Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th February

A last minute one-nighter to celebrate my birthday.

Wednesday 9th February

A return visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield. https://ysp.org.uk. An enormous parkland sprinkled with modern sculptures.

Husband found a rather random, but very successful, pub/restaurant for our overnight stay. The Rakes in Littlesborough, Lancashire http://theraketapas.co.uk. It’s a pub and tapas bar/restaurant with quirky rooms above. We came down for dinner to find the restaurant jam-packed and very jolly.

Thursday 10th February

I have watched the creation of the new RHS Bridgewater garden via a documentary television series, in the RHS magazine and on the web. It has been created from the space once occupied by Worsley New Hall, in Salford.

The design includes a ‘Community Grow’ garden and, probably my favourite area, a Chinese Streamside Garden. The garden had its grand opening in May 2021 – delayed for many months by COVID-19 – and I wanted to visit near the beginning of its life so returning in future years will chart its progress. I would heartily recommend a visit (currently need to book in advance). https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater

The garden’s creation has attracted many local people to volunteer. Kitted out in their purple tops – everyone smiley – they are spread across the garden helping you get the very best from your visit. Until next time.