The weather was exceptional for our return visit to the Longstock Water Gardens! We really couldn’t have chosen a better summer’s day!
We arrived at mid-day and after donning our hats and suncream, we had a brief history of the gardens from the head gardener, before being left to wander around at our own pace.
The plants were all in flower and the lush greenery made us feel like we were on holiday, in another country. There were benches dotted around to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds, and a few areas of shade to get out of the heat.
When it was time to head to the Café for our pre-ordered cream teas, we all bundled into our cars for the very hot and humid 5 minute drive to the Leckford Farm Estate Café.
With some of our group immuno-suppressed from their chemotherapy treatment, we had arranged with the Leckford Farm Estate Café to have our cream teas in an outdoor shaded garden area, at picnic tables, away from the other café diners. And we could make as much noise as we wanted without fear of upsetting other customers.
The shade from the beautiful big old oak trees gave us some respite from the heat, and with help from the Cafe waiters and waitresses, we sat down to gorgeous freshly baked plain, cheese and fruit scones with jam and cream and butter as appropriate. Our pre-ordered Teas and coffees arrived too.
After a leisurely cream tea with lots of chatter, it was time to head home for some of us, and for others a chance to look around the Leckford Estate Farm Shop selling lots of local produce and the Leckford Estate Garden Centre with lots of plants and gift ideas.
There was also another garden area to look around in the grounds with a long shady planted tunnel and by this time, we were all feeling pretty exhausted.
A truly memorable day and we hope to return again next year.