Penrhyn Castle

For the first time in over twelve months William and I left on Friday evening for Bodelwyddan in north Wales to stay with Brenda and Arthur for the weekend.  The sun shone all weekend and on Saturday Brenda had lined up a visit to Penrhyn Castle for us.

Never having been to Penrhyn Castle before a treat was in store for us.  Not actually a castle, rather a very grand des res built around 1820 in the style of a Norman castle.  

Very grand and very big,  I couldn’t get a good picture of the whole building in one shot.  I think the dining room gives a good impression of the grandeur involved.  I can’t help when I visit these grand palatial homes but to compare it in my mind with the poverty that the many endured while the few lived like this.  Such is life I suppose.  Harder for some than others.

Anyway, tour of the castle’s interior over it was time for lunch.  A picnic lunch which we enjoyed in the grounds of the castle.  Views of Puffin Island and Anglesey in the distance.

The visit continued with a tour of the gardens.

After the picnic Arthur hadn’t want to take the cool bag back to the car, instead he chose to cart it around with him! 

This is the bog garden.  I’d never been in a bog garden before and didn’t know what to expect.  The vegetation was gigantic and I definitely didn’t expect that. 

It reminded me of the Swiss Family Robinson story I’d read many years ago. I think I’d like to read that book again. Must look in the Kindle Store when I’ve finished this. Or then again maybe not.

Sunday was spent in Llandudno.  We had a lovely stroll along the promenade and through the town then back to the car.

On the way back to Bodelwyddan we called in at Rhos on Sea for another walk and the obligatory ice cream.  I have decided I really like Rhos on Sea.  Big improvements to the beach et cetera have been made since last I visited this little resort.  Improvements that have totally transformed the whole feel of the place for me.  I don’t think word has gotten out yet because on such a lovely day the beach was far from crowded as you can see above.  The only blot on the landscape, or should I say seascape, being the ugly wind turbines out on the horizon.  Almost unnoticeable in this photo, believe me they are definitely visible in reality.

And so the visit came to an end.  A happy, fun, sun and stroll filled visit.  I hope it’s not another twelve months before our next visit.