Picking up where I left off on my last post as I had met Janet to be her guest for a few days.  Janet drove us to visit Alnwick Castle and Garden and it was just spectacular! We really enjoyed the day spent there and the weather was perfect.  Visitor maps were provided and the gift bag was from the gift shop where I picked up a couple of souvenirs. 🙂

The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland do reside in part of the very large castle.  I will be sharing photos taken outdoors and photos were not allowed to be taken inside of the castle.  I can understand that decision and will say that it was all very wonderful inside of the Castle. ❤

The water garden was so impressive and this photo shows a cascading water display area that is constructed on a noticeable grade up the hillside but also, the water displays came forth in unexpected and delightful patterns. The next few photos try to capture some of this water wonder. 🙂

Finn came along with us on the tour and was very impressed with the water garden. 😉

It was a lovely, beautiful day. 🙂

There is something very calming about the sound of water flowing and it is so soothing to hear and to see. 🙂

You could feel the mist in the air and the air smelled fresh and clean.  Walking through the water garden was a delight to the senses and I could easily see myself happily repeating my walk daily if it were possible. ❤

It was wonderful to take time and experience the water garden.

It is important to allow ourselves to be refreshed and renewed. ❤

I really enjoyed the varied art forms designed to be in the water garden. 🙂

Janet fits well within this water display without getting wet!  We also made our way through a bamboo maze which was a lot of fun to do.

This garden area is devoted solely to the poisonous plants. It is located beyond the locked gate and you can see the skull and crossbones plainly attached to the gates and thus ensuring we all “beware”. If you look at the hillside beyond, you can see the cherry trees in bloom. What a contrast!

This is the door to the hut where the tour guide resided.  She was very knowledgeable about the plants and she emphasized the dire and often fatal consequences of encountering the plants in an unadvisable manner…..

Janet and I walked among the cherry trees which was much more friendly to see than the very interesting but macabre poison plants.

On a brighter note, you can see in the distance the fantastic Treehouse Restaurant. Janet made reservations and we had the best time there having lunch. 🙂

Walking up to the restaurant, Finn stopped to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 🙂

Finn is wearing a wonderful outfit made by the talented Sarah Williams and his black leather boots were made by Jean Jensen.  🙂

Lunch was a generous plate of fish and chips with tarter sauce and mushy peas. It was delicious and the atmosphere inside was pleasingly rustic.  You felt like you were inside a treehouse. Even the chairs were made of thick wood boards aligned in an unfinished and asymmetrical configuration and they were surprisingly comfortable.  It felt like you were in another world entirely…..magical.   It was truly a wonderful experience. 🙂

Janet and I made our way to the imposing Alnwick Castle. The aged trees seemed to guide us toward the amazing Castle which was so very massive and solid and so firmly planted on the landscape.  The word that came to me immediately was “Grand”. ❤

Photo of the lovely surrounding grounds.

So beautiful and so grand.  I remember my excitement as we approached the Castle. 🙂

A closer view of the Castle walls.

Just inside the walls, you can see a tent in the distance where archery activities are offered to children. 🙂

More views of the Castle.

Janet capturing the grandness of the Castle. We went inside and made our way through the interior touring areas.  We visited a gift shop and we saw many displays of historical significance and it was fascinating though a lot of time would be needed to fully participate and absorb the richness of Alnwick Castle. 🙂

Finn found an aged, stone friend tucked away in a corner. 🙂

I think Finn was a bit overwhelmed at how “larger than life” everything was at the Castle. 😉

A view of the grounds taken from the top of the wall.  Janet and I saw peacocks in the distance and it was a very peaceful and serene view.

As we left, we noticed these gray colored birds just beyond the edge of the daffodils.  The man seen on the left side of the photo was watching and following these interesting birds.

I hope you enjoyed this post, Part 2 of “Heaven in England” and thank you for visiting.  It was a very, very lovely and unforgettable day spent with Janet at Alynwick Castle and Garden. I was blessed to be able to visit and I would love to return one day. ❤ xxx