Last Weekend of Summer

A few weekends ago, my friend Helen was able to borrow her sister's car so we could explore the countryside. We decided to visit some National Trust sites. The Trust acts as a guardian for coastline, properties, and land across Britain. We drove about an hour outside London and visited Clandon Park.

We took a tour of the house, which is suppose to be the most complete example of a Palladian Mansion (whatever that means) in England! They are very protective about their sites and I was able to illegally get this photo shot in before I was yelled at. Other then this, I don't have any other photos of the inside!

Here is a picture from the outside with it's pretty gardens.

The place also had its own chapel.

After spending some time at the house, we drove down the road to another National Trust site, Hatchlands Park.
It houses the world's largest collection of composer-related keyboard instruments. Of course, I could not take any photos! Don't these people know I have a blog! :)

Afterwards, we walked around the beautiful parkland surrounding the house. They also had cattle!

I really liked this dead tree on the property that looked like it had been struck by lighting.

A garden shot around the house.

A view of the house before heading on our way.

Of course the beautiful summer day would not be complete without a pint....so we ended the day at a local pub. The joys of Britain!