We began our 2019 “out and about” season with an April visit to NT Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge. Although we had an early start and the distance was quite long, we had a trouble-free journey and arrived in record time just in time for coffee. The weather was sunny with blue skies and the grounds looked beautiful with the fresh Spring growth. We were a bit late for the snowdrops and most of the daffodils and a bit early for the formal gardens and herbaceous borders. However, there were many other beautiful areas especially the grove of white-barked birch trees with its under-planting of cerise sweet tulips. The bluebells were just beginning to flower in the woods and the dog’s tooth violets (Erythroniums) gracefully grew in the damp riverside areas near to Lode Mill, a working water mill. When Lord Fairhaven bought this former Augustinian priory in 1926, he transformed a small garden and pastureland into a garden of broad avenues, immense vistas, lawns and classical statuary. We had a perfect day walking in the Spring sunshine through this stunning masterpiece. Excellent new restaurant/cafe and well-stocked gift and plant shops added retail therapy. A hassle-free return journey meant we arrived back in Risborough by 5.30pm after a really “grand day out”
