Darling buds of Dartington....

I must admit this time of year cheers my soul immensely...

Spring has started to blossom...And we've had four whole days of blue sky even if a bit chilly.

We had a wonderful drive to Dartington estate, Devon...Its about 5 mins drive from Totnes town.

(country estate that is the headquarters of the Dartington Hall Trust, a charity specialising in the arts, social justice and sustainability. The estate dates from medieval times.) 

It was grey and drizzly that Saturday afternoon and we almost headed home after our jolly little shopping trip to Totnes. But we fancied a walk despite the weather...So we parked up and headed towards the Dartington Hall. To our delight the tree's had come into blossom and the skies were brightened by the candy floss effect of the blossoms hanging from the trees. So very pretty all the pinks and whites of cherry blossom trees.  Like confetti in a slight breeze. Towards the gardens were lots of hellebores, grape hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and early shoots of bluebells just starting to peep through...Lots of woodland walks, nature trail and meadow land leading to deer park...including medieval great hall, lots of estate building and an arts campus...also cafes/restaurant, cinema in the old barn and lovely visitors shop with cards and books and small gallery space....We had hot Cornish pasties from Totnes and brownies!...But we had our picnic in the car as the weather was not ideal to sit on the benches. I had not been on the nature trail woodland walk before...But it was really worth doing the longer walk as we passed willow branch sculptures of deers and stag including metal cut out shaped ones too...They looked almost real from a distance in the deep woods towards the river. We also were luckily to spot the steam train passing on the other side of the river Dart. 

bunches of flowers in Totnes...Totnes is a market town and civil parish at the head of the estuary of the River Dart in Devon, England within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

And the bonus of this beautiful place its free (but with a donations box for visitors to give what they can)...small charge for car park. Wonderful place for families to explore.

....I have had such a busy week...But at some stage (a.s.a.p) I will be adding new illustration prints to my etsy shop (link in right sidebar)... Inspired by Spring days 'The Bumble Bee ~Moth Fairy.

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