This is the time of year for getting out and enjoying the countryside and, as the Finns would say, being in the nature. It's not always easy, as we both work full time but we try to make the most of the weekends by getting out and exploring the area.
A couple of weeks ago, we went to Nostell Priory. It's a National Trust property and we used to be members before we went to Finland, so we decided to join again. That means we now have to visit at least one National Trust place per month to make it pay. In the winter, we'll do all the places with big grounds and lots of walks and then, in the summer, we'll look around historic houses and learn about families we've never heard of.
I have to say, Nostell was beautiful! The grounds are vast and so peaceful. We took my mountain trike so that we could go practically anywhere, and just wandered and explored. We found ourselves in fields, by a lake, and even found an enclosed area where Liggy could have a bit of freedom.
Here are a few pictures to show how lovely it was...
The National Trust have an app, which I've downloaded and created a list of places I'd like to visit. On my list are:
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens
- Brimham Rocks
- Clumber Park
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens
- Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort
I think Clumber Park will be first. There are photos on the National Trust website and it looks like an idyllic place to visit in the middle of winter. I hope the snow doesn't stop us travelling but once we're there, it can do whatever it likes. My mountain trike is fine in snow.
