The Courts, Holt

A few weekends ago the National Trust offered vouchers to gain entry into their massive portfolio of 'special places' for free. If you've ever been to a property or landscape under the care of the trust you'll know that they are places that are special.

We decided to stay local and opted to visit the gardens at the Courts in Holt, Wiltshire. It's a place that we've been to many times previously - and, in fact, one of the staff there recognised us! (Which was quite nice and made me feel we'd made the perfect choice).

 The house that the gardens surround is privately tenanted, so there's no access. But the gardens are well worth a visit regardless. The Courts, as their interpretation board tells us was built in the early 1700s as a place that the weavers of the time brought their disputes for  arbitration.

Small features such as this alpine tub really make the garden feel special and provide areas of excitement and interest.

Lucy in the distance being patient as I dither around taking photos!

Here's what I believe to be the dye pool for wool. In another area there are standing stone pillars which cloth used to be hung upon to dry. A reminder that The Courts was built next to a watermill, which was unfortunately demolished in 1888.

Here is a view of one of the paths leading through the small arboretum at the far end of the garden. This was added in 1952 by Moyra Goff, the daughter of Major Goff - the man that gave the property and land to the National Trust in 1943.

"Please let the bees be!"

 Again, another feature. Although this time an important reminder that there are times when we need to leave wildlife to do its thing!

A bit of a hidey-hole to sit, observe and be in the lovely company of Lucy.

I really enjoy time at The Courts and would advise anyone that's passing to pop in and spend an hour or so there. It was very busy during this visit - perhaps because of the vouchers - and it was lovely watching and listening to the families and children as they played and interacted with each other and the garden. We saw one girl stop, drop, and roll - reminding us of the real reason for a garden - to play.

An attempt at art!

Thank you to the National Trust for a lovely afternoon out (and Lucy for driving), which allowed us to 'catch up' with a garden we hadn't been to since mid-2012.