This was my first visit to National Trust-managed Greys Court, a Tudor-style house and gardens that make up a working farm near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. I visited during lockdown, and a one-way system was in place to visit the gardens. There is also a short trail bordering alongside fields with sheep and Hereford and Belted Galaway cattle. The gardens consist of old rose bushes and wisteria. A fortified tower, dating from the mid-1300s, is also located in the grounds as well as castle remains. The house can usually be visited for tours but is currently shut due to coronavirus.
The walk started at a little row of cottages, but due to coronavirus, a lot of flowerbeds throughout the gardens had not been planted and were not looking great.
Some perennial flowers had come up, and they were in bloom, and there were nice views of the tower from the gardens.
One of the unique features are the very old wisteria vines growing, supported by wooden frames. I bet these look beautiful in May. They were just huge and twisted branches during my visit.
The house at Greys Court was occupied by writer Ian Flemings' mother. It was donated to the National Trust in 1969. It has also been used as a filming location for "Downton Abbey", "Agatha Christie's Poirot" and "Midsomer Murders". I am looking forward to touring the house at some point and hope that the properties can open again soon.
After walking the gardens, I had a walk on a short trail between pastures. Sheep were in one, and cattle were in another.
A Chinese Bridge is also located on this trail. I also saw a couple of red kites (bird of prey) flying overhead here. I've seen one on about half of my visits to National Trust places this summer so far.
After the visit to the property, I made my first restaurant visit since enjoying working lunches in London in March. I visited my local Toby Carvery in Denham. Of course, the atmosphere was so different with changes in place due to the coronavirus, and the restaurant was very quiet. I have missed going out to restaurants.
I hope that things can get back to normal soon.
Leave a comment