The entrance to Stowe is very grand. The National Trust flag was flapping away on top of the arch.
The sign pointing to the gardens was a very good use of an old garden fork.
The humans wanted a good walk for some exercise (they do like exercise!) so decided to walk around the outside of the estate first of all. We walked through a field of cows, and my human commented about how lovely it was to see the calves with their mothers.
Further along I noticed a tall thin monument and climbed up on the fence for a better view. It was Lord Cobham’s Pillar.
Further along we arrived at a building that was called ‘Fane of Pastoral Poetry’. My human explained that the building was a folly, which is an ornamental building with no practical purpose. At this point we stopped walking around the outside and went into the estate.
This is the Dancing Fawn in the middle of the circle. 
Further along we arrived at The Temple of Concord and Victory. I wondered what the people that used to live here did there. 
After walking a further 270 metres (I know this because the National Trust map lists the distances between the follies), we arrived at The Queens Temple. It took me a fair while to climb up the steps as my little legs were starting to get very tired.
My human decided to carry me for a while until we reached The Saxon Deities where she sat me down with ‘Sunday’ for a rest.
I rather liked The Gothic Temple, which was surrounded by sheep.
I went closer to get a better look; there was a wedding taking place inside. A splendid place to get married!
My human picked me up again and tucked me under her arm as I was starting to walk very slowly. The estate really is very big and a few hours are needed to see everything. Here I am having a rest while looking at the view from The Palladian Bridge. I am quite difficult to spot as the bridge is quite big and I am small!
Selfie of me on the Palladium Bridge.
I rather liked the Palladium Bridge, so here is another selfie!
The Chinese house gets wrapped up in the winter to protect it from the weather. w
I had a look inside and nearly got stuck..
My human took a photo of me from the opposite side. The paintings inside all looked very old and faded.
There was some maintenance work going on at The Temple of Friendship. I tried out the lift as I don’t weigh more than 200kg.
The water lilies and swans on the Octagon Lake made me feel very tranquil. Stowe House is now a school for the children of rich people.
In the woods we found a swing big enough for at least four bears; it was such a shame that some of my relatives weren’t with me.
I also enjoyed a game of skittles.
As we continued our wanders we passed many follies and statues, this one is the Temple of British Worthies.
After crossing the lake to get a bit closer I paused for a selfie with Shakespeare.
My human’s legs were tired too so at this point it was decided it was time to visit the tea rooms. Yum yum yum…..
Stowe Landscape gardens are well worth a visit but do allow plenty of time as there is lots to see with lots of walking involved (though humans can hire a buggy to drive around if they want to!)
For more information https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe
On the way we stopped to look at a very old windmill, Le Mouline de Moidrey. The sails were open and turning in the wind when we arrived, but by the time I had climbed out of the pannier they had been folded up. The miller was having a break to eat his lunch.
After locking up the bicycles I spotted a rather large deckchair and wondered whether any giants frequented the area. 
Many coaches full of humans were arriving; and a horse and carriage was transporting some to the island.
We had no idea that it was a special day but were quite delighted to find that it was Daffodil Day. There was an exhibition displaying the many different varieties.
Daffodils were strung up in a garland outside the old packing shed.
Years ago sheds like this were used to pack up flowers and fruit to be taken to markets to be sold.
There were lots of old fruit trees in the Old Orchard.
The trees in the Mother Orchard were younger (planted only ten years ago) and had little pots around the bottoms of them for small bears to sit in. It started snowing while I was having my little rest; hence the white specks on the photograph.
Amongst the apple trees that was a huge hand as though there might be a giant underneath the ground. I think a manicure was needed as one the nails was broken.
At the edge of the field a large building housed a cider press. I like cider but as I am only quite small I only have a few sips to taste it now and then.
I was pleased to find a glasshouse as although snow can be fun it also makes fur wet and cold. Glasshouses are usually warm.
There were lots of seedlings growing in pots. Some of the pots were empty; the gardener told us that a mouse had been nibbling them.
The snow continued to fall as we walked on around the gardens. 
The Prospect Tower was closed for maintenance. Maybe we will see it next time we visit.
The beautiful blooms of the camellia didn’t seem to be troubled by the snow that was still falling.
Here I am with the Cotehele House behind me. It is about 500 years old.
We went into the house and found arts and crafts for sale. I had a chat with one of the grey knitted bears. 
There was a splendid bear sized chair for sale too.
On our way to the rest of the house I walked through an archway lined with daffodils. 
Once inside again I warmed my fur for a while by the fireplace.
There was a little chapel just inside the door with a posh fence half way across. Apparently in the old days the rich people that lived in the house would sit one side and the other side was for the poor people who had to stand and came in through a different entrance.
I sat at the organ but decided not to play it as I thought ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ might not be appropriate.
After going up some stairs I arrived at a little hidey hole that had a tiny window. 
I peered through and could see the room downstairs. It was a spy hole!
My legs always get very tired climbing the steep stairs of stately homes.
Outside it was still snowing so I was glad to be indoors.
In the kitchen there was another fire keeping visitors and the National Trust volunteer guide warm.
I thought it was probably time these vegetables were made into a stew.
The sink was very interesting indeed.
Unfortunately I fell in. It was just as well that there was no water in the bottom.
The humans helped me out and pointed out to me that there was a little fireplace underneath which would have been lit to heat the water in the sink.
Next to the sink there was an enormous stone oven where many loaves of bread must have been baked.
Up above on the wall was a big shovel that reminded me of the ‘pizza peel’ that we have at home.
The kitchen had buckets (made of leather) which would have been jolly useful had there been a fire. 
I had a last look at the house before we set off to walk down the valley to the Quay.
On the way I sat for a while in a little thatched shelter and watched the snow falling.
A little stream ran down the valley. I think lots of the plants were still asleep for winter but there were a few primroses braving the cold.
At Cotehele Quay I was hoping to see a very old barge build in 1899 called the Shamrock. However, it has been put in a tent to protect it.
I persuaded one of the humans to lift me up and I had a quick peek through one of the holes in the tent. The Shamrock did indeed look very old. 
Further along the quay I was pleased to find a seaworthy boat. The Little Charley.
We walked on to see the waterwheel which was being driven round and round by the water dropping on top of it. This is still used to grind wheat into flour.
I wasn’t in luck for a freshly baked bun though as the baker wasn’t there. 
There was a very interesting little outdoor cupboard near the mill where many years ago people used to keep butter in order to keep it cool.
The thought of flour, butter and baking made me feel extremely hungry. The Edgecombe Tearoom is an excellent place for hungry bears. 
The water is a bit green looking and not very inviting for swimming.
I could hear music playing so peered over the wall. A busker was busy singing away but nobody seemed to be listening to him. I thought he sounded quite good.
I sat and watched for a while. There were lots of tourists walking around and taking photos. 
While following the arrows that guide visitors around I spotted another pool through the window.
Here is a model showing what the baths would have looked like in the 4th Century. 
In the museum there are some very old pieces of stone from the temple that used to be on the site in the 4th Century.
Here I am next to a ‘theatrical mask’ sculpture made of Bath stone. The sign said it was probably from a large tomb and that the person buried in it may have been connected to the theatre in some way.
I thought for a moment that there were real romans still wandering around then realised that it was films being projected onto the walls.
This cabinet is full of lots of things made of pewter. They were thrown into the spring in the 4th Century as offerings to the Goddess Sulis Minerva.
This is a roman drain. I didn’t look too closely as really did not want to fall in.
While I sat watching the hot water running into the pool I overheard some comments about me. Such as “Look how sweet”. I seem to have that effect on some people.
It was possible to see the reflection of the people up on the higher level in the water. No one swims in the water these days as it contains many minerals and isn’t considered safe. Humans can bathe at Bath Thermae Spa which is nearby (indeed I did go there later, but had to stay in the locker).
I had a brief conversation with a Roman craftsman (though I think he might have been an actor).
Sometimes I feel very small…
This is The Hot Sacred Spring that Romans used to throw offerings such as the pewter ornaments that are on display in the museum. 
I was able to walk over the ruins of the really old baths using a glass bridge, but I didn’t quite trust it so shuffled along very slowly.
Before leaving I returned to the pool side for a selfie. I wonder how many of my Alresford relations have been to The Roman Baths!
On the way to The Matthew I bumped into John Cabot.
He spends all his time now watching the ships in the harbour. 
On reaching The Matthew we found that it was ‘free to board’ which is excellent news for anyone interested in historic ships especially if they don’t have much money.
On the front of the ship there is a white dog that I think might be a greyhound. It looked rather like he might be holding onto a small surfboard.
Once on board I climbed up the steps to the front of the ship.
I promptly rang the ship’s bell, which momentarily caused lots of people to look at me.
I was about to come down the stairs when a volunteer lady who helps look after The Matthew told me I must turn around and come down backwards as I might fall going face first.
I took her advice and safely reached the bottom. I stopped for a little rest, sitting in the life ring in order not to get my bottom too soggy.
There is an excellent view of the old steam cranes from The Matthew.
Here I am inspecting the steering rod. It is incredible to think this little ship has travelled 2271 miles across the ocean.
There are many piles of rope everywhere. Ropes are very important in a sailing ship and are used to raise, lower and control the sails. I think I might just get all tangled up in them if I tried to use them.
I peered out of one of the little port holes, being careful not to get stuck. I could see some water below so quickly pulled my head back. Water is a big problem for me as I soak it up and cannot swim.
Before leaving I put a donation in the box. I like The Matthew and the money helps to maintain her. 
I am hoping the humans might take me on a cruise on The Matthew one day.
The herd of deer certainly aren’t bothered by cold weather; they were enjoying the winter sunshine.
After exploring the deer park I strolled down through the woods towards the big house.
There was no chance of getting lost as there was a very big sign post.
I didn’t see many birds but it might be that birds are afraid of bears. 
After my walk my legs were feeling a tad tired so I stopped for a rest and enjoyed the warmth of the winter sunshine on my fur.
In the formal gardens behind the big house a group of volunteers were busy working.
Being a very helpful bear I decided to assist the gardeners for a while. 
It wasn’t long before my wheelbarrow was full up.
The gardens still have some colour even in January. The dogwood was very colourful.
I would have liked to get a bit closer to the waterfall but there was a little fence along the lawn to remind people not to walk on it. Walking on grass that is wet can make it all muddy. 
A hazel bush that must be in a slighty sunnier place that the other hazel bushes had lots of wiggly catkins dangling from it.
I went into the stables but the horses weren’t at home. The bale of hay was rather prickly to sit on for very long.
In the shop I wondered about buying myself a hat. My human often wears a cap; this one was rather large though and not quite me.
The brimmed hat restricted my vision too much.
Locally produced honey is always good. 
I decided to buy the honey; much better for a bear than a hat.
After so much exploring it was time for lunch. The venison pasty was very good for bears. Yum yum yum.
National Trust properties always seem to have a 2nd hand book shop. At Dyrham they keep the thin books in the sink. I hope no one turns on the tap.
I found a very useful book to read while the humans browsed all the other books.
In the cold store there was some food that looked quite appetising until further inspection revealed that it was made of plastic.
The large bowls were all empty but when the house was lived in long ago they would have been used to keep things cool.
Before going on our winter tour of the house I put my honey in a locker to keep it safe, and to prevent me from accidently swinging it into an antique vase.
Inside the house there was work going on. Some beetles had been nibbling away at the floor in The Great Hall, so some boards had been taken up for repairs and restoration.
Another room was very odd. The walls were covered in 300 year old gilt leather. 
I had a closer look at the leather. Someone must have worked very hard decorating it, but I didn’t like it. 
After emerging from the house I was delighted to find snowdrops. I like snowdrops; they make me feel that spring is coming soon.
Here is a selfie of me in front of the house. 
When it was time to leave, there was a bit of a challenge for me. Cattle grids (or perhaps deer grids) are not very bear friendly.
Karen rescued me as the bus that takes visitors from the car park down to the house and back was approaching and needed to cross the grid. 
We didn’t get on the bus. My humans like to walk, but my little legs were tired after such a lot of exploring so I had a lift back up to the carpark in the bear carrier.
Dyrham Park is an interesting place for humans and bears to visit even in winter.