Wednesday 18 July, Chatsworth

Overcast skies at the Chatsworth cascade

Awake very early but read until a civilised time of 8.15. Today the skies were overcast, and there were 5 rabbits playing on the lawn. For breakfast I had a delicious grapefruit, then orange juice, coffee, a boiled egg and toast and marmalade. I left a note for Kerry about an early linen change in the vacated rooms. The phone signal was very variable everywhere in the area. We set off in two cars at 10.30 to drive to Chatsworth House, arriving there at 11.30.

Brightening up at the Emperor's fountain

After an incident with car keys, we were ready for a coffee in the courtyard and ready to enter the house and grounds. As it was fine, we first did a tour of the gardens, beginning with the spectacular cascade. We explored the rock gardens, the circle pond, saw a squirting willow, the Emperor's fountain and then the maze. Joan and I sat outside while the others quickly explored it without getting lost. We had lunch at the cafe of soup, sandwiches, pasties, lemonade, and cake.

The impressive Dining Hall at Chatsworth House

Then we went for a tour of the house, which was extensive. We saw the collection of Old Master paintings and drawings alongside modern art, tapestries and sculptures, the guest bedrooms with unusual Chinese wallpaper, and the collections of ceramics and minerals. We also had a look in the gift shop. It was all very interesting but rather tiring.

The charming town of Bakewell, home of the famous tarts

We drove home via Bakewell, another pretty town, where we stopped to taste the Bakewell tart and have a coffee. We learnt that the Peak District is the second busiest National Park after Mount Fuji! Laura drove Grandma's car and we arrived home in spite of a few wrong turns. For tea we cooked mushroom and bacon omelettes which Richard made to his usual high standard. Afterwards we sat in the sitting room to do crosswords, and gave Matthew and Sarah their guestbook to read.

Went to bed suffering from a bad cough. Felt awful.