A first visit to Ascott .....

Having been to Nuffield Place in the morning, followed by aborted visits to two churches.. both of which were closed, we headed off for Ascott.. and it was a first time visit for both of us...

It's an amazing Jacobean house.. but no photographs were permitted..

.... as we walked the gardens... the rain started so it was a wet walk..

An amazing garden... full of wonderful surprises..

Through a gap in the hedge... this wonderfully colourful garden opened up before us..

Amazing topiary ..... !!

and another wonderful surprise...

and finally.... a cuppa and a scone... (not a NT cafe) ... was a plain scone (i.e. not a fruit one).. pleasant...

A wonderful end to the day despite the rain.  And as we drove home.. the roads were dry!!!!