Ashton Court rose garden

Ashton Court used to be a stately home, owned by the Smyth family from the 16th century til the 1950’s when it came into the ownership of the council, in a pretty dilapidated state. The 850 acre park is wonderful, varied and well used. There’s a deer park, meadows, woodland, a wildlife area.  Lots and lots of wonderful trees. It’s used for events - the weekly park run, music festivals, the hot air balloon fiesta. But mainly it’s just a lovely outdoor open space for city dwellers. 
Today many hundreds of people were there, in large or small groups, couples and people by themselves. Lots were  having picnics.  I was there for the 70th birthday celebration of an old friend. The mansion itself is still only about one quarter restored and usable, the rest is still a bit dilapidated. There’s not a lot of formal garden, but the rose garden is astonishingly lovely. The entrance is above.