Q is for Quite close to home

I'm hoping to go on a cruise some time in the next couple of years so I've decided not to go away for holidays whilst I am saving.  In the mean time, I am having days out "quite close to home".  (OK, I'm being "creative" about my alphabet!)

Gardens at Gunby Hall

I'm a member of the Scottish National Trust, which might seem a bit odd for a Lincolnshire Lass like myself but the National Trust would charge me £91.20 while the Scottish National Trust asks only £62.40.  I can use my Scottish membership at English properties: the only thing I don't get is a members' handbook.  I'll cope!

The lake at Clumber

There are only two suitable National Trust properties "quite close to home" with Gunby Hall being 36 miles away and Clumber Park being 44 miles.  I say "suitable" because there is little point in my going to properties where I can't use my trundle truck.  I have visited both this year and will probably go back.

Far Ings Nature Reserve

I'm also a member of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and visit some of their reserves.  These are usually free to visit although some charge parking.  And I've visited other nature reserves too.

Sunflowers at Baumber

Then there are privately owned properties like Baumber Walled Garden.  That's free but no picnics etc allowed.  That's fair enough - they have a cafe and need to make their costs somehow!

So, I manage to get days out, usually just for the cost of my petrol and I take my picnic and flasks.  

And my knitting

Then I sit and people-watch and doubtless people smile when they see a dotty old lady knitting, and I hope they see the kindly smile on my face too.

A Bit of a Treat

 

 

This could be a long, lonely winter so I need to take good care of myself.  I can't visit friends but I can visit places.  On Monday I visited Gunby Hall Gardens.

 The NT is trying to make open spaces available and safe so at the moment one has to prebook to visit their properties.  I went to Clumber Park a couple of months ago and Gunby is the other place within reasonable distance.  Gunby is a lovely place less than an hour's drive away.

I had a pootle around the gardens on my trundle truck.  Truth to tell they would have been even lovelier a few weeks ago but they are still pretty good.   

Much of the work is done by volunteer gardeners although the NT has professional staff as well. 

There's a one way system and many areas are completely roped off.  Wouldn't it be delightful to sit in this little shelter and enjoy the garden!

I enjoyed my day but I think I shall leave my next visit for covid free times.  People are very kind and no-one tried to make me feel uncomfortable on my scooter when I was in the way but I found it hard to relax.  I'd hoped to sit and people-watch but there were very few benches.  

I've got an idea of somewhere to visit next month which has very wide, open spaces.