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Saturday 21 May 2011

The Grot at Rydal


We spent a day exploring around Rydal Water, one of the Lake District's smallest lakes, and Rydal Hall, a historic house that originally belonged to the le Fleming family.  It is now a Christian conference centre and retreat house, run by the Diocese of Carlisle.  It has lovely, formal gardens laid out in 1909 by Thomas Mawson and now restored.  They incorporate a series of natural waterfalls crashing down a ravine.  The little building, called The Grot (grotto) was built around 1669 as a 'window' from which to view the lower Rydal Beck falls.  Nearby is a teashop in the Old School Room, which I can testify had excellent cake!

Rydal Hall is not to be confused with the nearby Rydal Mount, home of the poet William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850.
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16 comments:

  1. Desiree21 May 2011 at 07:19

    What a fabulous post, Jenny! Three for the price of one! With so much breathtaking beauty it's little wonder England has produced so many highly acclaimed poets. Even I, who do not possess a single rhyme in me, feel inspired to break into poetic rapture upon seeing these gorgeous sights. As someone mentioned in a previous post of yours, the English certainly know how to 'do gardens' better than anyone else!

    And that little grotto and I could become firm friends...what a wonderful place to escape to :)

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  2. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands"21 May 2011 at 07:29

    Irrelevant fact: When Rydal MOUNT was built Wordsworth disliked it intensely as it spoiled the view. He later bought it, presumably on the grounds that he could no longer see it from its own windows!

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  3. Martin21 May 2011 at 10:12

    I'm just catching up, after being 'out of sorts'. What a treat, to see the photographs in your recent posts.

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  4. cieldequimper21 May 2011 at 10:23

    Oh to while away a lazy afternoon listening to the water. Isn't that just bliss?

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  5. diane b21 May 2011 at 13:46

    What a tranquil scene. The very old Grot looks like it grew from the ground. Just lovely!

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  6. Birdman21 May 2011 at 13:58

    What a locale for a camera.

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  7. Living In Williamsburg Virginia21 May 2011 at 15:34

    This is a fantastic shot and beautiful spot.

    Darryl and Ruth : )

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  8. DawnTreader21 May 2011 at 15:43

    Looks like a lovely spot to just sit and listen to the running water.

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  9. Cranberry Morning21 May 2011 at 16:36

    What a beautiful place to spend a morning or afternoon. Good place to meditate on God's creation and mercy.

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  10. Jack21 May 2011 at 17:22

    It is a wonderful, peaceful place and your photo does it justice. Nice.

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  11. Malyss21 May 2011 at 17:56

    This part of your counrty seems to offer many wonderful places to visit.Hum, I'm attracted by the teashop! :o)

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  12. RedPat21 May 2011 at 18:37

    Fabulous shot! Love the little grot.

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  13. Lili22 May 2011 at 02:08

    A fabulous view with tea and cake? I am so there! Love the stone on the little grot. ~Lili

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  14. Randy22 May 2011 at 02:47

    What a beautiful looking spot!

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  15. Unknown22 May 2011 at 13:42

    I was wondering how old this small house would be the minute I looked at the photo. Absolutely wonderful spot!

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  16. Book23 May 2011 at 10:12

    What a fabulous foto...

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