Dyffryn House

Back in Cardiff for our regular grandparent duties looking after young Tomos. Due to the dry sunny weather we decided on a trip to Dyffryn House and Gardens, now run by the National Trust. It was built in 1893 by John Cory a wealthy Coal merchant who among other things helped develop Barry as port to rival Cardiff. He had an interest in horticulture and commissioned Thomas Mawson, a renowned landscape architect to design gardens to complement the house.
Since taking over the management of the gardens the NT have successfully renovated the grounds. I used to come here with the kids years ago but I think it has greatly improved and is an interesting place to visit.
The extra is one of the many interesting statues decorating the garden. It depicsts a man riding an ox and reading a book either Sugawara no Michizane (843-903) or Botanka Shohaku (1443-1527)