Days Out: Wentworth Garden Centre.

This is not your typical garden centre. There is lots and lots to do. With the garden centre, shops, lovely cafe, Large gardens, and Farm there we spent about 4 hours here.

I have previously been here but only on a short visit and I had said I would like to go back when the weather was better to have a look around the gardens.

On arrival we went and paid our admission, this was £3 for 2 people and off we went. Picking up a map as we went. 

Once inside the gardens we attempted the Maze. I don't have the best of luck with mazes and I am scared I will get lost. (I have once been in a maze for 2 hours looking for the exit) This one wasn't too bad we were out in 15 mins.

Then as you are all probably aware I have a thing about benches, I not only take pictures of them but I love to sit and have a rest and enjoy my surroundings. Well there were lots of lovely benches and surroundings on this trip.

We spent about an hour in the gardens and had a nice time seeing all of the varying areas. Well worth the entry fees.

Then dinner time, off to the cafe we go, there is a large selection and at good prices. The food is not the quickest but is made to order so is very fresh and hot. With a large indoor and outdoor seating area. On this visit I had learnt that I like pomegranates but I don't like Pims. All finished off with A pot of tea and a Jam and Cream scone.

After this we went to the farm, the farm is £5 for 2 people and 40p for animal food. There are a number of animals. My favorites being of course the piggies followed by my friend the counting pony. Also inside the farm there is a children's play area that is not as busy due to being for people who have paid for farm entry.

The garden centre was well stocked, but I think the prices were quite high, (even for a garden centre) There was a local fruit and veg stall, butchers and a deli on site.

There are a number of things you can do in this area. I would give yourself a few hours if you wanted to do the whole centre. I will be going back.

http://www.wentworthgardencentre.co.uk/

Speak Soon

Nicola x

5 Things of the week:

5 things:

I have recently been quite busy and have seen this idea from one of the lovely bloggers I follow. So here are 5 things I have done this week.

1: I have this week had a change at work in my day job, as my manager was off on her holidays leaving me in charge. Meaning a few later nights at work and more than usual on my mind in the day. Needless to say as a result I have been enjoying coming home, having tea and relaxing on the sofa with the TV. 

2: Communication, I have realised that sometimes people have things going on in their life and it is very appreciated when you can be a shoulder to lean on in a harder time. Of course I'm not going to name names, or discuss private matters. But I know I appreciate people who can be there when you need them. Hopefully they feel the same when they need me.

3: This week we have tackled the jungle that was the garden. Now I had mowed the grass about 4 weeks ago but due to other commitments had not done this again since. Well thats not a good idea as it took me twice as long as is still not finished. I shall today (as the sun is shining) go out and finish the garden this morning. As due to the bank holiday weekend I would like to go outside.

4: Food: after a few weeks of not eating very well I think I may be back on track. I have been trying really hard to eat fruit and vegetables. I have been feeling much better now that I have been eating correctly. I had not realised how much of an difference it made to you. I felt sluggish and tired all of the time. I think it has given me a wake up call to look after myself a little more.

5: Planning: I am trying to make plans rather than just float around on my day off and have nothing to show for time. I am currently trying to have trips out and plan a holiday for the summer. I hate it when my partner comes in from work and says so what have you done today? and my answer is .. nothing. No wonder days and months fly by, But its not a good thing to have nothing to show for it. What do you do with your time off?

Days out: Wentworth Castle Gardens

Days out: Wentworth Castle Gardens

This weekend had the weather forecast of being sunny and nice so myself and my husband decided to don the walking boots and go out.

We decided to go somewhere within driving distance in Zoe, therefore we opted for Wentworth Castle Gardens. This is near Barnsley which is about 30 miles away from us. After a drive out around the countryside and some windy roads we arrived.

The car park was quite busy but we got a space straight away, Then there was a little walk up the hill to the entrance. (if you are disabled you can drive up this hill closer to the entrance and show your blue badge).

You enter through a quaint gift shop where you smell the food from the lovely cafe and buy your tickets. Then you get your map and you are off the explore. There is a lot to see and wether you like animals (lots and lots of sheep) the buildings or the gardens there are many places to see. Also something I really liked is there are lots of benches and seating around the park.

We went to see the newly refurbished conservatories. It was interesting to see how they used to look and their transformation to what is now a light bright and modern indoor garden space. 

From here we wondered off the main path and went into the woodland and the trails. This was ideal for the walking boots as it was still a little muddy underfoot. Yet again we were greeted by hundreds of daffodils. this reminded me why I like to get outdoors in the spring.

I then spotted a very interesting looking tree. Now don't think I've gone mental but I saw this and it took me back to my child hood and I shouted and pointed like a 2 year old. “Fairy Steps” my husband looked at me gone out and then looked where I was pointing and smiled. What do you think? I can understand why the fairies would like to live high up in the trees and maybe they don't want to use their wings all of the time.

We walked up to the castle and then went up the 83 steps to the top of one of the turrets. Where we had a nice view over the park and the countryside. The only thing that could have been better was the weather was still a little misty and after all of those steps a seat would have been greatly received.

We wondered back through the well manicured gardens and all of the little gates back towards the beginning. I can see how this would be a lovely place to come in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Finally we arrived back the the cafe, where a homemade jam scone and tea awaited. A great way to finish off the day.

I would recommend going here, I can see how some of the hills and slopes could be an issue for wheelchairs if you went away from the footpaths and I would think a more off road type buggy would be needed.

The entry was reasonable at £5.50 each and this included a parking token. We did spy that national trust members got 50% off. On entry and paying we were also asked if we were eligible to or interested in giving gift aid on our ticket price. I think this was a great idea as 20% goes back to the company as a tax relief donation.

http://www.wentworthcastle.org/