Sunday 30 January 2011

The Welbeck Estate

On Saturday, I felt like I needed to be outdoors, but a long walk didn't appeal as I still didn't feel 100% well. I decided that we would investigate the Welbeck Estate in North Notts - somewhere I have read snippets about, but not been to. Not strictly true actually, as I remember being dragged to a Game Fair by a boyfriend when I was about 19 years old, and not really into Hunting, Shooting and Fishing!

The Estate is still very much in private hands and a lot of it is out of bounds and unfortunately you don't get a look at the magnificent Abbey.
You can however visit the cafe, farm shop, craft centre, visitor centre and garden centre.


I don't know if you are supposed to, but we also wandered down to have a look at the gorgeous little village and huge stable block. I felt as if I were in a time warp - a perfect haven in today's modern world.





A lot of the buildings are empty - apparently the Army had a school here up until 2005. The Estate is now trying to let some of the buildings as offices.







There is also a fabulous School of Artisan Food that looks as of it has great day courses (sadly all the ones I like the look of are booked up, but I will keep my eyes peeled!).


Another place practically on my doorstep that I have only just discovered.

17 comments:

Rowan said...

I don't think I've even heard of the Welbeck Estate, it does look rather nice and worth visiting if they have both a craft and a garden centre. I'll keep it in mind. The list of 'places I must visit' is now so long that I may not live long enough to get to them all:)

Rosie said...

Ah, know it well! We often used to take my parents to the garden centre cafe for lunch when we visited them nearby. It has changed quite a bit since then and I love the Harley Gallery and the farm shop. I watched Macbeth on BBC4 recently - it was filmed at the Abbey - the bits of architecture I saw look wonderful - I wonder what they will do with it all if the army no longer have their training school there?

diane b said...

Lovely old buildings. It is amazing what you can find close to home when you start looking. Thats a good thing about blogging makes you go and look for something new.

cottage garden farmer said...

Yet another place to add to my list of holiday visits, not surprised to hear that it's used as a film set, it must be hard to keep places like this up and running

cieldequimper said...

Thank goodness for all the places we still have to discover on our doorsteps! This is so lovely.

Laura said...

Hi Diane
Where in North Nottinghamshire is this? I used to live in Notts, but haven't heard of this house. There are so many lovely places and villages, especially around the Vale of Belvoir. I love that you keep featuring my stomping ground. I get so homesick, so it cheers me up to see 'home' with my cup of tea in the morning! Thank you. Lx

jennyfreckles said...

My father was brought up in Norton, nearby and my parents married in Cuckney church. My grandfather worked as a water engineer for the Welbeck Estate for most of his life. It's an area very dear to me - lovely to see it on your blog.

Diane said...

You really do manage to find some beautiful old buildings. The School of Artisan Food sounds like it could be very interesting. Diane

Debs said...

Guess where I was today Diane. Welbeck Estate doing a craft course. Its a great place isn't it. Did you go in the gallery and see the amazing work of Nora Fok - knitting with nylon wire looks like hard work. It was beautiful. Cream tea in The Limes is amazing the last time I went I declared that is not a scone it is a MOUNTAIN. Yum.

Lisa said...

Looks like a place wel worth a visit again especailly on a summery day with a picnic in tow.
Lisa x

Kathy said...

That looks like a lovely place to visit ... especially the farm shop!
Hope you're feeling better! See you very soon!!!
xxx

Jo said...

I love places like this which have the added appeal of a farm shop, craft centre and garden centre. It looks well worth a visit.

Ticking stripes said...

This is where I went to my book course last week! Its lovely - they have an open weekend in November when all the artist's studios are open to the public. Make a diary note!

*❀* said...

if only you knew how much your posts mean to me. being presently agoraphobic and barely able to get more than a few yards from home.
i truly relish all your interesting walks and journeys, they also give me the incentive i need to move forward :o) i think i should recommend you to other agoraphobics ;o)

many many thanks

wishing you a lovely 1st week of feb.

millie

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

Ah...I've been gone and have missed my "Travels with Diane." This looks like a great place to visit; lots of photo opportunity especially the architectural detail.

Unknown said...

Lovely photos of Welbeck Diane. To say I'm a Nottingham lass, I don't think that I've ever visited there.

xx

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