Hitty Madge at Stowe Gardens

It was a lovely day to go and visit one of 'our' National Trust Properties.

Today we chose to go to Stowe Gardens and Parkland.

Stowe House - Magnificent

The gardens were created by Lord Cobham in the 18th Century.    The Cobham family at the height of their power and wealth were richer than the king and these gardens were a bold statement to illustrate this.  The gardens became one of the country's first tourist attractions and people have been visiting the gardens for over 300 years.

The Palladian Bridge

Queens Temple

There is 250 acres of landscape gardens with lawns, lakes, woods and temples to explore and keep you busy.  We certainly did a lot of walking!

Looking across Octagon Lake with the Palladian Bridge in the background.

On the Palladian Bridge

Looking out over the water.

Chatting to Queen Elizabeth at the Temple of British Worthies

There are over 40 different temples in these gardens!  We didn't get time to see them all.

Discovering the Oak tree that Queen Victoria planted.

Meeting on of the seven Saxon Dieties that gave their names to the seven days of the week.

Taking some time out during the walk. 

Hitty Madge was delighted to see some sheep.

She was even more delighted to see a Speckled Wood Butterfly.

Lord Cobham's Pillar

Shell Bridge

Swans.

Of course after an afternoon walking around these amazing gardens a cream tea is called for.

A delightful day was had indeed.