The Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, Surrey, is a 40 acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830’s. First opened to the public in 1953, it is best known for its evergreen azaleas, which line the ponds and streams and at their peak of flower in late April and early May.
My previous visit was in late August 2022 and the floral offerings were somewhat disappointing although it was still a lovely place for a walk. The timing was perfect this month though, as the long queue to the car park indicated.
Let’s take a walk and immerse ourselves in the glorious colours of this garden.
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.
A rustic bench among the Bluebells at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey (May 2025)
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.
A bench carved with oak leaves down by the lake (Rowes Flashe)
And finally this lovely carved bench with views over the Bowl.
The Owl bench
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.
During another brief stay with my daughter in Surrey over the early spring bank holiday I took the opportunity to visit some different places in the region. First of all we decided to break up the journey by overnight stops each way. Although it can take as little as 5 hours, with unexpected traffic delays it can be much longer and by breaking up the journey we only had fairly short drives.
The Lamb
Hindon
First stop was at The Lamb in Hindon, Wiltshire. Just over 3 hours away. We went for a meal there last year during our Wiltshire holiday and liked it. The village is very pretty and close to the A303 so not far off route. The first thing we did after checking in was to get a couple of (very expensive) G&Ts and sit outside on a very warm day! Luckily we found some shade. Then before dinner we had a stroll up past the church. The room itself was one of those with wonky floors so you always feel as though you are on a boat. The stairs leading up were steep and narrow, not the best for elderly folk carrying a suitcase. I was surprised that the (young) chap taking us up didn’t offer to carry one! Dinner was okay, again expensive, but this area does seem to cater for weekenders from London (only 1½ hours away).
St. John the Baptist Church, Hindon. The village has known connections with the wool trade and the Agnus Dei is pictured on a panel over the west door of the church.
St John the Baptist church
A thatched cottage
Wisteria
Winkworth Arboretum
As my daughter works on a Thursday I took myself to the arboretum in Surrey, not far from Guildford though my Google map seemed to take me the most long-winded route through narrow lanes and little villages I have never heard of despite living in the area for 7 years. The bluebells were looking good and probably what attracts people to this place at this time of year. I had forgotten how steep the land is and fell foul of an ongoing issue with my right knee which has started to lock when going downhill which is very painful and makes it difficult to continue walking. On a very hot afternoon I was most grateful for the shade of the trees.
Azaleas
Azaleas
Bluebells
Lots of English bluebells
Hever Castle and Gardens
Childhood home to Anne Boleyn this place in Kent was added to and changed over the centuries. In 1903 it was bought by William Waldorf Astor and the castle was restored and the pleasure grounds created. My daughter and I had a lovely afternoon exploring the gardens and the castle. More about this place soon.
The LoggiaItalian GardenSculpture in the Italian Garden
Isabella’s Plantation in Richmond Park
Spring is the time to visit this place. It is a riot of colour with banks of azaleas and rhododendrons. No wonder then it was full of visitors. Here’s a few of the amazing blooms, but I will do another post with more photos.
Of course time was spent with the family, visiting a garden centre and choosing plants for my daughter’s front garden, helping in the garden, sharing meals and best of all talking. I even saw something of the grandchildren this time!
Returning home our overnight stop was in Ilminster which is practically half way. We didn’t arrive until evening and ate at a local brewery chain so we didn’t explore the town and no photos were taken even though the hotel was pretty enough and our room had lovely views over the surrounding countryside. After breakfast we decided to head straight home.
All in all a good trip with pleasant driving conditions and mostly decent weather.
There is nothing like observing the fresh new greens of spring and the stillness of water on a hot day to bring a sense of serenity: a state of calm, peacefulness, and tranquility. Inner peace and stillness.
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.
A favourite bench in Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall. Overlooking the Laurel Maze. Believe me, after climbing uphill from the beach any bench will do for a short respite, even without arm or back rests!
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 