A Solo Outing to Wentworth Castle Gardens
A Solo Outing to Wentworth Castle Gardens
a mini solo adventure
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I have been stuck at home for a few weeks. I say stuck, but it was more of a struggle to leave the house. Feeling better, I wanted to use my last week’s leave to do what I want to do more of: go out and explore. Adventure is one of my values. I want to use more of my free days this way rather than spend time at home managing my to-do list.
As I understand my behaviours around what I do or don’t do. I’ve realised that my motivation, ability, and prompt to combine for me to act on the behaviour is to plan. Plan ahead, I did! The week before, I looked at possible places not too far away, which days I would go, and the logistics around them. I chose to plan for two outings. This is my first.
Wentworth Castle Gardens
I’ve been to this place before, though it has been a few years. It’s a National Trust Location. There are no car parking charges, but there is an admission on entry for those who aren’t members. Dogs are welcome in all areas except the playground and the conservatory; that is, assistance dogs only.
Being a grey day with some fine drizzle, it wasn’t busy. There was plenty of parking, and I saw a few people around the gardens but only one couple towards the end of my muddy walk around the parklands. At times, it felt like I was the only one there.
Everything is outside besides the cafe, second-hand bookshop, and the conservatory. I would say that the walkway to the cafe and some gardens are suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs; however, the parklands and the grass areas of Stainborough Castle wouldn’t be. Especially on a day like today, when it’s been raining prior, I sometimes got stuck in the mud. The main Wentworth Castle building has no visitor access as it is now used as a college.
Gardens
The garden section of the land has several gardens and must-sees—fourteen in total—so there is plenty to see. It took me approximately an hour and twenty minutes to look around this area at a steady pace. There were still the odd things I didn’t see. The Union Jack Garden was closed for maintenance, and the grass walkway up to Stainborough Castle was closed for recovery. I’m not 100% sure I saw the Azalea Garden.
Spot the Squirrel
There were loads of squirrels and pheasants walking and scampering around. I was able to take a photo of a squirrel having something to eat.
Stainborough Castle
It was great to experience the castle by myself. On previous visits there have been loads of people. Taking my time, enjoying the views and taking it all in was a delight.
Conservatory
The conservatory isn’t an area I’ve been in because I previously had the dogs with me. It was nice to explore and learn more about the place.
Corinthian Temple
This is where I had my lunch and did some reading. I nearly let the wet bench deter me from doing so, but I stopped walking away, got a couple of tissues out, and dried an area for me to sit on without getting wet. I could see for miles. I watched the deer and could even see the motorway in the distance. I brought a packed lunch and my current read, Malibu Rising. I think I sat here for approximately forty minutes.
Parklands
I’m glad I wore my walking boots and trousers and took a pair of shoes to drive in. I got very muddy! The map states the Parkland Explorer Walk is 1.3 miles. I believe I walked a bit longer than this as I also walked around the Broom Royd Woods, past Ivas Woods, visited the Queen Anne Monument and walked behind the deer park back to the Palladian Bridge. These extra parts weren’t on the dotted map walk.
There were several Monuments to view, and I took a few breaks to have a drink or a snack. This part took me approximately an hour and twenty, too.
I’m so glad I planned this outing. I loved the fresh air, hearing the birds, and exploring with a different mindset. I love my dogs, but seeing the areas I hadn’t been able to otherwise was nice. With the travelling included, my trip out was approximately four and a half hours. Four and a half hours well spent. It was the first time I took a book with me. I’m very glad I did and will be doing so again.
Where do you like to go on your outings? Do you take books with you?
With Love,
Tami xx