Althorp House 2019

Last year I was treated to a day out at Althorp House.  I can't recall ever hearing about it but DDN was very interested in going.  We started out early and, being us, arrived before it opened.  

No problem as it was nearly coffee time and we had just passed a super little pub, Althorp Coaching Inn.

The pub dates back to the 16th Century and is gorgeous!  The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Althorp House is a magnificent building.  Think Versailles (before it was tarted up!) and the grounds spectacular. 

We traversed round the house, in an orderly fashion and with very helpful and informative staff at every corner, amazed at the furniture and . . oh! well! you know what these old houses are like!!!  

The Library was particularly amazing.  I am not showing photos of inside the house as you really need to visit or 'google' it.

We came out of the house into the gardens and started our walk round.  

The gardens were laid out so that you could visit along walks, view all the trees which were magnificent or go straight down to 'the lake'.

I was not prepared for the view as we entered into this part of the grounds.

                               

                              

The lake itself is so natural, very large, and the Memorial to Dianna just off to the side.

We walked all round the lake, there are benches at regular intervals so that one can sit and rest or survey or ponder. 

I cannot put into words how this part of the grounds made me feel.  

I was overcome with all the memories, as were several others also walking the lake, and it was good to just sit at times  . . . .

Dianna's resting place is perfect, her plinth can just be seen above the greenery under the trees on the island.  

There is a small jetty with two cushions of flowers which I thought was a nice touch.

We left this area and walked back to the house by a different path until we reached the formal gardens which enabled us to visit the cafe in the stable block.  

Such a friendly (expensive but so naice) place, we sat actually in the stables which was brill.  

The area round the courtyard houses the toilets and an art gallery and the inevitable shop. 

 I was treated to a new hat which naughty DDN bought while I sorted through the postcards for sale!  I am in love!!! and yes, I have worn it . . . . on special occasions of course!

All too soon it was time to come home but what a lovely day.  The sort of day that stays with you and pops into your mind now and again and makes you smile and feel all warm inside.

Here's a few more photos of the day . . . . . 

 Stupid layout by kind permission of 'New' Blogger