Visit to Grimsthorpe Castle part 1

I enjoyed a lovely day out last Tuesday, with my friends Katy and Alison.  After a bit of research on where we could go, we plumped for Grimsthorpe Castle, which is about an hour away.  I had visited before, but six years ago, so was very happy to go again and had a two for one voucher, so off we went. I took lots of photos of the gardens, so will split them into two posts.

 The main front of the house is very grand and imposing, designed by Vanbrugh, who also designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.  The figures in gold on the coat of arms are a monk on the left and a wild man on the right.

 The house towered above us.  I was intrigued by the massive columns.

 I felt they were an unusual design.  We went in by the front door and were given a very informative and fascinating tour by Beryl, who was extremely knowledgeable and hardly seemed to draw breath!  Photos weren't allowed in the house, but I made up for that outside!

Yes, I do like a view through a door or a gate.  The gold figure here is a saracen.

 The gardens are around the house and are created in different 'rooms'. This is the rose garden.

 The older part of the house can be seen here, with the crenellations.  It reminded me of one of my favourite historic houses, Haddon Hall, near Bakewell.

 Another view from the rose garden showing the older and newer parts of the house.

 We went through to the kitchen garden which was very impressive.  Topiary and pots of agapanthus were used as eye catchers.

 Flowers and vegetables were planted together.

 The onions were drying in the sun.

 Looking down through the vegetable garden.  I particularly liked the agapanthus and decided I needed to put one on my wish list!

Now and again, there was a lovely view of the house.  The garden did give me the feeling of being in Wonderland and I half expected the Queen of Hearts to appear round the corner at any moment and demand a game of croquet!

Looking back into the vegetable garden.  The final arch had raspberries growing up it which was a lovely idea.  Part two of the visit will follow...