RHS London Shows

The RHS holds several shows at the Horticultural Halls in Westminster each year, two of which take place in October. There are pumpkin competitions, fabulous autumn veg displays, chrysanthemums and other plants and flowers on display from the top nurseries and photo and art exhibitions. They also have a late opening where the visitors get to taste exotic cocktails and snacks in a relaxed, clubby atmosphere.

RHS London Shows

Taste of Autumn

This week it is a Taste of Autumn at RHS Garden Wisley with lots of food stalls, apple tasting and cider making, advice and grow your own tips from RHS experts. It started out very wet, but gradually improved to become a fine autumn afternoon.

RHS Garden Wisley

First Birthday

Bolton Abbey

After a light breakfast - still full after last night's delicious dinner, we took a walk along the river to the ruined abbey and looked around. Not lingering too long, we then drove to Edinburgh to celebrate a Ruby Wedding with friends.

Bolton Abbey

Malham Tarn and Malham Cove

Today we drove up to Malham with the intention of walking to the Tarn and also seeing the limestone pavement at Malham Cove. As we were a bit later than we thought, we first drove up to see Janet's Fosse and walked into Gordale Scar for a short way. It was lovely. Back in the car we drove up to Malham Tarn and decided to walk around it. The weather closed in and we were caught in a real downpour, but managed to continue despite it, spotting wildlife along the way including a shy frog. Back at the car, we then drove back to Malham and walked up the road to Malham Cove and climbed up to the limestone pavement with its spectacular geology - and of course, views.
At the end of the day we headed off to The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey for our overnight stay. Here we had another superb meal and slept very well after all our exertions.

Malham Tarn
The Devonshire Arms

Calke Abbey

On our way to Edinburgh, we stopped off to visit Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. This is a National Trust Property that has not and will not be restored. It is a state of 'suspended animation', where everything is preserved as it was when the property came into the Trust's possession. One exception is the state bed which was discovered in the attic, preserved in special boxes. It was erected in the early 1980s and is exhibited in a hermetically sealed case to preserve its beauty.

After our visit, we drove up to Nottingham where we stayed at Sat Bains Restaurant with rooms. We enjoyed a superb meal with matching wines. Most unusual and absolutely delicious.

Our room at Restaurant Sat Bains

A beautiful dessert

Restaurant Sat Bains

Calke Abbey