Visit to the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire on Wednesday 23rd September
It was the usual 8.30 am departure time from Hucknall Market place for one of the shorter journeys of the year to the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. Driven by one of Vallances newly recruited drivers, Steve, we were safely at the destination by 10.00 am. However, as we were ready to leave the coach we were met by the sound of the fire alarm going off in one of the main buildings which delayed us very briefly and was certainly a new experience for the group!!
The Estate is vast and with the weather turning increasingly sunny we began our day. Once described as “A Staffordshire paradise, a rich blend of landscape monuments and architecture” Shugborough is indeed a very impressive estate. The House is a Georgian mansion of global treasures, complete with servant’s quarters and the apartments of Patrick Lichfield the fifth Earl and fashion photographer. The gardens and pleasure grounds feature a walled garden, arboretum and terraces all along side Europe’s widest yew tree. The Park Farm is home to to a tea room and a working model farm with Longhorn cattle and Southdown sheep. Added to the beautiful walks, gift and book shops and Mansion restaurant there was much to explore over the day.
Departing promptly at 4.00 pm we were back in Hucknall for 6.00 pm after a very enjoyable day out.
October takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire.
Sue and Barrie