Highest powered fountain in England

 Oh dear, for the last 24 hours, a nasty smell has come from the bathroom. Ian suspected a leaky cassette so last night he pulled it out of its housing and discovered it had indeed been leaking. So armed with rubber gloves, disinfectant and plenty of water, set too with the cleaning. This did mean another trip back to that caravan place for a seal replacement. 

Out of this site and we turned right. Gosh the lane was still narrow but many more passing places to stop if required and boy did we need them this morning. School run maybe? All and sundry was out and about today! Made in unscathed to Charmouth caravans and one cassette seal was purchased. That will have to be fitted sooner rather than later.

Forde Abbey was our next destination. A magnificent Abbey which was a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the early 12th century. During the mid 17th century, it was converted to a family home. Another Historic House, we could show our membership cards and get free entry.

 

 

 First, though, the fountain was due to be turned on at 12,30 pm. The Roper family installed the Centenary Fountain in 2005 to commemorate the centenary of their ownership of Forde Abbey. At 160 feet in height, it is claimed to be the highest powered fountain in England.

What a sight, and we chose the right spot to stand and watch. All those in direct line of fire from the spray, were seen leaving rather rapidly.

Before heading inside the abbey, we treated ourselves to lunch. Ham and cheese, (Ian) and tuna melt Paninis (me) and really scrumptious too. Inside the Abbey no photography allowed, but there was one place we could take a photo and that was the cloister.

The gardens have to be seen to fully appreciate the work that has gone into it. Plenty of colour, finally, couldn't fault the variety of planting. This place was not to be hurried, and a good 4 hours were spent walking the grounds. The heat of the day had us finding seats more often than not, and how wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun at last.

 

 

We decided to go back to the West Lea Farm to overnight. It did mean doing the lanes again, but now we found a better route to it, much more relaxed about getting there