England Adventure Day 1

I am almost too tired to write a coherent post, but I will try. Thirteen hours on a plane, jet lag, nervous driving down perilous country roads, screaming as cars zoomed past much too close, etc. That's how the morning went.

But now let's move on to the good stuff. We stopped for lunch at a pub in a little town called Disley, which is significant because it is home to Lyme Park, which is home to the Pond Scene from the A&E version of Pride & Prejudice—you know, where Colin Firth comes out of the pond dripping wet, much to the dismay of Elizabeth Bennet. Lyme Park is THAT house. Pemberley—the outdoor shots of it, at least.

            
After eating some piping hot fish and chips, we walked about 3 miles to Lyme Park (we didn’t know it would be that far). The house itself was beautiful, but a little dark and ornate inside for my tastes. The gardens and estate are where it really shines. I’ll let those speak for themselves.

Royal Mail delivery bikes in Disley

It's already spring in northern England

This is called the Cage. It was used as a jail back in the day.

I love the giant skeletal trees among the green grass.

Charming mossy fountain.

Lyme Park

          

Hills of Derbyshire

This is where we did not eat lunch. 

In another month, these gardens will be stunning, I am sure. 

Side view of Lyme Park

Entrance to Lyme Park

Inside the courtyard, an entrance to the house itself. I believe Colin Firth bounded down these very steps.

Isn't this a charming setting for a tea party?

            
Tomorrow we’ll be visiting another grand house and hiking around the peak district. The countryside in the north is hilly, green, sheep-dotted, and deliciously cool. I am a reluctant driver, but when a tour guide at Lyme Park learned that we had driven into Macclesfield, where our hotel is, she was shocked. She wouldn’t even drive these roads willingly, she said. So if the locals are afraid of it, then I should win a medal for doing it.

            


The jet lag is making my head fuzzy. I’ll sign off for now. Until tomorrow! (As long as we can find a place with internet.)