Last week we never knew what type of weather we would wake up to, as the weather forecasts changed almost hourly. Most days started gloomy and wet but, on the days that we were lucky, the sun broke through the clouds during the afternoon. On other days the gloom hung around and mist descended.
We didn’t manage many visits to the allotment. When it wasn’t actually raining, everywhere was wet and soggy. We also need to fit in some exercise for Ruby. When we did get to the plot it was a case of more clearing and digging which doesn’t make for interesting reading or photos but Martyn has posted a video here.
At Temple Newsam, the ground staff were busy clearing away and shredding debris left behind by this year’s storms.
At present, we can park our car free of charge but the council is introducing parking fees. It will be interesting to see how this affects visitor numbers, which at this time of year are fairly low already – at least they are when we visit during the week. It may also have a negative impact on sales at the cafe as the rate is set on a two hourly basis.
We have been trying to fit in a day out each week. This week we had decided on a visit to Dunham Massey in Cheshire. It entailed a trip of about an hour and a half across the Pennines. We woke to a fairly dull morning but decided to pack the car with clothes to cover every eventuality and set off.
It was the right call as the sun decided to shine and it turned out to be a lovely day. We had taken a packed lunch to eat in the car, as we didn’t fancy sitting outside with Ruby if the weather didn’t improve. We later found out that the restaurant had a section that welcomed dogs so we will know when we next visit. One of the restaurant staff told us on days when the weather is poor most of their visitors have a dog with them. We definitely go out when the weather would keep us indoors if it wasn’t for Ruby.
First of all, we headed along the tracks that took us through the deer park.
We spotted plenty of fallow deer browsing and resting in the bracken.
As we walked along the path we were treated to better views. We saw one deer that was completely white.
Then, even better we came across a stag browsing alongside the path. He wasn’t worried by the people, many with dogs, walking close by or stopping to watch him and take photos.
After we had walked around the deer park, we headed back towards the house to find the gardens.
We were very impressed by the garden, especially considering the time of year. I’d go so far as saying that it was one of my favourite garden visits. I took lots of photos and have included some of the best in the carousel below.
Ruby was allowed on an extendable lead in the park but had to be kept on a short lead in the garden.
She’s never impressed by this, but we appreciate that we can visit the garden with her. Our local NT property at Nostell denies dogs access to the garden, even though the garden there is more naturalistic. I’ve emailed them several times asking for them to reconsider but have had no success. Their attitude is that they have to consider visitors who don’t like dogs. At Dunham Massey the gardens are kept dog-free in the morning which caters for everyone and judging from the number of dogs with visitors must also significantly increase their footfall.
There are areas at Dunham Massey where dogs are allowed off lead but we never found them so Ruby missed her ball game but on the plus side she gained another stamp on her passport. Just two more to go for a packet of treats.
Last week, I used some of our cabbage, carrot, onion, potato squash and peas from the freezer to make a vegetable stew. I also added kidney beans.
In a turkey dish, I used some of our onion, garlic, potato, red pepper, and sweetcorn.
That’s all for this week so as always stay safe. stay well and stay comfortably warm.
Dunham Massey is on our list of places to visit, it’s somewhere we’ve never been. I’ve been visiting Temple Newsam since I was a baby, a shame they’re bringing in parking charges, it’s the same at Roundhay Park too. I think there’ll definitely be a decline in the number of people visiting.
We loved Dunham Massey, Jo. We went years adi when it was relatively new but it has changed a lot. I I used to live in Woodlesford as a child so I i we used to walk to Te
mmple Newsam.
Yes, a dog definitely gets you out in all weathers. There is a medieval deer park near here which is a lovely spot for a walk. It hasn’t been disturbed in centuries, so there are those huge ant mounds everywhere and all sorts of fungi, it’s fantastic. NT should definitely consider your dog request, it would boost their numbers for certain.
It’s really just Nostell, CJ of the NT properties that are reasonably closenu and claim to be dog friendly that ban dogs from the garden. I’ve told them that they are out of step with orher properites and decalue our NT membership. Zll we save us the £5 parking charge. They say that they have considered my points but are not changing their policy.
I’m familiar with NT passports but not for dogs! What a good idea, and a great way to keep a record. Big Boo Hoo and two thumbs down to Nostell for their poor attitude to dogs!
They reckon that they are dog friendly, Debbie but the areas where dogs are allowed are free to the public other than a parking charge if you arrive by car. No real advantage for NT membership.