When I worked out and about in Europe, one of my favourite pastimes was to go for a cycle ride, preferably in a scenic location with attractions such as castles and gardens. If I was somewhere without access to a bike or in very mountainous terrain, I would substitute the cycle ride with a walk.
Summer is best in Northumberland should we wish to go out and about. Discussions on the BBC Radio Newcastle program, Garden Mania, which airs between 9-10 am on Sundays, alerted me to the open garden schemes in aid of charities. I decided to combine a few garden visits with cycling adventures.
Stagshaw Hall and Gardens
Situated near Corbridge, Stagshaw has stunning views over the Tyne Valley with a magnificent collection of plants. Visitors to Corbridge may be curious about the large property in the distance visible from the bridge. That is Stagshaw.
Entrance fee of £5 funded the Red Cross, as did any sales of plants. I was very tempted by a purple lupin, which is now residing at the back of my garden. The plants were very reasonably priced and staff proved very knowledgeable on plant care and requirements for any purchases.
Chatting to some of the visitors, many had been before and wanted to return this year.
There is quite some variety in terms of garden plants, which range from glorious clematis and honeysuckle nestled in sheltered walled garden areas to enormous rhodedendrons in woodland.
These areas of the garden reminded me very much of Cragside near Rothbury. Areas of grass are left to grow long in order to provide habitats to attract butterflies and bees.
Upon entry to the site, I encountered a number of very cute Alpacas near the car park. Stagshaw raise Alpacas and more of them are visible grazing in the fields South of the property.
Visitors may view the chapel further up the estate, which also has stunning views over the Tyne valley. Several stained glass windows were added to this building as a war memorial to those lost in World war I. The chapel was open for Evensong at the end of the day.
Refreshments were available on the terrace and there was a large trampoline near this for the amusement of children.
Halton Castle and Gardens
The following weekend was the turn of nearby Halton Castle and gardens to open to the public. Halton is a smaller property, but nevertheless very beautiful.
Halton is nestled on the slopes just North of Aydon Castle and East of Stagshaw. The story goes that there is an underground passage connecting Aydon and Halton castles which existed in case of a siege to allow for escape and communication between the two properties.
The views over the Tyne valley are also spectacular. Once again, I encountered areas of wild flowers and grass and left to grow long to attract butterflies and bees.
Plants were on sale and a number of garden ornaments crafted in wood and metal. Had I not been on a bike, I would have been very tempted.
Visitors could not only marvel at the plants, but a vintage car onsite.
While there are no alpacas at Halton, there are sheep in the fields at the Southernmost region.
Visitors could also view the chapel and attend evensong if they wished.
There were plenty of seating areas dotted around the gardens.
The property even boasts an original Victoria and Albert postbox!
Capheaton Hall and Gardens
Views en route to Capheaton are stunning, with the cheviot hills and pine forests. I took a route via small country roads towards Black Heddon. This route has some very steep hills and would only suit experienced and very fit cyclists. It is advisable to take provisions as there are very few places to stop for refreshments along the way.
Upon arrival in the woods at the edge of the property, the heavens decided to open and I was drenched despite my rain suit. I did not stay that long in the gardens, but the plants were lovely.
Capheaton Hall rents out several self catering properties to visitors and it is possible to hold weddings here.
