In which I finally get my excellent haddock fish and chips, and scone with clotted cream and jam! Ticks for essential items on a UK visit đŸ™‚
On arrival we all headed out to a local garden centre for lunch amidst nursery plants – quite a busy spot! Neil headed off for home and first cousin once removed Sandy, wife Frances and I headed for a walk to Dundonald Castle, with lovely views of the area and an interesting old castle.
Dundonald Castle
Arran in the distance
Dundonald
Next day we headed over to Dumfries House, a mansion previously inhabited by nobility but abandoned until saved, literally from the auction block, by King Charles. It is in an area designated as extremely impoverished area – the grounds and house were restored and several crafts workshops were created which the local kids and young folk were able to use to learn trades and get jobs. Lovely cafe there, where I got a scone with clotted cream and jam, another tick off the list. Part of the sitting area is in the stables, with individual rooms, quite cute.
Dumfries House
Copper beeches
Viburnum flowers
Candelabra primulas down by the pond
Sandy and I caught by the greenhouse
sinks by the greenhouse – wouldn’t mind a few of these!
summerhouse – much of the structural furniture is made on site
The education garden at Dumfries House
primulas and bistort
antler statues
clematis in walled garden
Arboretum – the grounds are huge!!!!
Back to touring gardens!
There was a quick search for specific treats to take home to Canada (unsuccessful) then down for fish and chips by the seaside from the fish market, watching the ferry come in from Arran. Another tick, haddock and chips – delicious. The ferry is “temporarily” relocated to Troon as the ferry on loan can’t berth at Ardrossan – sounds very familiar, same stories of ferries being cancelled due to lack of staff, breaking down etc.
On the move again tomorrow.