Tuesday 9 September 2014

STOWE & BEHOLD!

 
To be honest, we were gob-smacked when we walked into the landscaped gardens of Stowe.
 
 
We knew, of course, that Stowe was home to a top private school, but the National Trust website (and our own ignorance) had not prepared us for the other institution whose activities are part of these romantic landscape gardens. The Trust told us this ...
 

A monumental day out

Embark on a journey, follow in the footsteps of 18th-century tourists and immerse yourself in 250 acres of stunning, informal landscape.


A short walk down the drive and a vast landscape opens up rewarding you with a breathtaking view across the lake. With over 40 historic temples and monuments, each with their own story, our gardens incorporate history, nature and beauty in majestic surroundings.


The sheer size and space make it perfect for those who love the outdoors and enjoy walking whatever the weather, with each season bringing its own delights and unique sights. Activities, events and a wide range of walks and trails make it an ideal day out for the family throughout the year.

...but not about this.

 
Unexpected activity on the South Vista.


 
 
Here is Venus in the Rotunda, overlooking the longest hole on the course (with a dogleg, still a par 4 and starting with a tight drive between trees.)
 


The Corinthian Arch, beyond the Western Lake Pavilion.
 
Thankfully, a visit to Stowe is not all birdies and bogeys. In the first half of the 18th century, Richard Temple, Lord Cobham, created the spectacular landscaped gardens, so the National Trust tells us, as an expression of his Whig political views.
 
 
Captain Greville's column points the way to the Temple of Ancient Virtue.
 
 
From the high ground at Ancient Virtue there is a view across the Elysian Fields, down to the Temple of British Worthies, showing symbolically that British leaders should always look up to and be inspired by ancient Greece. 
 
Another British Worthy or is it a Virtuous Ancient?

 
There is much more in this garden to ogle.
 
Grottos galore.


The Palladian Bridge
 
Captain Cook's Monument
 
The Saxon Deities - please find me a plinth!
 
 
The Gothic Temple is our favourite and you can stay here yourself, courtesy of the Landmark Trust. Rumour has it that next year the golf balls will be whizzing around on a brand new course, on the outer edges of the landscaped gardens, to the great delight of the National Trust and other sensitive souls. Stowe will be restored to its original serenity.
                                                         
 
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15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful set of photographs, Nilly, you have done Stowe proud. (I like the sheep posing sweetly to set the arcadian scene!) Off with the golfers, there should be no bad jumpers anywhere near.

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    1. I've since learned that there are 19 golf courses on National Trust land so we'd better keep our heads down on future visits!

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  2. Thank you for the wonderful tour. I do love a grotto. I remember the one in Battersea Park when I was a nipper. It sadly went the way of the Alice in Wonderland tree walk. Probably closed and removed because of health & safety.

    Jean
    x

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    1. I wouldn't mind a Tour of the Grottoes and Follies of England. I reckon Margate's shell grotto might win!

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  3. Another beautifully illustrated blog post! Wish I were in England.

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    1. Sadly the weather is very dull & has been for weeks - not good for photography!

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  4. My friend got married in one of the follies on the estate, it rained all the time and the roof leaked, we all got rather damp!

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    1. Sounds wonderful, but I hope they asked for a refund for the unexpected dampening!

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  5. Nilly Hello, I'm from Italy Susy, do you remember me?
    We met at the fair.
    With your posts make me dream, I wish I was there
    with you in Stowe, wonderful, another place
    put on the list !!
    a hug
    Love Susy x

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    1. Yes - I do remember you, Susy! Your kind greeting made me very happy. It is so good to make international friends by blogging. Nilly xxx

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  6. yes...not sure how I feel about the golf course... and I quite like golf ! Great photos, wonderfully informative, and I just love those grottos...and your outfit ! jx

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    1. I wish I understood golf, but it is a mystery to me. The golfers at Stowe seemed to be chatting more about the setting and enjoyable experience than the sport, which is understandable.

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  7. It must be at least quarter of a century since I last visited Stowe, but I am sure there wasn't a golf course then - they look as if they are vacuuming the grass. As per usual you give the statues good competition.

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    1. I discovered later that the golf course was established in the 1920s and has always been for the use of the school, with the Stowe Golf Club for locals being established in 1974. Apparently there are 19 golf courses on National Trust land!

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  8. What a beautiful place. I would feel a need to don a hard hat though in case of flying golf balls!

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