October can be a stunning time of year to go exploring. If you manage the right day, you get brilliant autumn sunshine reflecting off the changing leaves. Everything feels golden. My online photo storage reminded me last week of one October weekend that was decidedly not golden. It included nonstop rain dripping down your back and leaving your jeans a trifle on the sopping side. We remember you fondly, Northumberland.
But that was not so on this little stop we took on a Fall Break road trip five years ago now. We were driving south from North Yorkshire to Gloucestershire, and K.J. is the king of finding good places to stretch your legs. No stop is ever wasted, especially when you're a member of The National Trust. A year's membership gains you entrance to any property all year long, guaranteeing you beauty, history, and inspiration, as well as a clean restroom on road trips. Win, win, win.
We didn't take time to walk around inside the house but walked around the gardens where we saw something we've never forgotten, one of the most ingenious ideas we've ever seen:
Hardwick Hall is in Derbyshire and was built between 1590-1597. In addition to its splendid trees there are many delightful nooks and crannies to discover in the garden. If I were Mr. Collins I could perhaps tell you how much the window casings cost. I have no idea; however, I can tell you the windows are abundant and beautiful.
I don't think I knew this when we visited, but the hall is used as the location of Malfoy Manor in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film. It was made to look a little more sinister by adding spiky tops to the towers.
The old hall is next door, its windows just as impressive, though they are now missing glass...and the rooms are open to the sky. There are magnificent views of surrounding countryside to take in before you leave.
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