Way back in 2015 – yes that really is ten years ago – I decided to post photos of the numerous benches sitting in my folders. It seemed that I was not alone and suddenly it turned into the Bench Challenge where I set a particular criterion each month and people joined in posting their bench photos. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of wonderful bloggers through it.
Whilst visiting my daughter in Surrey this month I popped along to the Winkworth Arboretum for a walk in the woods. And was happy to find a few benches worthy of photographing.
And finally this lovely carved bench with views over the Bowl.
This year I am returning to mark the occasion by posting a bench photo every Sunday. There will not be any particular theme set this year so it’s not really much of a challenge, but if there is anyone out there who still has a bucketful of bench photos and would like to join me, then please do so by adding a link in the comments or a link to my post in yours (a pingback) and I will happily pop along to admire.
TRAVEL WORDS 
I love those rustic benches, Jude!
Best wishes, Pete. x
Clever craftsmanship.
Do you know who carved all those benches?
All I know is that the owl bench was done with a chainsaw. There is a fox bench too, but I missed that one.
Lovely rustic benches, I love them, add so much atmosphere to the gardens. Mine are very utalitarian this week. https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2025/05/19/bench-challenge-anniversary-3/
Aren’ty they gorgeous. What great finds!
How wonderfully whimsical!