English Heritage days out : Wrest Park House and Gardens

One summer Saturday starting relatively clear skies in Kensington (read not pouring) lured us to Bedfordshire for a countryside picnic at Wrest Park House and Gardens, truly zen English Heritage days out.

1 hour and a bit drive, we got to Wrest park. Grounds looking as stunning on a windy greyish July day as in the brochures. Just a tad more dramatic.

The park is huge and with a long history: 90 acres of French, Dutch, Italian and English style gardens, groomed from 18th century onwards. England’s lead gardener, ‘Capability’ Brown put his magic touch and 300 years after, we could still appreciate his elegant and so natural ways.

The pavilion is the focal point of the gardens and a geometrical delight. We explored its inside but decided that the stairs were too steep for our young man.

We strolled along the long water, the magic woodlands, the orangery and more gardens. Charming grounds – and we took the time to enjoy and play. Throwing little pebbles in the water (the art of stone skipping is foreign to me), feeding geese and giggling with the lion mouth flowers like in the good old days outside my childhood house.

With winds rather unfriendly, eventually we took some shelter for a while in the beautiful mansion. A pity that the balloon ride scheduled for  July the 9th was postponed for August – hopefully better weather then at Wrest Park House and Gardens!

And no day trip would be complete without a stop at playground and coffee shop for parents. Wrest Park play area was great fun for the toddler, with baby in the sling keeping his eyes on the monkey business of his brother.

A glorious day out in an English heritage green gem. Definitely recommending !

PS: Many thanks to English Heritage and Wrest Park House and Gardens for complimentary passes. Views & photos above our own.