Askham, Cumbria: Day 2

Up early this morning to water the tomatoes in the greenhouse and the pots and the veg in the plot at the top of the garden.   Unfortunately the hose did not like me and kept separating from the hose reel and pouring water everywhere and also over me.  I managed to give the tomatoes water from a can and then retreated, turned the tap off and waited for my trusty assistant to get out of bed!  By the time we had had breakfast and were dressed the sun was up, so we delayed watering until the evening.

Kirkstone Pass

Our destination for our first full day was Brantwood, at one time the home of John Ruskin, overlooking Conniston Water.   We set off from Askham along tiny winding lanes, frequently having to back up for tractors and other farm vehicles.  I was having kitens and making a fuss about the danger of blind corners etc., Peter stoically ignoring me.  We also took the Kirkstone Pass - dramatic and steep!  We arrived in Ambleside in need of a coffee so we parked and wandered, found a coffee shop and unwound for a while with the newspaper.

Then on to Brantwood and, first stop, lunch in the cafe.   Which was good.  We had a view over Conniston Water and the sun was shining. 

Conniston Water

After lunch we went up and bought tickets for the house and watched the introductory film show.  We had heard of John Ruskin and associated him with the pre-Raphaelites, but were a little hazy about his other interests and accomplishments, until the film filled in the gaps.  We approached the house with more understanding.   It was a wonderful museum filled with interest - and also with Japanese pottery and pictures by Turner, two temporary exhibitions.

Brantwood

Brantwood

Inside Brantwood

I was intrigued by the glazing on the side plates in the dining room. (See below)

Interesting glaze pattern

Garden path

Outside and around the house was a large garden and we explored some parts.   Then it was back to Penrith to go to the supermarket to buy some extras for supper and some breakfast cereal etc.

We had a little trouble finding our way on occassions, but arrived at the ferry across Windermere which was a first for us.  Then we missed a turning or two but eventually hit the M6 and hurried up to Penrith, shopped, got back to the house, had a cup of tea, fixed the hose, watered the plants, had a glass of wine, made supper and caught up on Wimbledon!  Well, I watched TV and Peter did the crossword! 

Apart from the roads, which were a little too exciting for me at times, it was a very good day out!   Brantwood was certainly worth the effort.