Visit to Bolton Percy; a small village with much to see

I have had this village on my “to visit” list for a long time after reading about the All Saints churchyard in Roger Brook’s blog http://www.nodiggardener.co.uk/2012/08/bolton-percy-churchyard.html

The 15^th C church itself was impressive with its Lychgate built by Robert Thompson, the Mouseman of Kilburn.  What I wasn’t expecting was a fully restored Grade ll* listed timber framed gatehouse which was built about 1474 at the entrance to the rectory.  Until recently, it had been used as a holiday let, but the owners have put it on the market, if anyone is interested. 

We took a picnic with us so even I was too full to take advantage, of the services of Doyly’s Tearooms.  This will have to wait until next visit, along with the wildlife area at the former station which is the habitat for many moths and butterflies.

 Our picnic spot

As you would expect from a Yorkshire village, Bolton Percy also has a cricket club, a pinfold and a pub,

the Crown, which sells Sam Smith's ales. The pub’s garden has a wooden bridge which spans the

beck and notices apologised for the state of them due to this winter’s floods.

Temple Newsam Park and Gardens

Although we took a long walk here on a cold day during the winter, on our visit his week we found the gardens completely transformed.  I know everything looks better in the sunshine, but the scenery was amazing and, although I have seen more inspiring walled gardens, the hothouses took my breath away.   

 

 The approach to the lake was lined with Rhododendrons in every colour 

 A section of the walled garden

 

 The first section of the hothouse you walk past pelargoniums of every colour including climbing varieties

 Next came a multitude of pots set out like this

 

 ..... and just when you thought the show was over there were the tropical plants, just like house plants but enormous including bird of paradise, lantana,

 

 we had our picnic in this circular seating area.  Just a pity the roses are late this year.

There is an exhibition to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of Capability Brown, who designed these gardens, at the Mercer Gallery in Harrogate between 25^th June and 11^th September and entry is free.  For more information, go to http://www.capabilitybrown.org/event/noble-prospects-capability-brown-and-yorkshire-landscape

Best thing is that it is owned by the council and can be enjoyed by all!

I have blogged about Temple Newsam House earlier here http://thirdageblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/a-garden-post.html and here http://thirdageblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-vanity-of-small-differences.html  

Note to self:  Learn how to insert links