A Ramble in the Park

Armed with our new National Trust membership, we set out for Anglesey Abbey today.  Anglesey Abbey is the work of one man, Huttleson Rogers Broughton, the first Lord Fairhaven. He bought the Abbey at an auction sale and set about remodelling it into a country house. But his idea of home was not confined to the house itself. Despite being no trained plantsman, he did an excellent job in shaping the extensive grounds into a garden paradise. The desolate marsh landscape was transformed into one of England's great gardens. There were picturesque open park spaces with manicured lawns and dedicated areas for different trees and flowering plants. And sprinkled among these were statues, ranging from classical to whimsical, that lent a decided European air to the grounds.

We had decided on Anglesey Abbey, because it was recommended for beautiful autumn colours and we were not disappointed. A beautiful blend of red, orange and yellow hues greeted us throughout. We found delight in the curvy pathway landscaped with graceful trees and many were sporting berries or flowers that were rather unusual. It was rather like being in a wonderful, strange land with surprises at every bend and corner.

Another extraordinary feature of Anglesey Abbey is the Lode Mill, whose waterwheel has been turning in the same spot for hundreds of years.  Lord Fairhaven bought the mill and restored its exterior to create a stunning vista along the river. There were 3 floors in the mill and I was hesitant to go up, since Daddy Low had J in a backpack carrier and the stairway was steep and narrow. Amazingly, we did go up in the end. And on the way down, we had to face the stairs while coming down. I don't know how Daddy Low did it, but he did it effortlessly.  J was not only safe, but I think he really enjoyed the unusual ride. Especially on the way down, since we were greeted by a ring of people, all waiting to go up after we were done!

It was an interesting visit - the Mill not only exhibited the machinery used to grind the wheat into flour, it also had pictures accompanied with explanations. And if you so wished, you could also buy flour freshly ground in the Mill itself.

Outside the Mill, there was a little garden framed by lovely trees much like weeping willows and we could see it slowly opening up into an enchanting glade. I suggested to Daddy Low that we let J out for a bit of walking, since the grass looked so nice and soft. And what a good idea it was! J simply loved walking on his own and I think his new shoes gave him more grip and stability and so he really started to enjoy his newfound mobility and freedom. He would walk confidently and triumphantly from one of us to the other, receive our cheering and applause, then turn and make for the other again. He was a bit wobbly and fell a few times, but simply would not rest one bit! When we wanted to move on again, and Daddy Low tried to put him back in the carrier, he became a bit upset and was really reluctant to get back into his "sedan". Sigh, ungrateful fellow! :)

Dahlias were the blooms of the season. And Anglesey Abbey had a proud display of them. They were planted in an arch in an enclosed part of the gardens. When you enter and see the vista of dahlias stretching out before you, it's almost like you have stumbled upon a secret garden. And what a profusion of colours - starting from the lightest (white) to the darkest (a strong purple). It's like a little floral rainbow of dahlias in there. Everyone was enchanted and bust snapping away on their cameras in a bid to capture this transient beauty. I must say I have never seen such huge dahlias and such vibrant colours too. I think J too was a bit overwhelmed by the colour explosion - he was pointing here, there, everywhere :)

We moved on to the house itself. And we were really lucky, because today was the last day the house will be open for the year! First, we admired the exterior. There was a free tour of the exterior going on at that time, but we were too busy walking with J to bother. Or rather, J was too busy walking to let us bother - he had one hand holding my hand and one hand holding Daddy Low's hand and we let him lead us in his clumsy steps. For one moment, you really forget the world - your vision sort of just zooms in to you and that kid pulling you along in his baby steps. I think we became a sort of entertainment focus without realising it. People passing by us would inevitably stop, smile, chat or cheer J on. A little baby, especially one just on his first steps does always make one sort of melt inside, I guess.

The interior of the house was just as impressive. The deco was leaning a bit towards the darker hues for me, but it did have a nice character of its own and its own unique sense of harmony, I would say. Lord Fairhaven had a vast collection of paintings and his love for hunting and landscapes was evident. Apparently, he also had a real penchant for clocks - the house was full of them. And they were a nice collection too. The rooms had a nice, homely feel and even though it was a home decades ago, one can easily imagine living in here. In fact, we were told both the Queen Mother and the Queen had stayed here before. The bedrooms were generously sized and so were the toilets! And the libraries - he had two - they were dream libraries with dark wood shelves from floor to ceiling, and many books, we were told, have been rebound in leather. All in all, a very handsome house.


The grounds were big, and daylight hours were just becoming shorter and shorter, so we naturally did not see all of Anglesey Abbey. But it had been a perfect day, as far as we are concerned. J got his walking on the grass and we all had some fresh air amidst beautiful surrounds. And all this walking was bringing on a spot of hunger. It was, in any case, time for a nice late lunch. And I think that was the second surprise - the food in the restaurant was really nice! I had not expected National trust to put any focus on food in its work, but I must say this is one of the best Sunday roasts I have ever had. So good, that J wanted more than a bit from my plate! What a wonderful way to end nice lovely walk :)