Stowe Landscape Gardens

As a plantaholic I am often disappointed when visiting large landscaped gardens, offering no colour other than green.  Stowe is no different and yet has plenty of interest thanks to the beautiful buildings, lakes and follies on every turn. On a day when temperatures rose once more to 30degrees, there was also plenty of shade on the pathways through the wooded areas.

A little of Stowe's History

The gardens at Stowe were created by Lord Cobham , an 18th century aristocrat and politician. It is claimed that he was richer than the King, and created the gardens to demonstrate his wealth.

The approach down the long drive to the Archway and the entrance to Stowe. A hazy day with featureless sky at this point.

We enjoyed our picnic lunch on a bench under the shade of this building called West Lake Pavillion

The view from our lunch stop. Our walk would follow the left hand side of the lake,  then across the front of the main house, now a school.

Looking back to our lunch stop as we walk around the lakeside

The path unexpectedly crosses a golf course. Four!!! Or is five oversize golf balls mark the green

The Rotunda in the middle of the golf course!

Stow House, and these days a school.A corporate event here today, and some dodgems and games were being set out on the lawns

The master surveying his estate, from the Temple of Concord and Victory

This beautiful fence full of character, offering the first glimpse of the Gothic Temple

The Temple of Ancient Virtue, and another choice of routes

Fabulous reflections of The Temple of British Worthies

Definitely a day for sunhats

Grazing sheep in the field surrounding The Gothic Temple

Some visitors enjoying a shady seat, thinking they were out of view of photographers!