Hellens Manor Gardens, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Hereford.

Jason with Golden Fleece

Today I went to see Hellens Manor, (HR6 2LY), but things didn't quite go to plan. Hellens is open Wednesdays/ Thursdays and Sundays from Easter to October, 2pm-5pm. The details I had said you could just turn up at these times, on prior booking needed. For reasons I am about to explain though, if I were you I would ring, (01531660504).

Elephant with Manor behind

We arrived and as there were other cars in the car park, and an open gate with the legend, "entrance" upon it we walked in and began admiring the gardens. At some point we expected to find someone looking for payment, and were hoping to have a look around the manor house, which was built in 1096. The house looks fabulous in the leaflet we had. 

Manor house

We saw no-one, which was rather spooky. The gardens though were magical. As you can see they are quite formal and Jacobean in style near the manor. Modern sculptures however are found in one of the side gardens and near the olive trees there is a large wicker elephant. 

Quartz head in center of maze

I am going to ring and book a visit to see the house, soonish, though I am going to wait
 for a nice warm day.

Formal garden

One of two  friendly donkeys near car park

Jacobean style formal garden

Ledbury, Herefordshire

One of the narrow Tudor side streets

17th Century Market House

 Ledbury is a delightful market town, on the Herefordshire side of the Hereford/Worcester border. Much of it's architecture is Tudor, There is a museum on Butchers lane, and there is a 26th Century Painted Room in Church Lane and a 27th Century Market House on the High Street. These are open to the public, (free of charge) weekdays 11-4 during the summer months, and 2-5 on Sundays and Bank Holidays during the summer.

Ledbury library and clock tower

The Tinsmiths shop

Shanti-shanti and Hus and Hem

Hus and Hem

The area's architecture hasn't stood still, as the Tinsmiths shop in particular demonstrates. A fascinating building looking rather like a metal clad recumbent Stegasaurus.

My two favourite stores however are right next to one another. Shanti-shanti sells an eclectic mix Moroccan lights/ incense/ jewellery and a hundred things you never knew you needed. Hus and Hem in contrast sells Scandinavian textiles/ candles/ home ware and fancy goods. 

After spending rather more than I meant to on absolutely vital things I never realised I needed I went to Ice Bytes, the Internet cafe for coffee/ ice cream and cake.

Today was a rather dull looking day but I think I made the mo of it.