The National Trust

On our way back from Birmingham we stopped off at Packwood House, which is a National Trust property.

First we made our way into the Kitchen Garden.

These pots are cleverly stacked.  My son checked (carefully) to see if they were attached to each other!

 I'd love a Bug Hotel like this one at our allotment.

 We crossed the lane 

 and went into the Main Garden.

 Wow, what a garden with the most beautiful planting combinations!

 I spent a lot of time taking in the details.

Does anyone know the name of this plant please?  We also saw it in Beatrix Potter's garden and I would love to have some in mine as it is so pretty. 

The Sunken Garden was very lovely.

 Up the steps and on either side is a path with the "Hot" Borders.

My husband snapped me as I wondered along the path

to under the arch where he and Jay were sitting waiting for me.

 These roses smelt heavenly.

The steps lead you to the lawns where the topiary is.

There is also a woodland and lakeside walk.  My son climbed onto this felled tree and pretended to be on a catwalk!  I ask you!  Forever the clown! :)

The inside of the house is quite grand and although interesting wasn't to my taste.

 As yet there isn't a tea room at Packwood House, but a couple of miles down the lane is Baddesley Clinton, another National Trust property and it has a restaurant.

After a spot of lunch, we went into the house,

through a beautiful courtyard.

 Entry to the house is timed as it is a smaller property.

 I much preferred this house.

 The Priest Hole, which sadly we couldn't go down.

The gardens were much smaller than at Packwood House.

 There were some gorgeous peonies.

 My son found the resident cat.

 Lovely greenhouse.

 A nod to the Olympics in the Kitchen Garden.

 Then we had the two-hour drive back home, which seemed quite short to me as I fell asleep! :)