Strange times for all of us, sighted and sight-impaired and although there are some great walks in the woods near where we live, you can sometimes have too much of a good thing. So it was interesting to hear that Wentworth Woodhouse just past Chapeltown has opened its gardens to the public as part of its fund raising work to restore the house to its former glory.
If pre-booked, it is only £5 per person or £7 for those who just turn up. A couple of my friends are volunteers in the gardening team and they were so encouraging, we decided to give it a try. I went with Marie and we met our daughter there not really knowing if it would be OK. You know how it can be if you have poor or very little sight, it sometimes seems to be not worth the trouble.
This definitely WAS worth it. There is no other option really but to go in the car, but there is plenty of parking near the garden entrance which is through the arch of the original stable yard.
Once through the obvious, but temporary entrance, it is slightly daunting as you don’t know if you should go to the left or right, but it doesn’t really matter. We went left past the old ‘ice house’ to a cosy but nice walled garden and then came back in the other direction, through some trees and as the view opened out any fears of social distancing issues were left behind.
The gardens are massive with open grassy areas, flower borders that are amazing at present (early August). Clean toilet pods are scattered about and they are spotless with hand sanitiser as well as the usual…
We didn’t have much idea about where we were going but walked round following paths and grass areas with flowers everywhere and looked at the various ornamental bits including the low back wall with spectacular views towards Kepples Column and Rotherham. We took a few photos and had a sit down in deck chairs that were scattered about in fours for everyone to use if wanted. They also were like new.
Anyway, 3 hours after entering we were totally relaxed and ready for the trip home.
A great afternoon out and we all said that next time we go we will take out own picnic (which is encouraged) Drinks were available, but we had taken our own... but a picnic sounds a great idea to me.
Highly recommended, but this trip would definitely need help from a sighted person.
2 hours later at home Marie and I were still ‘chillaxed’ and sat in our garden planning our next visit.
Note. Guided tours are also available and I think that for many people they would prefer this option as you would learn so much more about the history of Wentworth Woodhouse.
Warning: Don’t get mixed up this and ‘the other place’ Wentworth Castle. This is a different building and gardens at Stainborough near Barnsley.
UPDATE to this story. Graham asked Wentworth Woodhouse about carers and they responded to say "We allow all carers free entry to our gardens and house for all events and visits. Please contact us (Wentowrth Woodhouse) on 01226 749639 for more information."
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