Saturday 16 February 2013

Leeds Castle, Pt. 3


After a  nice meal we return to the gardens and grounds


Walking through the formal areas








These cottages can be hired for holidays


A nice place to sit by the lake


We are now in the centre of the maze
I tell you this is the third time we have visited this maze
and it never gets any easier
A warden does stand at the top in case anyone cannot find their way
I have to admit the first time I came I did rely on the Warden to steer me through - not this time though


The Maze comprises 2,400 Yew trees and when viewed from the centre, part of it mirrors a Queen's crown


The way out is down through an underground Grotto
There is an easy way out for anyone unable to manage this


All made up of shells, minerals and wood







His Lordship blends in well!


We are now out into day light again



A pleasant lakeside walk


With some where shady to sit


Before we head back to the tearoom, then do a little shopping in the well stocked gift shop




15 comments:

Bernideen said...


All your journeys are so lovely in England! Thank you for sharing them with us!

elizabeth said...

This post really is a winner!
What bliss it would be to rent one of the cottages for a few days.
I think Leeds Castle goes to the top of my list!

Elizabethd said...

A lovely place to visit. I think I would be more afraid of getting lost in the grotto than in the maze!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Wow I love those gardens Barbara. Such a pleasant place to spend a few hours, lots of beauty to enjoy. I can imagine a vacation in one of those nearby cottages and lazy summer days spent enjoying the castle's grounds.

Barbee' said...

It is Huge!, and beautiful. Thank you. I love that view across the water toward the meadow and trees.

Terri said...

I wonder why they created the grotto? Maybe a hinding place of last resort?
Love the gardens - mine are so paultry in comparison... and how fun, a maze!
Thanks again for the tour!
Hugs

CherryPie said...

I am enjoying my return virtual visit to the Castle. I found the maze quite challenging too.

After stumbling around I tried out a tested technique which has always worked for me, only to be told it didn't quite work in the Leeds Castle maze...

http://www.cheriesplace.me.uk/blog/index.php/2011/02/15/leeds-castle-maze/

Willow said...

Although Catherine of Aragon led a sad life, at least she lived in a very pleasant place--the gardens were a comfort to her I'm sure.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

That is a beautiful place. I love the grotto and the maze. It would be a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Here all is very white with several inches of new snow on the ground. Hope you have a restful and relaxing Sunday.

nikkipolani said...

My goodness, Barbara, what an exotic collection of images. Seems like another world underground and in the formal gardens!

Cheri said...

The castle is so beauitful and the grotto is amazing. Very intersting, Barbara!

American Home said...

Very beautiful.

La Petite Gallery said...

This is such a breath taking garden. It must have taken years to do it. This was fasinating.. I enjoyed it. Thanks
yvonne

HOPE said...

hello dear Barbara...it's been a long time since I have been on blogging sites..

So lovely as always to walk with you...love this maze much better than a corn maze here in America! the greenery is much more pleasant!

I will see you again sooon..

God bless..
HOPE

Bishop Stone said...

I so love that grotto. What a great idea to have as an exit.