The Gardens at Holker Hall. Cark. Cumbria.

It is my sister's birthday today. We sent each other some e mails and she sent some lovely photos of her garden and my two great nephews who are wonderful and growing up fast.
Paul, Maria, Ben and me went to Holker Hall today. It is a fantastic vast garden with beautiful rhododendrons, magnolias, mature tall trees, beech, fir, oak and bamboo, grassed areas and exquisitely planted gardens of every colour tulip you can imagine.
We had a delicious lunch in the covered courtyard. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. Dogs are welcome. The Spring fair starts there tomorrow and the rows of white marquees were being set up. There are two good shops. One sells fresh produce from the estate, relishes and craft beers, and the other shop sells gifts such as candles and wool blankets and plants.
I really enjoyed our visit.
As Cartmel Priory was only a short drive away, we decided to make our first visit. The Priory dates to 1188 and was founded by William Marshal, who later became Earl of Pembroke. I was greatly impressed by the age and sacred architecture of the Priory. Both the Preston and the Cavendish families acquired much of the Priory and they made their home at Holker Hall. Locals pronounce Holker as Hooker.
We had a walk around Cartmel, a charming village with a decent ice cream shop that sells 61 different flavours. This includes Kendal Mint Cake ice cream!
We then visited a cheese shop and Paul found a lovely locally made one called St. Sunday made for vegetarians.
I may make a collage of the Cartmel photos using the laptop when we return home tomorrow.
The weather has been cold, sunny and blue skied, so it was ideal.
Thank you for visiting today and have a lovely evening.