Monday 8 April 2013

Meersbrook Park

I had never even heard of Meersbrook Park in Sheffield until a friend asked me if I had ever been, so with only a few hours to spare on Sunday, we popped to have a look.  I didn't really take a photo which shows just how steep this park is, but it is VERY!  I think it must be on one of the seven hills of Sheffield.  We parked at the bottom of the hill, but it was well worth the walk to the top.

 The old house in the middle of the park is now used by the council.  I need to find out the history of the house and it's previous occupants as it looks really interesting.

 We spied a sign for a wall garden - it was really lovely.
 We spotted all sorts growing in here - it will be interesting to go back through the seasons.  There is also a lovely volunteer group in here who will make you a cuppa and sell you a bun.  It was warm on Sunday - briefly!!  It was great to wander around in here.
 A lovely gent manages the little gardening museum and told us all about the various vintage tools on display.  Interestingly, most of these tools were made just down the road, had spent their working lives overseas, and had now come back home to be displayed.
 We liked the centrifuge that was used to extract honey from the honeycombs
 ... and especially the bees on the little tap to pour it out.

 They grow lots of interesting plants and the volunteer lady told me that they run weekend day courses for dying fabrics etc using the plants.  One to investigate me thinks!
 We set about wandering around the woods and park land.....
 ...until we came to the summit, and one of the reasons why the park is famous - the view.  It is not only a fabulous view over the city, but is the view that Turner painted in the mid 1700's.  CLICK HERE but you will see that there are not quite as many buildings!!
 I was going to try some fancy stuff with my new camera, but the battery ran out!!!!!!!!!
So I couldn't photograph the fabulous Tudor Bishops House that we looked around too - so I promise I will go back for you.  It will be no hardship as it is a gorgeous little gem of a place.

12 comments:

Curtise said...

You were a few minutes walk from my house, Diane! If I'd known you were coming, I would have put the kettle on!
Meersbrook Park has been a huge part of our lives over the last 10 years - the playground, picnics, stomping up that hill, sledging, playgroup in the Pavilion, open days in the walled garden, school sports days... Lots of happy memories. And the view is, as you saw, spectacular. xxxx

John Going Gently said...

The skyline has changed just a little since I lived there

greenthumb said...

You aways find lovely places to go.

Gilly said...

That looks a really interesting Park - and the crocuses are gorgeous. And I was very interested in the old gardening tools. You took some lovely photos - as usual!

Rojer said...

Lived 5 minutes away & went to school 2 minutes away till I was eleven. Memories of sledging down the (near vertical) hillside in the snow! Not been near since, that's 57 years. Might make trip there for old time's sake. Smashing Diane, thanks.

Rosie said...

You have so many interesting places on your doorstep and close by:)

Blueberry Heart said...

I love the painting v your photo! Nice too to see some signs of spring at last. Our crocus aren't even near blooming yet - even had more snow yesterday.
Rechargeable batteries are what I bought when I got my new camera as ordinary ones just died at the most annoying of times!
xxx

Rowan said...

I've never been to Meersbrook Park but it sounds rather nice especially the little gardening museum and the walled garden - and I definite ley like the sound of the natural dyeing classes! Is Bishop's House open again? I thought it was only open to school groups these days because of the cuts. If it's open again I must go up there.

Linda P said...

Thanks for the mention of another park that I have never visited in this area, especially as there seems to be interesting historical features as well as good views.

Young at Heart said...

how fabulous....bunny is a bit scary though!!x

Anonymous said...

"how fabulous....bunny is a bit scary though"

Definitely, I too was scared about the bunny. but the place is great as there are a lot of interesting facts. Stunning images of the flowers.

Lisa said...

Diane, I can't believe you never knew about this place being so close to you, but what a discovery!
Visits during each season will be interesting to see and I wouldn't mind betting you get your name down on one of those courses, sounds right up your street.
Lisa x