Visit to Lyme Park in Cheshire on 19th August.
Departing at our usual time of 8.30 am from Hucknall Market we enjoyed a pleasant and very scenic journey through the Peak District up to Lyme Park. On arrival we were greeted by members of staff from Lyme Park who issued maps, tokens to enter the house and spent time explaining the facilities and tours on offer for the group.
The House, gardens and estate are very extensive and covering everything in a day presents a challenge.
The estate is very well staffed with volunteers who were both enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
Over the day members had the opportunity to go on a behind the scenes tour of the House, attend a series of talks concerning the history of the Estate, tour the superbly maintained gardens, walk around any of the pleasant walks around the estate and possibly catch sight of the deer who were roaming around. There was a choice of cafes available which baked many of the items on site also a selection of shops including a gift shop, plant shop and second hand book shop.
All this before entering Lyme House itself with its twenty four splendid rooms adorned with period furniture.
Arriving finally back at the coach for the journey home we all agreed that Lyme Park is one of the gems in the National Trust collection with an army of volunteers helping to make the visit one to remember.
Next month the group will be heading to Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire when due to the shorter journey time we will be departing at the later time of 9.30 am.
Barrie