Chelmsford & District National Trust Supporter Group

Report by Keith Otter

Forty of us set out from Chelmsford to Liverpool for the annual Group holiday. On the way we stopped at Tatton Park to spend some time looking round the grounds.

Pat and I walked through the Walled Kitchen Garden to Charlotte’s Garden. There is a magnificent dahlia display in the border on the right as you enter. My eye was also caught by the striking white-painted metal gazebo that forms the centrepiece. It has roses growing up the outside, although these haven’t yet grown very far.

From there we made our way to what I assume was originally an orangery, which housed some very attractive plants. Adjoining that is a long glasshouse containing some tall tropical plants. Pat commented that no slugs had got in to attack the hostas.

We then went to the opposite corner of Charlotte’s Garden to get to the Topiary and the Rose Garden. Unfortunately it was too late in the year for the roses to be at their best, but we did get an impression of how it must look at the height of summer.

We then walked along the Broad Walk and past the lakes to the monument at the end. The picture shows a Japanese-style building and bridge at one of the lakes.

When we reached the monument it was time to walk back to the coach to complete our journey to Liverpool.