The Himalayan Garden

A very late blip today.
Have had the most wonderful day out with our friends. (who have just left!)

Firstly the weather has been wonderful. Blue sky all day and 27C.

Our first stop today was The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, at Grewelthorpe, Near Ripon.
Have never been before. It is only open from 28th April until 17th June. when the rhododendrons and azaleas, magnolias and other Himalayan plants are at their best.
We were all blown away by the beauty of the place. Way beyond anything I had imagined. This photo doesn't really do it justice, as you can't appreciate the huge scale of the place. A must visit if you are anywhere nearby! A true hidden gem!

After lunch at the pub, we saw a sign to another place I had wanted to see, but didn't realise it was so near.

Hackfall Woods.
So we drove about a mile to the car park and off we went into a magical woodland, with waterfalls, grottos, fountains, follies, castles, and the most wonderful views.
Beautiful trees, numerous wild flowers, lots of garlic and blue bells.
Birds song,butterfies,perfect peace except for the sound of water falls.
If faires had danced in front of us I wouldn't have been surprised!

What a wonderful day.
Then home to a BBQ music and wine laughter and friends.
What a wonderful day! Life is good!!