Calling in at Dobbies Garden Centre allowed everyone the chance to take on some refreshments before moving on.
We set off for Rose Castle, travelling through some lovely countryside for the few miles to Dalston.
The driveway as we approached, passed through a very stately gatehouse.
First impressions of the castle itself were very positive too ...
We were greeted by Owen May who then introduced us to Canon David Weston - who is apparently "the" expert on Rose Castle. David explained that he was going to take us around the outside of the castle before then going inside.
As we walked around David gave us details of the history of each part of the building ...
The castle was a defensive building, and a halting place of Edward I in the 14th century, in his progress against Scotland. It was later burned and dismantled, until renovation and extension projects began. It was altered and added to in different styles and became the site of the home of the Bishop's of Carlisle.
Canon David Weston worked for one of the said bishops as domestic chaplain at Rose Castle, and as residentiary canon and canon librarian of Carlisle Cathedral. His knowledge about Rose Castle developed over these years and we reaped the benefits as David shared his knowledge with us.
As we walked around we saw glimpses of the garden - about which we had heard at a talk at our monthly meetings in Gretna.
And then it was time to go indoors...
David showed us a model, he had made, of what the original buildings looked like.
The inside of the castle is as impressive as the outside ... we began in the library
Then up the stairs ...
to the Chapel ...
and the drawing room, with its hand-painted wallpaper!
Returning downstairs we were greeted by Owen May who is project manager for the Rose Castle Foundation. A benefactor recently bought the castle and donated it to the foundation for use as an international centre of peace and reconciliation. Renovations and refurbishment plans are in hand so that eventually events will be held with participants staying in the castle.
We were then offered a delicious afternoon tea - with a variety of sandwiches and home-made cakes and scones (very ably baked by Georgia herself). The scones were finished with fresh strawberries direct from the garden.
We were given the freedom to sit anywhere inside or outside the castle to enjoy our tea.
With a short time left, we took the chance to look around the garden - as beautiful as the rest of the estate.
All in all a wonderful afternoon in a wonderful place. History, gardens, good company and a delicious afternoon tea in one complete package!
We hope everyone enjoyed their trip.
