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

Volterra, Easter Parade, Italy.

Volterra was originally an ancient Etruscan settlement called Velathri. It is situated in an elevated position in some of the most picturesque countryside in Italy, and much of it's ancient city walls and gates still survive.

It was on the Monday immediately after Easter Sunday that I visited it in 2011. On that day each year there is a parade, with musicians and folk dressed in historic costume. I did take pictures, but they are on a memory card I have misplaced.

Roof detail in Guarnacci Museum

We visited the Guarnacci Museum, which features many alabaster works of art. There are other museums in the town, and an art gallery also. The area is famous for its alabaster, sourced locally and there are many workshops and bargain sculptures and pieces can be bought in the many specialist gift shops.

Garden with Wistria flowering as seen from city walls

Also well worth a visit is the Piazza dei Priori, with it's Palace designed by Maestro Riccardo in 1239. The lions on it were added later in 1472 when the building became the local court, and seat to the Captain of Justice.

Volterra is also the place I enjoyed the best Italian meal I have ever eaten. It was in a little cafe, which had a shop selling pasta and oils, a covered area for eating in on the narrow street and a boar's head over the stores door. Try and find it if you ever visit.