Gardens at Lanhydrock House

A rest day today, no walking. We went to Lanhydrock House near Bodmin. A National Trust place, the first one we've visited since becoming members.

After a coffee and scone, scores below, we toured the downstairs rooms - dining room, kitchen, sculleries, dairy and the like before going for a quick lunch.

In the afternoon we finished off the the house - the first and second floors - the family living on the first floor and the servants on the second. I really liked the house, had the feel of a lived in place rather than pickled in aspic as so many stately homes can be. I'm not a great stately home and gardens fan, but this was better than most and an interesting place to visit.

As we came out of the house the heavens opened so we were accompanied by heavy rain while vowing the gardens. Managed to get this shot of the formal gardens which formed a pleasant symmetrical pattern.

We walked from the formal gardens into the wider estate and down to the River Fowey. Would have been nice had the rain held off.

A special evening as our evening meal was part of Alan's 70th birthday celebrations (his birthday is at the end of July). Champagne and canapés to start, followed by flan and salad with damson duff and custard for desert. A very good evening.