At the beginning of the summer holidays we met up with my parents to explore the garden of surprises at Burghley House in Stamford. We had visited a few years ago and whilst the garden of surprises is the same, the sculpture garden has a different theme each year. 2016 the theme is metallic.
The garden of surprises is lovely for children as they are able to play in the water fountains. There are doorways which have water falling down, pumps which cause water to spurt and a general splash area. Don’t forget the swimming clothes and a towel! There are signs saying that they must wear shoes so Croc style shoes are perfect. It wasn’t a particularly hot day, but they managed to enjoy playing in the water until they were cold.
There are other interactive parts including a small mirror maze, all making it a fun place for children and adults to explore.
Once we had finished in the garden of surprises we headed to the sculpture garden. This is a short circular walk taking in some beautiful sculptures on the way. We also saw many beautiful dragonflies. As I mentioned above, this years theme is metal. There were a number of animal sculptures including deer and this cow.
Along with some more abstract pieces.
It is a lovely way to spend the day, so that the children and adults are both happy. Whilst there is a charge to visit these gardens, there is also a large green space infront of the house that you don’t need to pay to enter where you can enjoy a picnic, although it would be a shame to miss the beautiful gardens.
What places have you visited this summer that you would recommend?
I can see why you would have to pay, the upkeep of the gardens must be huge and so expensive to change the theme each year too but a great reason to keep returning. Looks well worth a visit and I love the Metallic theme, it looks very modern in the traditional gardens but a contrast that works well.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Country Kids from Coombe Mill
It is a shame as some people seem to moan about paying but it is so lovely and not that expensive compared to other places. x
What a beautiful garden. I would be in my element there and my 3 would love the water features! #countrykids
It is so lovely x
How lovely! It really is a garden full of surprises….Everything is very pretty!
Kim Carberry recently posted…Water Balloons. #MySundayPhoto
It is and the kids just love the water part
Such a lovely place to visit. Looks so magical and the last photo is my fave! #countrykids
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope) recently posted…Photo Friday
lol – thoughtful!
What a beautiful place to visit, I love that they change the theme each year and the metallic theme this year is lovely
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too recently posted…Great Yarmouth #Wondroid Scavenger Hunt
Love the different sculptures in the sculpture gardens – especially the one in the final photo. The garden of surprises sounds like a lot of fun – my girls would love playing in the water there 🙂 #countrykids
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Now you are five
What an interesting place to visit, the kids would love to visit that place to explore.
Stephanie recently posted…Corfe Castle
Yes I hadn’t realised they did this and was quite happy to go and see the ones we had seen before! Nice though that it changes x
This is a dream of a place! I would adore a visit. I particularly love that the water features are interactive and welcoming to free play! The sculptures are marvellous. A beautiful post.
Thanks – I was so pleased that the boys still enjoyed it 2 years on
If this wasn’t such a trek on the train we’d love to visit here.I like the idea of keeping it fresh by choosing a theme.We went to a few places this summer but I’m still in the process of writing them up.I the Avebury Manor was one of our favourite places.