Tuesday 20 May 2014

THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS

 
There's something fantastical about the gardens at Levens Hall near Kendal in Cumbria. When we visited last week we felt sure that Alice was hiding round every corner, always one step ahead of us in a giant topiary chess game.
 
 
Her friends had been hard at work - these gardens were perfectly tended.

 
 
 
 
 
Alice was always one move ahead of us.
 
 
Could this be her...
 
 
... sitting and dreaming of long ago?
 
 
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Our magical overnight trip North took in Wensleydale, Levens Hall in Cumbria, Housesteads Roman Camp on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland - and lots of antiques shops. We stayed at an excellent B&B, Low Fotherley Farmhouse.
 
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18 comments:

  1. Ooh you are getting closer... It's a long hike to Housesteads roman site but great views when you get up there.
    Might see you at Gateshead?
    Julie x

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    1. Doncaster in South Yorks was just a bit nearer to us than Gateshead yesterday - that said, this over-night visit was enough to make us fall in love with Northumberland and we intend to explore more some time. Perhaps you can recommend somewhere to stay...?

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  2. What a smashing trip, makes me feel a bit restless. We've a little trip to Suffolk booked can't wait.

    Jean x

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    1. Cumbria and Northumberland are wonderful - and don't get me started on Norfolk and Suffolk. It's incredible how such a tiny island has such diverse delights!

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  3. What a perfect getaway. Love the pics!
    M x

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    1. We are definitely going back for more - Northumberland is a new discovery for us, much under-appreciated I suspect.

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  4. We visited Levens but it was just closing! We had a peek as best we could, it really is out of Alice I agree. Wensleydale is one of our favourite places. You are getting closer and closer, I feel sure I will bump into you one of these days at Tynemouth nilly x love the old images.

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    1. Levens is wonderful inside too - but no photos are allowed. I wonder if you know my lovely friend Sandra who sometimes has a stall at Tynemouth? She was at the antiques fair at Corbridge last week when we visited.

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  5. The sepia and b&w photos really add to this...gorgeous. I'm sure you had a wonderful time. Jx

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    1. Those old photos were a lucky ebay find - not sure that they were taken at Levens, but they have the look!

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  6. Love the topiary at Levens Hall - it is like living sculpture - your sepia photos add an extra dimension to it.

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    1. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the topiary as I usually like informal gardens. But the Levens topiary is pleasantly bonkers and the whole garden is beautifully planted and tended.

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  7. What gorgeous photos of a fantastic garden!! Just beautiful!

    Betty

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    1. It is really like something out of a fairy tale well worth a visit.

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  8. ooh I am excited about this post, Nilly...you've almost been on my doorstep!
    I've been to Levens Hall many times..
    Your pictures are wonderful and capture all the splendour..
    I remember being parent / helper on a school trip with Dean, many years ago..
    Great trip with lots of memories..
    hugs Maria x

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    1. Although this was only an overnight stay it really inspired us to visit again. And, even though we live quite near in Yorkshire, the day trips we've had in the past didn't do Cumbria and Northumberland justice - we will be back!

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  9. What charming pictures. I have just read Rosemary's post about Abbey House Gardens so that is TWO lovely gardens to go on my list now! I am a huge fan of Lewis Carroll so I loved your allusions to Alice. :)

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    1. The large topiaries looked very like chess pieces - and, as Through The Looking-Glass alludes to a giant chess game, I felt rather like Alice!

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