Day 5 Lyme Hall

A much better sleep. Woken by Amelia at 6. This morning we went to Lachie’s sport’s training. It was led by a young Welshman called Alistair, who did a good job of keeping the 3-4year olds on track. Although the sun was shining, it was really cold in the hall and I was very glad I had taken my coat. While I was watching Lachie, and Amelia’s determined efforts to join in, I spent the time editing photos in an effort to catch up.

From here we set off for Lyme Hall near Manchester arriving about 11:30. The National Trust properties open later in the day. They are restricted to how many hours per year they may open.

Lyme Hall was magnificent- both the home and the gardens. Just needed Mr Darcy to ride up to complete the picture. There were hundreds of people enjoying the area, investigating the home, but many more walking, or picnicking with family.

We ate lunch first. I had GF soup and they ate sandwiches. £12 entrance fee for me. Sarah and family have a pass. The rooms were spectacular in detail and ornamentation. The tapestries, woodwork and ornate ceilings were a feature and the views from the windows were amazing.

The gardens were featuring daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and the rhododendrons were just starting. The formal Italian garden was magnificent from the view above, as were the flower beds near the Hall. But the reflections of the Hall and trees in the lake were just stunning. You could dress up in “Pride and Prejudice” costumes and several people did and were wandering through the grounds in their costumes.

There seemed to be just as many people arriving as we were leaving (3:30). Lachie had been invited to a birthday party and it took about an hour to get there/ home.

They stopped off at the birthday party and I walked the short distance back to the house where I completed my job of editing/ culling previous photos. At the same time I did the washing and bought in the load from yesterday. Despite the warm weather, the clothes needed to be finished off in the dryer.

When they arrived home from the party, the kids had dinner and played outside until bath time. Sarah and Tim were going out, so of course Lachie took a very long time to settle down to sleep. Amelia was much faster. I continued to upload today’s photos Of course I haven’t been using Facebook and there has been no time to do my usual blog.