A short walk from the car park to the entrance, then to the gatehouse, Lanhydrock was already looking quite spectacular. Then we went into the house, access to which is pretty much unrestricted. Food preparation rooms alone accounted for more square footage than most houses we've been in! Full of interesting bits and pieces, more paintings than we've had hot dinners (this week) and plenty of interesting facts about the family who lived their and their relationship with the local area and the wider world.

Upon exiting the house we decided to enjoy our first cream tea of the holiday. Tucked away in a little nook next to a staircase we shared an egg mayonnaise sandwich which met my standards even if it didn't exceed my own endeavours! The tea was, well, tea. The scones were delicious, the jam and clotted cream were of course locally sourced. A long walk was now required, so where to go?.....

The gardens are spectacular, from the formal gardens in the immediate vicinity of the house, to the wild gardens up to and beyond the suggested route through the grounds. Certain parts off the gardens offer magnificent views across acres of tended and wild plant life, fields and wooded areas. As the sun lowered in the sky, we made our way back home. One successfully cooked pasta dish under moonlight later, wine and bed finished the evening off.