Kedleston Hall, National Trust, Derbyshire

The Curzon family have owned Kedleston since at least 1297 and have lived in a succession of manor houses near to or on the site of the present Kedleston Hall.  The house was designed in 1759 by the Palladian architects James Paine and Matthew Brettingham but Curzon was so impressed with Adam's designs for his gardens that Adam was quickly put in charge of the construction of the new mansion. The ornate Reception Hall, Dining room etc on the first floor are all for show, with the family living near the kitchens where the present restaurant is.

Dovedale Before the Crowds

On Sunday, I visited Dovedale in the South Peak District early in the morning in bright sunshine. Beautiful light with golds and blues predominating. By 11am,  the car park was full and I left the crowds to fight out position on the stepping stones.

Birds Abound at Barton Marina, Burton Upon Trent

There were plenty of signs of Spring at the Lakes including my first Black Cap of the year. Not sure what the Magpie has found. Two solitary bees were just about the only insects other than Honey Bees.

Sudbury Hall National Trust

On Friday I visited Sudbury Hall. The house was built between 1660 and 1680 by George Vernon and now houses the Museum of Childhood. I was delighted to see Bako on display - my favourite toy -looking very modern other than the children on the box.

Trent and Mersey Canal, Barton under Needwood

The Trent and Mersey Canal runs alongside the Burton A38N Travelodge (the oldest Tevelodge!) that I am staying at till Tuesday morning so I had a long walk enjoying views of boats and their passage through the lock.

Insect Mimics; Hoverfly and Bumble Bee

There were a few more insects around at Attenborough Reserve on Thursday - mostly Midges but great to see Eristalis intricaria hoverfly and and Bumble Bee that it mimics on the same plant.