Our travels this last weekend took us to Walton Hall Gardens, basically a large and very well maintained park in Warrington. However, let's not underestimate what Warrington Council have done with this fine looking hall and its grounds. The hall itself is not open as such, being used for meetings and weddings, but it is very well maintained. The outbuildings are likewise in exemplary condition, apart from some roof damage that can be seen from the adjoining Bridgewater Canal, but which is being repaired. There's a classic "park cafe" providing light snacks and drinks, and that in itself evokes memories of when I knew a family who lived in and ran the delightful park cafe in Lightoaks Park in Salford. That one is long gone, but here is another to enjoy. Add a children's zoo and a beautiful children's play area, add hundreds of people, add an ice cream van and finally a woodland walk and it's all pretty impressive. Well done Warrington for financing this and keeping it going to such a high standard.
One sad note is the old glasshouse, which, just like the one in Buile Hill Park Salford, is reduced to its wooden framework. The days of flowing fountains, songbirds and exotic plants are gone.
The surrounding roads are interesting too, the area being slightly reminiscent of Port Sunlight, with delightful estate houses now privately owned. Finally, a well cared for church, sadly locked, a sign of the times.
Today's camera kit was the Pentax K-1, with HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm and Samyang 14mm f/2.8 lenses.
Search for all the latest photography gear and services.
©2023 ePHOTOzine | Top
Calibrate so you can see 16 different shades:
