snowdrops were a real feast for the eyes. I did enjoy the stone walls, a real delight.
ReplyDeleteThank you, the snowdrops were better than I expected and the stone walls were wonderful sort of warm and enclosing:)
DeleteMy post today.... "Thank you Rosie!!!" :-))))))
ReplyDeleteHa! - thank you too:)
DeleteI'm in awe of that garden & could put it on my "to see" list when we next come to UK, but if it's not open regularly that may not happen. I'm loving the snowdrop photos bloggers are posting this month. Thanks for taking us on the walk & take care. BTW, love the eagle.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem a good year for snowdrops. I must try and find out more about the eagle. Yes, it does seem that the garden only opens to the public for the snowdrops and in the summer. I must check to see if they open for charity or for any other events through the year:)
DeleteGosh, those drifts of snowdrops are stunning! That’s how to do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica - the drifts of flowers were wonderful. It will be interesting to see the garden in summer:)
DeleteWow that is one gorgeous Snowdrop walk. I love it! Its nice to see other winter/spring flowers too. Really beautiful photos of a stunning place.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is a lovely place to see snowdrops in their full glory and a great walk on a bright, sunny morning:)
DeleteSuch a wonderful walk, don't the snowdrops look gorgeous. 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks, yes the snowdrops look wonderful:)
DeleteIt looks lovely, as do the snowdrops. I've never seen the snowdrops here, but I did visit to see the roses one year and was disappointed by it. Everywhere was looking neglected and shabby and untidy and it put me off going back. Perhaps things have improved a bit since then!
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to be a lot tidier since our last visit some years ago,there weren't many snowdrops then but there are masses now and there is a new or fairly new walled garden which looks as if it would be interesting in the summer:)
DeleteI love to see snowdrops, but it will be many weeks before they put in an appearance here. I planted a few last year, so hoping that they survived the cold winter. Thank you for bringing some cheer with those pretty spring flowers. Marie x
ReplyDeleteI hope your snowdrops survived all the cold weather. It is lovely tosee the early spring flowers:)
Delete