Claremont Landscape Garden

Hasn't this weather been marvellous? We rather indulgently took Friday off and, given the weather, headed over to Claremont Landscape Garden. Just down the road, it's a sweet National Trust estate to stroll around or to simply enjoy the view with a picnic. The goslings were out in force with their downy derrieres, adorable squeaking and watchful mothers. The baby coots were piercing with their shrill shrieks but not the prettiest of things, bless them. A quick stroll around the lake before we hopped on the minibus to go to The Homewood - they'd had two cancellations and we'd always been curious. A thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes later we were back at Claremont cooing over the goslings, climbing the hill to the camellia terrace, finally stopping at the top of the amphitheatre to view Capability Brown's grand plans and catch our breath. A delightful pub lunch, a trip to Garsons and an afternoon spent potting up plants followed, topped off with Mr M's Sea Bream on the bbq for supper. A really lovely way to spend a Friday.