Meg.
This cute little arboretum was a last minute visit for a friend and I. When we arrived it was fairly quiet, bar the huge queue at the tearoom. We had booked online (which is cheaper) but unfortunately when we arrived the entrance lodge had a sign saying to go to the tea room for entry. We had somehow managed to time our arrival at the same time as a bunch of hungry cyclists, so by the time we made it to the till to get our wristbands we were 25 minutes passed our entry time (this was not a problem).
For us, the highlight of visiting the Arboretum and Gardens was the Italian Garden, which had a couple of pretty water features and at this time of the morning we had it to ourselves - it was very peaceful. When we returned a mere half hour later, it was quite the opposite - very busy with families playing in and around the water.
We spent no more than about 45 minutes wandering before we'd exhausted the grounds, so decided to go and try out the tearoom. As this was a last minute plan, I had not had time to 'coeliac dance' the tearoom before arrival, so we did all of this in person. I was pleased to find that I was able to have a gluten free scone and my vegan friend was able to have a vegan scone, both clear of cross contamination.
As for other items I am not so confident - I was told I could have bread but not toast, and although there were some gluten free cakes and each cake had its own stand and potentially knife, I don't think I observed hand washing between handling each one. I do feel that had they had warning of my arrival, they would have been more prepared.
Overall this was a nice and reasonably priced day out.
Going at the end of June meant that we were far too early for Autumn, and a bit late for Spring - I can't help but wonder if we'd get a totally different experience during these seasons?
Flossie.
I was not invited on this adventure, but well behaved dogs on leads are welcome!
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