Rufford Abbey is only half an hour away from here by car. Today we spent the early afternoon in its grounds (and Coach House Café). There were very few other visitors. Just how I like it!
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| Carmen strides up Broad Ride towards the abbey. |
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| This surviving cloister in the west wing dates from the 12th century, when the abbey was inhabited by Cistercian monks. It became a private country house in the 16th century, was extended and improved in the 18th and 19th centuries, but partly demolished in the 20th century. Now it's owned by English Heritage, and the remains of the house and its extensive grounds are open to the public. |
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| Rufford Lake was partly frozen over. |
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| Espaliers in the abbey garden. |
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| A lone figure returns down Broad Ride. |
