Crazy!

That’s what we thought when we started off in the midst of the full blown throws of Storm Francis this morning!

We arrived at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire a little late for our 11.00am timed booking and thought we might just have a coffee and then carry on south. We had our coffee and it started to brighten so that by the time we came to look around it was fine if somewhat blowy.
I’m so glad we came as it is a great place to visit. We have seen it on the skyline whilst travelling down the M1 so many times and it’s certainly worth the stop. Unsurprisingly there are great views across the vale below.

Built on the site of a mediaeval castle it belonged to the Cavendish family, ubiquitous in Derbyshire and elsewhere. 
Charles Cavendish was the son of Bess of Hardwick from nearby Hardwick Hall. 
The ruins of the castle are seen here on the right and the centre shows the  ‘Little Castle‘ built by Charles and completed by his son William Cavendish in the early 17th century for entertaining, including Charles I and his queen. The cost of the build was £15,000, a phenomenal amount at the time. The building is open to look around and shows many original decorational  features 

The other unique feature is a Riding House for the Manège of horses. William was one the the countries first to train horses for dressage. It too is open and complete and is the earliest remaining such building in the country.
By the time we had looked around the outdoor picnic tables were busy with people. We got a sandwich, half price fir Eat out to help out’ and joined the people enjoying the rather breezy but warm sunshine.

Glad we decided to go ahead and weren’t put off by the weather.