We first had to drive Michael back to Hexham so he could do some work form home and collect his car. We also gathered up Robert (Michael's middle child) from where he currently staying with Jane. We hadn't seen Robert at all since we were last in the UK back in December 1998. He has certainly grown a bit!
We then went to Kirkhale Courtyard for a coffee and a scone. Certainly the scone was light-years ahead of the crappy thing we bought in Maltin. Apart from having many crafty-type shops and a cafe, Kirkhale is the birthplace of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. I had always admired how he had designed such magnificent gardens around England when we toured the country during the time we lived here back in the 70s.
Wallington House is a stately home which was gifted to the National Trust by Sir Charles Trevelyan in 1941. Once again our NZ Heritage card got us in for nothing, The entry fee was just under 12 Pounds so we have certainly got great value for joining up before leaving home. The house was owned by the Fenwicks in the early 15th century and then by the Blacketts and the Trevelyans. More information can be found here: Wallington House
 |
| 2 of the 8 Pre-Raphaelite Wall Paintings in the internal courtyard |
We then dropped Robert back at Michael's house in Hexham before heading back to Barbara's for a well earned drink.