At Biddulph Grange

It's well over a year since we visited Biddulph Grange, it must have been towards the end of 2019,  as I remember we sat in a very cold 'make do' tea room for a warm cup of coffee.  Things have changed over the last year.  The cafe has been moved into what was the shop and there is far more seating both there and outside along the terraces.  The 'porta-loos' near the entrance have gone and there are now permanent ones at the back of the shop, again near the entrance, plants sales and kitchen garden.    The people on the reception were lovely and welcoming and had plenty of advice about where things were situated and about the long and short walks and one way system.

On our way out of the cafe we saw the resident black and white cat waiting at the 'private staff only door' - perhaps it wanted elevenses too.  No photo as I was carrying coffee to take outside.  We sat overlooking the gardens where the volunteers were hard at work, pruning, cutting and tidying.

After coffee we set out on the long walk.  Everything was well planned out and the few visitors we came across were all politely keeping to the left hand side instructions and standing back for people in the one place along the Wellingtonia Walk where the one way path doubled back on itself.  It was a pleasant visit and we felt very relaxed afterwards.

Below are some images of the morning's walk.

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All was very lush and green although the tall tree tops were slightly misty in the hazy sunlight. 

It's raining here today, it's quite harsh rain and flowers have been dashed, there are petals everywhere.  The stoic male blackbird is digging worms from the lawn to fill the open beaks of his second brood who follow him around the garden, mouths open.  All for now.