We started with some lunch in the cafe. A wide variety of hot food and an even wider variety of cakes. Plenty of seating, but it was very busy, and there was a constant stream of people looking for tables. Usually it didn't take more than a few minutes to find one, as most people were too keen to see the snowdrops whilst the weather was dry, to linger.
Pram issues meant that Baby was in the carrier, but it was quite cold, so we walked reasonably quickly. Despite the busy car park, the gardens didn't feel crowded at all.
The route around the gardens is a circular one, with very few places where you are required to choose a direction. The path in the first part of the route was lined with a variety of plants, including the famed snowdrops. Beautiful colours contrasted and caught Baby's eye as we walked along. Leafy green plants, expansive red twig like bushes, low lying purple plants. So many plants lining the route meant that I was able to help Baby touch some plants to feel the different textures.
We moved into an area with taller plants, including plenty of trees. Baby particularly liked some tall trees with silver bark, offset against a backdrop of green hedges and dark soil.
We then reached the mill. It was open, and selling flour, but it was very busy so we didn't go in. I get a bit antsy around crowds of people anyway, but with Baby strapped to my chest, the potential for people bumping into her was just too much for me to contemplate.
The next part of the walk took us along the river (beware those with more mobile children, there is no fence along here), until we reached the house, with the final part of the walk again taking us through more formal gardens, back to the shop, tearoom and toilets.
All in all, a lovely walk, that Baby very much enjoyed, as she was able to get up close to everything. She also loved the attention she received being in the carrier.
Key facts:
Month of visit:
February
Weather for visit:
Sunny but cold
Is it pushchair friendly?
Yes, the paths around the garden are wide, gravelled and although there were one or two puddles/muddy patches these were easily avoided, even after heavy rain.
How are the baby changing facilities?
There is one baby changing room in the visitor centre, which also had a toilet in it. It was clean, but when we used it, there was quite a long queue forming due to it being the only one there.
What about somewhere to feed?
No chair in the baby changing, but I fed in the cafe with no issues.
Is it worth a visit?
Baby loved the fresh air and the variety of colours in the garden, we'll definitely be going back.
Baby's highlight?
The red bushes and the little voles.
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
Quy Road,
Lode,
Cambridge,
Cambridgeshire,
CB25 9EJ
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
No comments:
Post a Comment