Bateman's House and Gardens

Today I went with my very good friend for a visit to National Trust house and gardens, Batemans.  In principal to see the house decorated for Christmas

It was freezing.  It was -1 when I left home and had risen to 3 degrees by the time I arrived to pick up my friend.  The highest temperature all day was 4 degrees!

However, a tour round the house.  The few rooms that were decorated were done so on the them of Rudyard Kipling's Just so Stories.

Despite it being dull, grey and cold we had a wander around the  garden

The Mill Pond is undergoing extensive restoration.. hopefully to be open by the Spring of next year.

A top on the way back for a quick visit to a garden centre.. with a view.  Lovely place for a "warmer day" visit when you can sit on the balcony and enjoy the view and something from the cafe

Autumnal Bateman's gardens

I went to Bateman's with a friend today.. It was mild for this time of the year.. 16 degrees.  Normally it's scarves, gloves hats etc. but today, a light jacket was all that was needed.

The light was weird.. sometimes grey skies, sometimes a bit of sun, but often glary making photography a bit of a challenge

Had a great wander around the gardens..

Lichen

We walked around the Mill area where there a few pine trees.. ah, what's that I hear/
Mistle Thrust, Redwings and a very fast and flighty Goldcrest.. just lovely to see.

Various fungi.. but don't know the names..

and then back into the more formal gardens

Lunch, and a very tasty scone for lunch

Back through the car park to this relatively new area - the Wild Play Area for children.. Really good use of the space and plenty of areas for children to explore and experience.

Last time I was here, this sculpture was in the process of being .. sculpted.  I really like it!

Lovely day, weather reasonable, and great company.