Day 121 - May 1st

Today we took Lara to the south coast to meet up with some friends. Whilst Lara met her friends, Wayne & I visited Herstmonceux Castle.

Built in the 15th century the castle is set in 300 acres of woodland and garden, Whilst the castle building wasn't open to the public we were able to spend time looking round the gardens and grounds.

Set inside the original walled garden, The Sundial & Rose Garden are a reminder that the castle was home to The Royal Greenwich Observatory from 1946-89.

At the centre of the garden is a huge sundial and smaller sundials can be found among the rose bushes surrounding this.

Sadly we were too early to see the roses in flower but there were still plenty of other flowers in the other gardens and woodlands.

Whilst on the woodland walk we came across the Folly built by the owner of Herstmonceux Castle from 1933-46.

In the woods the bluebells were flowering.

We stumbled across two carved hares.....

..... and a swing (I couldn't resist).

Back in the formal gardens we sat and enjoyed takeaway cake and drinks from the tea room.

One of the castle residents was quite interested in the cake and eagerly looking for crumbs.

All in all it was a good day, although we did have to dodge the rain showers a couple of times and would certainly make a return visit if the opportunity arose.