This is a place I have been many times throughout my life yet every time I go there is something new to see. When we first arrived it was clear much had changed, the entrance that you would normally enter was behind a wall in rubble. As we turned the corner all became apparent, they had gotten a lottery grant and a lot of developments were to come. The new entrance was once the building that housed the house of the future, now the gift shop.
we carried on into the park, coming across a field full of sheep and if you looked there were several of the cutest black and white lambs. Carrying on we came across the first building which happened to be the chapel. The beautiful blue and white painted building showing how little people would have fitted in the building, showing how much had changed. Moving on to which was one of my favourite places the houses through the time. Starting off in the late 1800s moving to the 1950s and 60s, the houses take you back in time. Each house had several items of memorabilia from the era, even such things as a singer sewing machine and a bath in the kitchen.
There were several areas with building moved from one area and rebuilt with great precision in the park. The one building which built to this great standard was the cock fitting ring, once legal and a form of entertainment it brings you back to that era. My friend’s child just loved running circles within the building around the center feature. where you could see where the fights once happened. Along the way there were many other building including the post office, the school and the cobblers even with someone demonstrating the skill.
In the center there is a blast from the past, the village green and shops. There is a vintage tea room, sweet shop and even a place where you can dress up and have black and white old photographs done. In the village though is one of my fondest memories and this is where were took a break to grab a bite to eat. As you enter the village you can just smell the amazement from the bakery, fresh bread, scones and bara brith. I chose to have a scone filled with jam and cream along with the most mouthwatering cheese roll.
Once we had refueled we headed to one of the newest editions the bright white st tiloes church. It was a huge building with tons of murals being created inside, one even depicting Noah’s ark and his journey. The alter was closed off from you entering but you could see all the detail that had gone into decorating it to it originally state. Just around the corner was the farm house filled with tones of houses and an allotment. We came across chickens, geese, pigs and turkeys with all being able to pet , but be careful of those pesky geese giving you a bite.
Finally we made our way to the most spectacular area of the grounds the castle. Going under a little tunnel you soon see the beautiful water, the blossoming trees and the extravagant stone work. Finally settled on a bench basking in the sunshine taking in the sound of the trickling water and the beauty of nature. also trying to make sure that Elise (my friend’s child) did not end up in the water was one difficult task. Heading back I was truly tired from the amount of walking we had done, but looking back should have worn better shoes. It was a most enjoyable day and I will be sure to return when the new exhibits have come to life.
all pictures in the gallery