Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

We've visited a few local National Trust properties today, the first one being Sissinghurst Castle Gardens.  We climbed the steps of the tower to enjoy the view, and strolled around the gardens which are particularly stunning at this time of year.  

My blip shows the Oast House which can be seen all over Kent, and in their time they were used for drying hops as part of the brewing process, although many have now been converted into homes.

Our next stop was Smallhythe Place which dates back to the late 1400's and was bought by the Victorian actress Ellen Terry in 1899.  After she died her daughter Edith Craig transformed the house into a museum which now displays a collection of personal and theatrical items reflecting Ellens life.  In the gardens is a 17th century thatched barn theatre which still hosts a diverse programme of productions throughout the year.

Our final stop of the day was the little town of Tenterden where we had a stroll up the high street which has some interesting shops, we called in Waitrose to pick up a pizza for tonight and then headed back to Beckets Barn.  I'd arranged with Janet and David to use the pool when we got back, so they'd opened it up for me - it's not a small indoor pool by any means and is 17 metres in length, so only slightly smaller than the outdoor pool and my gym.  Unfortunately my shoulder seems to be playing up again, so I only managed 30 lengths, but it was very nice, and after a quick shower and went and sat outside on the sun loungers.

We had another relaxing evening and at 9pm went for a stroll hoping to see a solstice sunset but unfortunately there was a bank of cloud that blocked it.  Lets hope that summer starts now!

I'm still trying to catch up with you all, just having got round to everyone yet, but I will do.  Anyway, it's the weekend, hope you have a good one!