Okay if you like paintings

 Apart from the occasional mooing of the cows from a nearby farm, our night sleep was undisturbed. Woke to a very chilly MB, thank goodness our heater works now and with it the hot water too! So before leaving the site, showers were had, and the water tank topped up afterwards.

Today we made for Petworth House. Not sure what to expect, but it was a NT place and looked amazing on the website. The grounds were beautiful, Rhododendrons, Bluebells and Magnolia trees were in full bloom, shame the house was a good 10-minute walk away, and uphill to boot. Our poor knees! 

Ian has a plant identifier app on his phone. Works really well for a freebie.

 

Taking a lot longer than the 10 minutes quoted, finally the house came into view. Really nothing to write home about, not like some places we have visited.

In fact, apart from the below stairs kitchens, we were a tad disappointed. The house is a 17th-century mansion, but instead of elegant furniture adorning every room, it was filled with paintings and sculptures. Admittedly famous artists like Gainsborough, Turner, Van Dyck, and Reynolds all had paintings displayed but unless you are into your art, this would not be the place for you to visit. 

The kitchens below stairs

This was impressive

The electric meter and old telephone

Back at MB, time was only a tad after one, and about an hour's drive away was Hever Castle. It was the home of Anne Boleyn, and another Historic Houses property. We were to be disappointed once again though, because it's only free to members Monday to Friday and with tomorrow being Sunday, we would have had to pay to get in. As Ian quite rightly said, we have paid a considerable sum to become a member, so why exclude us at weekends. As you may have gathered, this will be given a miss, for now anyway.

Being a bit peed off, we looked for somewhere to stop for the night. Found this wonderful wooded area near to Petworth Village. So secluded, only the occasional dog walker turns up. Am I tempting fate by saying we don't expect any trouble? Fingers crossed we won't!

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And wildlife today

Partridge

Jackdaws