Stowe part 1

I went to Stowe a couple of weekends ago, but I took far too many photos and I've been putting off editing them. So many photos in fact, that I'm spreading them over two posts.

 The grounds of Stowe are open for most of the year, and they make the perfect autumn walk. It's part of the National Trust, and costs £8.50 if you're not a member. There is also an additional charge (incl. NT members) to enter the main house, as it is a private boarding school. We didn't bother going in, we spent 2 and a half hours just wandering the grounds.

 I have such pudding hand. I love the feeling of conkers, so smooth. These sweet chestnuts are also edible, and we saw a few people forging.
 

We got handed a leaflet on the way in, with a guide to identifying the trees in the parkland. It was actually quite fun, but I can't remember a single one now.

I love all the colours of Autumn and they look particularly pretty reflected in the lakes and streams.

There's loads of these 'follies' and temples throughout Stowe, and I'm going to put them all together in my second post.  

Quick word of warning, some of the toilets are closed at the moment, so you'll need to plan your wee. Make sure you go in the entrance/cafe as it's your only opportunity, and you really can spend hours in the park.

We got really lucky with the weather, and it really was the perfect Autumn day.