During the season Hodnet Hall is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday but only three times on Wednesdays. Today was the first of those days and as Hodnet Hall is one of my favourite gardens I couldn’t miss the opportunity.

There were a few challenges along the way; newly laid chippings on the road with a 10 mile an hour speed limit, the car park was rather full when I arrived and two coaches had just pulled in meaning the teashop was rather full and there was a queue.. Eventually I got served and dropped lucky with a nearby table being vacated just after I had finished paying.

I had a relaxing afternoon in the sun enjoying the gardens and the bluebell walk. The light and colour is always spectacular at this time of year.

A perfect end to the day (although it was tinged with some sad news about an elderly relative as we were preparing dinner) was another opportunity for a Fine Dining experience on the patio.