Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall

I didn't really know what to expect when I visited Little Moreton Hall - it had been recommended to me and apart from seeing photographs of the front, I knew little else. I was just expecting a tudor building to look at. When I arrived I was disappointed to learn that it was time for the building to be repainted and scaffolding was being put up; so I thought it was a waste of a journey but continued on towards the house.

Due to the building materials being on the ground, I hadn't realised what a narrow quaint bridge led up to the entrance - over a delightful moat. I would definitely have to come back again when the painting has been done.

Once I crossed the bridge and went through the door, I was absolutely amazed at what I found! The whole square courtyard was a Tudor extravaganza! I have never seen such an array of Tudor buildings - the courtyard felt like it belonged in a medieval film. It was so ornate, so quaint and quirky. To say that it was built over 500 years ago - it still looks amazing. The Moreton family have been living in this area since the 13th century and started building Little Moreton Hall in the early 1500's, gradually extending and improving it over the next 100 or so years.

Once you go inside, you find that the walls and floors are uneven and wonky. But the craftsmanship is quite spectacular. I do love the Tudor era!

Tudors loved bright colours and hung tapestries on their walls (if they could afford them), or had their walls painted by skilled painters and craftsmen. These have survived really well................

There are notice boards in most rooms so that you can learn more about the house and the family that lived in it.

On one of the outside walls I found this; I think it must have been a type of dog-kennel.

This is the view down the Privy........................straight down into the moat below.

The ceilings in the long hall were quite spectacular - it is hard to believe they were made so long ago.

                              Little Moreton Hall even has its own little chapel.

A special place for the Doves ...............................

The view of the rear of the property was so impressive, it could have been the front view of any other house; and the knot garden was immaculately kept.

Even the cafe is within this amazing Tudor complex.

And the toilets!!!

There are free guided tours given several times a day - starting in the courtyard.

The Hall was handed to The National Trust in 1938 and it has been looked after by them ever since. There is always a National Trust Shop where you can find the most unusual gifts and local produce.

If you want any more information on opening times etc please visit :- 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Thank you for looking,

Lynne 

Please check out my other blogs:-

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com

http://morleysjourneytoozandback.blogspot.com

https://lynnemorleys.blogspot.com

Biddulph Grange

Biddulph Grange

Although I have been to Biddulph in the spring time, this time I wanted to go and see the autumn colours. As much as it wasn't a bright sunny day, I still managed to capture some awesome colours. Going around Biddulph's garden is described as travelling on a voyage around the world, it was created by James Bateman in the mid 18th century and shows what a passionate plant collector he was - bringing plants from all over the world. There are several "Garden Rooms" each with its own theme and man-made micro climate; with extraordinary plant collections from places as far away as China, the Himalayas and America.

The first part is described as an Italian Garden with a maze of hedges, parterres and colourful borders.

Past the lake with its water lilies and huge koi carp (you can buy food for them from the shop on your way in).

Then as you go through a rocky area and over some stepping stones........................

Through a dark tunnel..................................

You find yourself in China! My favourite place...................

You can ring the bells dangling from the roof of the pagoda and imagine you are in the Orient.

How colourful the oriental section was!

This tunnel is part of the area known as the Stumpery (the oldest in the country) - I have never seen so may tree stumps and such a marvellous collection of ferns. It felt very spooky - like something from the Jurassic period.

Next you arrive in Egypt with its stone statues ...........................

The views of the Dahlia walk were fabulously colourful.

This is one of my favourite views of the Dahlia Walk from up above.

If you go upstairs and out of the upper door of Cheshire house, you come to the long walk and the wood with various play features to entertain younger ones.

Back down at the garden again different views of the Dahlia Walk - the hedges were cut so precise.

The Geological Gallery has recently been completed and is described as "where Botany meets Geology and Science meets Religion",  it is full of fossils and the Seven Days that God created the Earth. This area was the original Victorian entrance to the garden and there is usually a volunteer inside to have a chat to.

Back to the where I began at the entrance/exit there are interesting displays especially about where Biddulph's plants originally came from - every corner of the world. And many of the plants were the first of their kind to be bought into this country.

As well as a delightful cafe selling home made produce, there are plants for sale and a National Trust shop selling a range of interesting items.

Just 1/3 mile away is Biddulph Grange Park (this used to be part of the estate), it is a delightful place to walk round for an hour or so.

I can highly recommend a visit to Biddulph - I will certainly be going back to visit again and to see its magnificent colour at another time of the year.

Thank you for looking,

Lynne 

Please check out my other blogs:-

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com

http://morleysjourneytoozandback.blogspot.com

https://lynnemorleys.blogspot.com