Hartwell House

We had a fabulous day at Hartwell House today with Mrs Z, Mr K, Miss A and Mr H.
We've never been before. Until Mrs Z told me I didn't even realise it was a National Trust property.
There's a good reason for that. It isn't!!
We got stopped at a barrier by the spa car park and the man said we shouldn't really just walk into the grounds and we'd need to go into the spa restaurant for a cup of tea.
We went into the spa but came straight back out and past the man at the barrier saying we'd go back to the spa later.
He asked were the children over six and despite Mrs Z's best efforts at telling the truth we managed to convince him they were all old enough to go in!
We walked around to the lake, put all the coats down on the grass and started our picnic. Not five minutes later a man in a suit came striding over the grass from the hotel and said they didn't allow picnics and could we please move on.
We went out of sight of the hotel, finished our picnic, fished in the lake for conkers, fed the ducks and had a who can find the biggest stick competition. 
It was such a beautiful day and we had all the grounds to ourselves. 
Obviously because it's a private hotel and not a National Trust property!
We ended up in the orchard which was beautiful and full of lovely fruit. It was amazing .
And there was absolutely no scrumping whatsoever.
I don't have a bag full of damsons in my fridge waiting to be turned into jam tomorrow.
We headed back towards the house and thought it would be nice to sit on the terrace and have afternoon tea. It was easier said than done but eventually the ludicrously overdressed manageress came over and took our order. Afternoon tea was sold out but we could have pots of tea. Earl Grey for the two Mr K's and English Breakfast for me and Mrs Z.
All served in silver with proper sugar lumps and tongs. Proper tea!!
The children had fun doing gymnastics on the lawn and ordering hot chocolate.
Unfortunately Mr H tipped his full glass of hot chocolate all over him and the posh terrace chairs. The staff took it very well and got him a new one.
As we were drinking Mr K announced that Watford had just scored (his watch tells him!!) and there was a round of applause from inside the nearby room!
A Watford fan convention?
No, a wedding!!
We had been sat chatting, laughing and probably being quite loud by the open doors of the room where a wedding ceremony was going on. Oops!
I really hope we didn't disturb them.
Once the tea was finished - and the children had ran about a bit more, swung on the swing, climbed a few more trees, been stung by nettles and built a den - it was time to go.
After a wonderful day's lying, trespassing, stealing, hot chocolate throwing and wedding interrupting. Our work done!!