Newark Park, near Ozleworth

Our plan to visit Newark Park this afternoon turned out to be a good decision, as the heavy rain overnight gradually petered out and left clear blue sky with bright sunshine. The destination had been chosen by Woodpckers who spotted that there was a Chritsmas Fayre being held there in this National Trust property which is only open to the public at certain times. We visited last year and really liked the house and its interiors, which had been cared for by an American man who fell in love with the house and spent a fortune on looking after it in his own unique ways. When he died he left it to the National Trust.

When we arrived it was very busy and carols were being sung in the main entrance hall whilst mulled wine and many other goodies were being offered throughout the house. I hadn't expected such a busy scene so I suggested going outside to see the gardens while the weather was so good, as last time we had visited we had remained inside the whole time. Once in the garden I quickly started to look for good angles for photos, and Helena found that we could join a guided tour of the grounds who were already leaving the formal gardens to head into the wilder spaces.

I took this shot after the guide had passed me by and was heading into the extensive woodland par. I quickly took this view of the house showing its place on the top of the ridge overlooking the Ozleworth valley looking south towards Bristol. the sun was already setting and beginning to be obscured by some more clouds so it was one of my brighter views.

We enjoyed the rest of the grounds and the stories of their renovation by Robert Parsons and his partner Michael Claydon. The house was originally founded by an influential English courtier to Henry VIII in 1550 and subsequently had four more prominent owners who influenced its development.

Have a look here at one of the wonderful bedrooms, which I blipped last year. We will be going back again next February as Helena has found that there will then be a special 'snowdrop' event.