This is a continuation of previous posts, on our long weekend away in the Peak District.
A beautiful, sunny day taking in the sights on the road from Baslow back to London. In summary: a short walk in Baslow Edge, Kedleston Hall followed by Melbourne Hall and Garden.
Baslow Edge
If you are in the vicinity of Baslow, then Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge are recommended sites for walks with fine views across the Derwent Valley. As the names suggest, you are walking along an edge, in this case a gritstone edge/ cliff face formed from millstone grit predominantly found in the Peak District National Park.
Many people come here also to see the adorable Highland cows. They looked friendly enough for anyone to approach for a stroke of their hairy fur, but generally I think it’s best to leave nature alone. You can always get a soft toy (try Jellycat) instead.
Highland cows at Baslow Edge
Views across Derwent Valley
Kedleston Hall (National Trust)
Upon entering Kedleston Hall, you are informed that this was and still is a show house. Designed to impress visitors, then and now, the rooms are sumptuous and opulent. I suppose the modern domestic equivalent would be a kitchenful of Le Creuset pots and Royal Doulton fine china that are never used. Pretty to look at, but ultimately pointless to have and to hold on to.
The entrance to Kedleston Hall
The dining room
Details on the sofas by John Linnell in the Drawing Room
Only the finest Waterford Crystal chandelier to grace an ornate ceiling
Rear view of the house
Melbourne Hall (Historic Houses)
We were somewhat fortunate to have visited Melbourne Hall in Melbourne, Derbyshire. This is the home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lothian, and only open to visitors in August (PM only). Melbourne Hall was once the home of William Lamb, Prime Minister from 1835 – 1841 during the reigns of King William IV and Queen Victoria. As 2nd Viscount Melbourne, he gave his name to the city of Melbourne in Australia.
The house contains all sorts of interesting family furniture, books and photos, and the landscaped garden is flat enough for a gentle walk. However there are strict restrictions: no photography in the house (ground floor only open) and no picnics/ food + drink in the garden.
Entrance to the garden (top) and rear view of Melbourne Hall (bottom)
Overall a peaceful day. The traffic back to London was not troublesome, but as usual for these types of trips I was asleep most of the way home. Only 6,664 steps taken today.
PS:
Many of the historic houses we visited in the area have been used as film locations. We found a useful guide called National Trust On Screen, by Harvey Edgington and Lauren Taylor, published by National Trust Books, ISBN 978-0008688288.