Scotney Castle and Manor House (10 pix)

[Barr1e]

Anne and I have been in Kent for a few days grandchildren sitting.

We had one day to ourselves for a few hours and visited Scotney Castle. It was a whirlwind tour as there is so much to see. I think you need a full day or two to take it all in, especially when the extensive gardens are in full bloom. We were just a little early in the season to see any real colour.

Our day started in mist and fortunately by the time we reached the castle the sun began to break through.

Garden plan


Scotney Castle Manor House


Extensive grounds


Scotney Castle in the mist


Scotney Castle and Moat


Castle Ruins, unfortunately gardeners were busy where I wished to take another scene.


Ruins and tree against the light.


Scotney Castle and Manor House


Manor House through the trees


Finally, a bees nest in a tree. Aparrently they have been there some time and swarmed last year. They did return to the nest though.
Sentry on guard


All taken with the E-5 various lenses and settings.

Regards. Barr1e
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to: http://www.visitkent.co.uk/ for the copy below

Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle is a hidden gem, set in one of the most romantic gardens in England.
The fairytale 14th-century moated ruined castle is surrounded by stunning gardens. Early in the year snowdrops appear, followed by banks of primroses, daffodils and drifts of bluebells. Scotney looks beautiful all year round, with magnificent rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmia and rambling roses in the summer.

Visitors to Scotney Castle will experience a whole new aspect to their visit as further rooms of the Victorian country house are opened to the public for the first time.
The house was the beloved home of Christopher and Betty Hussey. Christopher Hussey bequeathed the garden and surrounding estate to the National Trust on his death in 1970 and following the death of Betty in 2006, the house and the garden have been reunited.

Discover the ice-house and boathouse, and look out for the Priest's hiding place!
Then enjoy a fine walk through the surrounding estate with its parkland, woodland, hop farm and wonderful vistas and views.

We would like to share with you the opening of this family home, as we reveal further rooms and extend the visitor facilities over the coming years. So make sure you come back and visit us again, as there will be something new to discover each time.

The National Trust has a variety of holiday cottages to rent dotted around the county. For full details, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays.
key

[Tom Holle]

"Scotney Castle and Moat" straight out of a fairy tale.

[Pops]

Lovely to see the pics gaining brightness through the sequence which is obviously a sign of that mist slowing giving way. I particularly like the ruins with the tree reflection.

[Barr1e]

Hi Tom -

Great description - thanks.

Hello Pops -

Just imagine if we had had time to go around the grounds again when the sun was out. Thanks.


Regards. Barr1e

[Barr1e]

Final two from a great day out.

BoathouseI thought the angle from this side was more artistic - however, it does put it the wrong side of the frame I feel.


Map reading


The grounds and buildings are so well kept, no wonder the term magical fits so well. It also comes with a super tearoom, loved the scones and jam.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle/

Regards. Barr1e

[Mowgli]

Looks like a fascinating place to look around. The sort of place that would change so much from season to season. A great place for the landscape pictures. The picture with the ruins and the tree could be one you could go back to under different light and it would be transformed. This brings back memories of a visit we had to the Lost Gardens of Heligan a couple of years ago and we would love to go back there one day.
Mowgli

[Pops]

I see what you mean about the different angle of the boathouse, looking into the boathouse would have altered the shot for the better however you still captured the reflections nicely.
Lovely peaceful place to spend a day.

[Barr1e]

Mowgli -

Thanks. I expect when the grounds are in full bloom it must look spectacular.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are quite something too.

Regards. Barr1e

[Barr1e]

Originally Posted by Pops

I see what you mean about the different angle of the boathouse, looking into the boathouse would have altered the shot for the better however you still captured the reflections nicely.
Lovely peaceful place to spend a day.

Thanks Pops.

This seemed about the best angle I could get - not sure if the trees help, but I do rather favour this type of picture taking.

Boathouse through the trees


Just off for the kids treat to mum.

Regards. Barr1e

[Pops]

A sneaky spying shot
I love this and that splash of sunlight on the tree trunk makes all the difference.