Wow, what a most enjoyable visit we had to this National Trust garden, which has 400 steps throughout the garden. (Don’t we know it!) It is a Victorian horticultural masterpiece full of intrigue and surprise. The vast range of trees, shrubs and flowers is simply amazing. Fortunately, the weather was gorgeous, which enabled us to see the colours of the rhododendrons and azaleas contrasting with the lake and backdrop of trees. The visit took us on a journey from an Italian terrace, to an Egyptian pyramid, via an Himalayan glen and an amazing Chinese inspired garden. We were able to take our refreshments outside and by mid afternoon the cream scones, cakes and cups of tea were the order of the day.

We hope that everyone on the coach had an enjoyable day. Unfortunately our departure was delayed slightly, due to a road traffic accident at the entrance to the gardens. I hope that you will join me in wishing the motorcyclist who was injured and then transferred very carefully into an ambulance a full recovery.

Once again, thank you to our organiser and committee for another memorable visit.