Lake Vyrnwy

Lake Vyrnwy

Now that we are out of lockdown I have been slowly ticking off my UK destination bucket list. One of these destinations that I have heard a lot about but have never seen in person is Lake Vyrnwy. The lake is a reservoir in Powys and has become an important nature reserve for habitats and wildlife, with the total walk around the lake equalling 12 miles.

We arrived on a sunny Saturday and decided to walk around the lake to get views of both the dam and the gothic tower stretching out into the middle of the lake.

Farmer's Welsh Lavender

Farmer's Welsh Lavender

Back at the end of August I visited Farmer's Welsh Lavender in Builth Wells with some friends. I had been recommended the spot by a former colleague who had visited and it looked like an idyllic place to go for a day trip, relax and even have a wild swim in the lake.

The farm was a good trip away from where we were in Shropshire and I must admit some of the roads to get to the farm advance warning are quite steep and bendy. However do not let this put you off visiting!

The farm is open year round for visitors however the best time for the lavender is midsummer, when we arrived at the end of August the farm was clearly coming towards the end of its lavender season. However there was still some lavender and a lot of lovely flowers and wild flowers planted around the lake.

Wollerton Old Hall Garden

Wollerton Old Hall Garden 

On a sunny Sunday last weekend I had the fortune of getting to visit Wollerton Old Hall Garden based in Market Drayton in Shropshire. I hadn't heard of the gardens before and like many of us I am sure I have been searching around my local area for new ideas for day trips or days out. 

We were fortunate to be able to visit at such short notice as the gardens are private but open to the public on select days throughout the year, see their website for more information on this. The gardens are set around a 16th Century hall and feature a variety of plant combinations including David Austin Roses.