Day Six - Goodbye Lake District

Heide, We Can't See The B&B


We said goodbye to our B & B and began our drive to our next stop, York. But first we were making a few stops on our way. Our first stop was the Lakeland Sheep Center to see the 10:30 border collie sheep herding show. We arrived just in time - to be told the shows had been suspended since last October. Bummer. Could someone in the states please call Rick Steves and let him know?

Another Sign?  What Does It Say?

Happy Birthday Emma

Sizerg Castl

We then went to Sizerg Castle home of the Strickland family for the past eight centuries. We wandered through the gardens first. They had a beautirul kitchen garden. We learned that brussel sprouts come in purple. Who knew? We then visited the castle. They had beautifully carved oak woodwork and paneling. After our visit we stopped at their cafe for something to eat. We might have had a cream tea.....Note to travelers heading for the UK: the cafes and tea rooms at the National Trust sights have wonderful cream teas. We enjoyed our visit to an English Castle.

Levens Hall - No Hint Of What Is To Come

We were off to our final stop in the Lake district, Levens Hall. Janet was especially excited about this stop as Levens Hall has the world's oldest topiary garden according to Guiness World Book. While Ellen rested in the car, Janet, Heide and Carol Jean went inside.  Before heading into the garden, we toured the house and it was beautiful! It also had gorgeous oak paneling with carvings. Several rooms had walls covered in embossed leather that was really pretty. 

Levens Hall Topiary Garden - Begun In 1688!

We then headed into the garden. Smiles immediately crosse our faces. Huge topiary towered above us. We felt like we had stepped into Wonderland! There were pyramids, peacocks, top hats, crowns, castle walls and chess pieces. It was amazing! The gardens though extended way beyond the topiary garden. We were in full photographer mode the entire time. Great stop!

So Many Fun Forms

We then drove to York where we were to tired to go out so we ate in the hotel restaurant. This is where we discovered Elderflower sorbet. Yum! A perfect English ending to a perfect English day.