Visit to Arlington Court

We began the day with a quick drive to Barnstaple as Paul thought he needed a new aerial for their television in the caravan.  Mike and I stayed with the boys in a shady part of the car park while they went looking …

They were out of luck so we decided to go to Ilfracombe to another caravan accessory place.  However just a short distance down the road and we were stuck in stationary traffic so Paul turned around in a garage and we made a change of plans.  We parked in Barnstaple and went in search of some shorts for Jo then got back on the road as we all wanted to go to Arlington Court.  It was only eight miles from Barnstaple and we were soon parked up.  After Jo did a quick change into shorts in the car we set off towards the entrance …

We made for the cafe as it was lunchtime, found a table outside in the shade and had company while we ate our food …

Several times we saw the carriage rides go past …

Leaving the men looking after the dogs Jo and I did a tour of the house …

Then we returned to the chaps and all began a walk around the grounds …

We reached the stable block and looked at all the carriages in the museum …

The golden Speaker’s State Coach last used for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was also on display but no photos were allowed.

After the stables we had a look around the church …

and then around the formal gardens …

By this time we were all so hot and exhausted that we were pleased to make tracks for camp.  Arlington was lovely with loads to see and I highly recommend it.

When we got back Hamish flaked out while Jo read her Kindle and Paul cooked their supper on the BBQ …

Stone Lane Gardens and Exeter Canal

Having found a leaflet on Stone Lane Gardens in the Information Room we decided to give it a visit today.  When we arrived it didn’t look too hopeful …

but we parked up and walked down to the garden.  It was dog-friendly which was a bonus and we entered by a gate that avoided the geese on the pond …

and began to make our way around following the path which was quite wet and muddy in places …

There were sculptures all over the place, some tucked away and some very obvious …

Then the sun came out!!

The path led us to a pond …

Then the garden opened up and we found loads of sculptures …

Time for a rest for someone!

Then back on our walk …

Another rest …

and then more walking …

We left the garden and went back over to the house to return the guide and found a few more sculptures …

We’d really enjoyed it and then it was time to return to the car for our picnic while the sheep watched us …

As the weather was good we decided to move on to Exeter canal and found the pub at Double Locks for a coffee …

Having quenched our thirst we crossed the lock and began a circular walk …

Two exhausted dogs …

We returned to camp and made the most of the evening sun …