Ashridge Estate

We visited the stunning Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire recently, which is quite nearby to us.  It's owned by the National Trust and is an estate made up of ancient trees and woodlands, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows - all in an area of natural outstanding beauty. 

It's a place that encourages walkers, dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with over 80 miles of designated footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths: a place of space, fresh air and freedom. There are also fallow deer and muntjac deer - deer have been on the estate at Ashridge for hundreds of years. 

It was a gorgeous and sunny November day and I'd thought the trees and woodlands might look stunning at this time of year and on a day like this. And they were - there's nothing like crackling leaves underneath your feet and the sight of colours changing form green, to gold, to orange and then red. There was a gentle breeze in the air and the leaves trickled silently from the trees - I love to see this. Beautiful. 

There's also a visitor centre and National Trust shop together with a lovely open air cafe, which is perfect for a rest and some refreshment after a walk. We enjoyed a warming lunch after our first walk and then treated ourselves to an afternoon tea after another explore around. I always feel there's something special about eating outside on a cold, crispy day, everyone wrapped up in cosy scarves and hats enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. 

The Gardens at Raby Castle

While visiting friends a few weeks ago, back in August, we spent a lovely afternoon exploring the gardens at Raby Castle, near Darlington in County Durham. Raby Castle is situated in approx 250 acres of parkland. The deer park has red deer and fallow deer and we watched them grazing near the castle as we strolled around the pathways.

There is plenty of bird life too and blackbirds were in full song as we explored. We watched the swallows dipping and diving and swooping across the greens. Woodpeckers, mistle thrushes and grey wagtails are popular here too. The ponds in the castle grounds also attract varieties of geese and ducks and oyster catchers.

The 18th century walled garden contains 5 acres of lawns and spectacular herbaceous borders. The garden features two magnificent yew hedges, an ornamental pond and many fruit trees. There is also a glass house, which has it's very own fig tree. 

There was plenty of late summer vibrant colour in the borders - those bright oranges and yellows, which take over from those early summer pastels. Many perennials were out in full bloom - crocosmias - especially the lucifer variety , chrysanthemums, cat mint and lavenders. Heavily scented rambling roses climbed the fences on the outside of the wall, making a lovely frame for the view towards the castle. The rose beds were in full bloom and heady with perfume. 

There are also tearooms and a gift shop to complete your visit. 

Raby Castle