We went on another National Trust road trip recently and discovered, the perfect country house. Tall Dad loved the symmetry of the architecture, he has a bit of thing about this, and our own house is (nearly) symmetrical.
These are just a few images from a trip we did a couple of weekends ago to Belton House in Lincolnshire. It’s not too far from where we live and it’s definitely not going to be our last visit, we were there all afternoon, and didn’t manage to see everything.
It’s the perfect setting to spend time together as a family. With playgrounds, cafes and shops lots to do and see. We bought a football whilst we were there at the gift shop, which is definitely something to remember for other NT trust weekends we go on.
We wandered around the grounds with our dog Bennett, they are welcome in some areas, as long as they are on a lead.
We had a picnic, at the back of the main house and definitely relaxed and enjoyed the views.
We especially loved the more formal garden at the front of the house, that they are working on reproducing at the moment. Apparently they look stunning from the roof of the house.
I love this one of Nia…anyone would think the school holidays were coming up!
We also loved the maze, at the centre a prize to find, of a woven wicker greyhound, Bertie Brownlow.
The greyhound was a favourite of the Brownlow family and can be spotted throughout Belton, represented in guilded plasterwork, sculpture, floor painting, wrought ironwork and now in willow. Bertie Brownlow was created for Belton by local weaver Alison Walling.
We then left Tall Dad, and Bennett enjoying the cricket, whilst we looked around the house. We only did the ground and 1st floor. Next time we will definitely do the tour downstairs, as that sounds great. Highlights were definitely the Queen Adelaide room, so opulent and has been recently renovated beautifully. The Chinese room, and Library are beautiful too. I also love the method they used to preserve the flooring. It looked as if we were walking on original flooring in many places in the house, but in actual fact, we walked on a replica version, printed to look exactly the same.
We then headed back out, had an ice cream, relaxed and enjoyed more of the cricket. Can you think of a more gorgeous backdrop for a game? It was all to soon time to get back.
We have National Trust passes for the year, which have been so worth it. I would definitely recommend them. All prices, and opening hours are on the National Trust website. Including any events that are happening this summer. I know I don’t need to say this, but just in case, this is NOT a paid for post.
If you want to read my other National Trust Post, use this LINK.
Gosh haven’t been for years ….it looks lovely
I spent most of my childhood here and we visited it for the first time as a family in the Easter holidays. We need to go back again soon.