Chasing Blossoms in the Park and Gardens

It was nice and sunny this morning, so I decided to visit Tapton House Park and Gardens. There are some great looking iron gates at the front of the house.

The house was once the home of railway engineer George Stephenson, who built the first ever steam passenger railway and also designed the locomotive, Locomotion. The plaque on the wall informs visitors that Stephenson lived here from 1838 until his death in 1848. At the moment, the house is empty. Over the years, there has been a lot of speculation as to what it will be turned into, either accommodation or business offices. Nothing has happened yet.

I was hoping that all the trees would be full of blossom, but I think it was a little early. There were the odd blossom trees out though and it's still a pretty park to visit.

There's also some great looking old wooden doors and metal gates. This gate leads you to the business centre, behind the park.

I had a short walk through the small copse. I didn't realise until recently that it is called the Skull and Crossbones Copse. I've no idea why.

Visitors can sit here in the Peace Gardens. It's a pity some people don't take their litter home with them. They always have to spoil things.

In the distance, there is my local town's church, affectionately called the 'Crooked Spire'. The grass looked lush because it's actually a golf course, so it is very well maintained.