Lyveden New Bield, Northants
Since Luke has got his new camera, I’m suddenly under a lot more pressure to seek out walks that are especially picturesque. Now if we lived in an AONB or a national park that would be a breeze. Northampton is proving more of a challenge. Certainly far from impossible, but it definitely takes a bit of thought and research. So with this in mind I was thrilled to stumble across the intriguing Lyveden New Bield in our National Trust handbook. Lovely countryside to walk through and an architectural marvel to photograph (and we could use our NT membership to get in free!) so far so good!
And indeed this outing did tick all of our boxes. We parked up and decided to head out on a walk first. Like the mavericks that we are, we ditched our walking boots in favour of wellies and were ultimately very thankful that we did. (Bloody weather!)
We decided to follow the Lyveden Way to the village of Wadenhoe and back. This circular route is very well signposted (as any walker knows-not something to be taken for granted), rendering our trusty OS map almost unnecessary. It’s a great walk, mostly through grazing land and woodland, and although a little (sometimes very) boggy, it was still very pleasant. The village of Wadenhoe is pretty, with a great pub (although we settled for homemade sandwiches by the river) and a picturesque church.
St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Wadenhoe
The River Nene, Wadenhoe
We headed back to Lyveden and took the opportunity to have a look around the fantastic remnants of the garden and its’ extraordinary unfinished lodge, started by Sir Thomas Tresham and abandoned on his death in 1605. I’ll finish the history lesson here, if you want to know more I’ll put up a link to the NT site. Instead, I’ll just give you some lovely photos to look at.
Exploring inside the lodge
External view showing the unfinished building in all its’ glory
Head on view with The Cottage Tearoom in the background
This is my favourite National Trust property (so far!), I just love the story behind it and how quirky it is.
Do you know any other characterful places I should visit?
Ah we love Lyveden and have been a couple of times. Sounds like a nice walk in the surrounding areas too. #mondayescapes
We had a lovely walk, it’s such a great place-really need to get back there soon!
Wow! Your new camera takes great photos! I also love that the new camera allowed you discover a great spot close to home!
This looks like such a special place. I love the quirky bit of history behind too. We have our fair share of unfinished or ruined buildings here in Ireland, and I love exploring them, as do the kids, thankfully!
#OutdoorBloggers
This is a National Trust property I’ve missed as it’s always seemed a bit too far for a day jaunt from Derby, and too close for a weekend away! It certainly looks intriguing though.