13th August 2020 to 16th August 2020
Our breif motorhome trip to Rutland
The weather this week has been extremely hot. Over 35 degrees for the last 5 days and tropical (greater than 20 degress) during the night. It will not last much longer but we thought we would squeeze in a long weekend before we resumed the normal britsh summer of 15 degress, rain and cloud.
It was Moira’s choice this time, and she has always wanted to visit the gardens of Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale. These where the gardens featured on Gardeners World for many years whilst Geoff was the presenter. They are located close to Rutland Water in the county of Rutland – the smallest county in the UK.
We chose a camp site that was conveniantly close by – Rutland caravan and camping . The reviews for the site were dominated by a small number of horrendous comments, even though the overall rating was good. My personal opinion is that the site is great and the negative review comments are unwarranted. Its a large open site that feels relaxed and peaceful (in the adults only area where we were). We didn’t use the facilities due to Covid restrictions, however there was an indoor pool and cafe on site.
The site is close by the village of Greetham which is absoluely lovely in a quitessentially english sort of way. Golden sandstone houses with the odd thatched cottage thrown in. There were a couple of pubs in the village. Unusual since the village was only small. We stopped by The Plough for a quick beer one evening. They served an excellent pint of GreenKing IPA, and after a couple of those we decided to remain in the beer garden to have something to eat. I would recommend the burgers – superb.
As I mentioned Moira has always wanted to visit the gardens of Geoff Hamilton located in Barnsdale. Barnsdale Gardens is more than just a garden, its a complex of 38 gardens with a nursery and cafe serving home made cakes (well you just have to).
Here are a few photos :
We spent most of a day there, before returning to the site to sit out in the evening sunshine and cook some BBQed food with a few beers.
On Saturday we decided to do some mountain biking. Not being “spring chickens” lets say, the path we chose was around the circumference of Rutland Water. Mostly on the level although it was a little longer than we thought (about 18miles) which is greater than Carsington Water which have done in the past – a few times.
Motorhome Niggles
Another trip with no Motorhome problems – fingers crossed the initial niggles are done now. We did call into Don Amott on the way out to Rutland. The warranty job to replace the rear light surrounds was carried out. Only a few minutes, but enough time to visit their onsite cafe for a great breakfast.
Round trip distance 155 miles according to google maps.