Stowe Gardens
We’ve been to Stowe before, so I won’t bore you with the details again. Last week I was eager to spend some time with Finn. Working 50 hours a week doesn’t leave a lot of free time so I wanted to make the most of my day off.
I decided to take advantage of our National Trust membership and head to one of our favourite local properties.
![The Pebble Alcove](http://thehelpfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/stowe-collage.jpg)
The motto of the Temple family of Stowe is ‘How lovely are thy temples’
![Stowe Gardens](http://thehelpfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_7048-01.jpeg)
This is the view I had for most of the day as I chased after a speedy Finn
![Stowe Gardens](http://thehelpfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_7051-01.jpeg)
Cheeky monkey kept me on my toes!
![The Chinese House, Stowe Gardens](http://thehelpfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_7056-01.jpeg)
The Chinese House is ornately decorated and very fragile. In fact, it is covered up every winter to protect it’s beautiful facade
![I thought it would be cool to try and get a photo of Finn on the bridge, like the one of me when I was pregnant. You can see what Finn thought of that idea...](http://thehelpfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/palladianbridge-collage.jpg?w=750)
I thought it would be cool to try and get a photo of Finn on the bridge, like the one of me when I was pregnant. You can see what Finn thought of that idea…
As well as some mother-son bonding, it gave me an opportunity to practise my photography skills. I like to think I’m getting better!
Have you enjoyed any great family days out recently?
I live reasonably close to Stowe (south Oxfordshire) but have never visited. Every time I see someone’s photos I remember I still need to make the trip!
I know, I have so many places like that near me! You really should visit Stowe, such a lovely place.
It looks like a gorgeous place and your photos are fab. I am spending as much time with my kids as I can at the moment as from September all 3 will be at school and I’ll be looking for a new job so this time is precious. Sarah #WhatevertheWeather
You’re so right, I am fiercely protective of my free time these days. It helps having lovely days like this!
Ah we love Stowe gardens too, so much to explore as I don’t even think I’ve gotten to all of the places you have shown here! Gorgeous shots xx #whatevertheweather
I know, it’s such a lovely spot and I always manage to find something new every time we go.
I love how clear and crisp yout photos! The place looks stunning and perfect place to explore! #whatevertheweather
Ah thanks, that’s nice of you! It really is a lovely place 🙂
It’s a really lovely place to explore, one of my favourites!
Your photos are gorgeous! I especially love that you tried to get another photo with Finn on the bridge, but he wasn’t having any of it! Definitely a worth while place to visit! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather x
Oh wow your pictures are great. It looks a lovely place to visit. Chinese House looks so pretty #whatevertheweather
It really is a fab place, so many different bits to explore 🙂
Fabulous! My favourite shot is ‘runaway’ Finn beneath those wonderful colonades. 🙂