As always on the last day it was a mad rush to pack, tidy up, clean around a bit and be out by 10.00. The weather forecast hadn't looked good and we woke up to a misty, damp day with low cloud over Esthwaite Water.
D had packed quicker than anyone else so had time to take a few more photos of the gardens and views at Broomriggs. At this stage the mist was dissipating and the rain had stopped so we were able to pack the car when it was dry.
By the time we got to Hawkshead it as raining quite heavily so, although D got a picture of the church, I abandoned plans to look round it and instead
had a quick look round the National Trust Beatrix Potter Gallery. This is housed in a 17th century house which was the office of William Heelis, solicitor and husband to Beatrix Potter. There are original illustrations from Beatrix Potter's books etc. on display and they are changed regularly so even if you have visited before there is always something new to see. I forgot to ask if photos were allowed but to be honest it was too dark in there anyway.
Then it was off to Wray Castle where I had booked tickets for the 11.30 p.m. puppet show. Rather stupidly we had left it to the last minute as it is only a few miles away and when we arrived it was teeming with people and cars - I didn't realise at the time but it is an ideal place to take children on a rainy day as there are so many children's rooms and entertainments there! EDIT Oops!! 11.30 a.m. not p.m.!!
The car park was full and with five minutes to the start of the show we were told we could park where really you wouldn't normally! i.e. right by the entrance.
The photos of the exterior are by D as it was raining heavily by now and I had no intention of getting my camera wet!
Wray Castle is the first place where Beatrix Potter stayed in the Lake District when she was 16. It was in the Lake District that she met Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley who became a life-long friend and mentor. Wray Castle is a Gothic Revival Castle on the shores of Windermere originally built and owned by James and Margaret Dawson.
The shadow puppet show telling the tale of Hansel and Gretel was excellent and very entertaining and it was good to see so many children there enjoying an "old-fashioned" form of entertaining.
I would have liked to look round the castle afterwards but in view of where we had been allowed to park we decided it would be better to leave as soon as possible.
Due to the weather we decided to make our way home - typically as soon as we joined the M6 and left the Lake District the rain stopped! The journey home was quicker with less traffic jams than the outward journey.
Timothy wishing he could have stayed a few more days!
D carved another pumpkin for Halloween on our return home.
*D - photos taken by D with the Canon SX50 bridge camera
Rest of photos taken by me with the Pansonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera
10 comments:
Wray Castle looks an interesting place to visit.
Margaret Adamson - Thank you and I would have liked to explore the house and grounds. We went years ago but I am pretty sure it wasn't open to the public then.
Wray Castle looks wonderful and the shadow puppet play had such an atmospheric setting. Such a shame about the rain on your last day, I'm glad you had a good journey home along the dreaded M6:)
Rosie - Thanks so much. The shadow puppet play was charming and a little scary :) At least we only had rain on the last day - could have been worse! Must admit I really don't like the M6!
I love the early misty morning photographs.
It is a long time since we stayed in the lake district, but on two of our visits we stayed in Hawkshead. On one occasion it was the Queen's Golden Jubilee and we enjoyed the celebrations in the square.
I think Timothy looks a little tired after his adventures ;-)
CherryPie - Thank you.
Hawkshead is lovely and a great place to stay. We once stopped a few nights at the Red Lion - when we were there they had massive floods and there were beer barrels floating down the streets!
Actually Timothy does look tired in that photo - he has had a good sleep since :)
I've really enjoyed this series, reading about, and seeing photos of, all the places you visited. Thanks for taking the time and effort.
Midmarsh John - Thanks so much for your very kind and lovely comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the posts so much - when I read a comment like yours it makes it all worthwhile so thank you again :)
What a shame about the rain, i've enjoyed reading about your trip :)
Pam - Thanks and so glad you have enjoyed the post. At least it was dry and sunny for the remainder of the holiday :)
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