The humans were looking for somewhere to get a cup of tea while driving through Tiverton when they say signs to Knightshayes. We found a rather lovely place.

To stretch the legs we all went for a wander around the walled garden. The banana plants looked very much at home in the sunshine.

There were also lots of beautiful white Japanese anemones

Red hot pokers were in flower too.

Next we found the house, which reminded me a little of Tyntesfield. Knightshayes was built in the gothic revival style of architecture similar to Tyntesfield in the 1870s. It belonged to the Heathcote – Amory family and built to face their lace making factory which is down in valley. It was given to the National Trust in 1972.

Instead of walking down all the steps I decided to rolypoly down the grass bank. I enjoy a bit of rolypolying. I think I may have just invented a new word!

I had a good look at the gorgeous pink water lilies.

While sat at the edge of the haha I watched the sheep. Way in the distance not visible in the photo is the lace making factory, which apparently is today used to make parachutes.

There had been an outdoor cinema event at Knightshayes the previous day, and a competition to win a holiday.

I climbed up into the giant chair for my humans to take a photo of me to enter in the competition.

Here is my competition entry photo. The winner will be chosen at random so will just be luck whoever wins. It would be a fantastic adventure if I do win a trip to the Caribean!

There were quite a few dragonflies hovering around the pond in the gardens, but catching them on a mobile phone camera is near impossible so here is a photo of me instead!

The cafe used to be stables and also built in gothic revival style.

Coffee and walnut cake. Yum yum yum….

Do visit Knightshayes if you are in the area. I found the inside of the house to be rather gloomy but the outside and the gardens are all lovely and very peaceful.

For more information see: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes?awc=3795_1694104815_d21721d382ad9041a037588e13d236d6&campid=Affiliates_Central_Mem_AWIN_Standard&aff=85386

Horace the Alresford Bear 7/9/2023