K is for Kedleston Hall

Kedleston Hall by Maria A Smith

Over the last few years I've visited Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire many times, and on each visit I've seen something new to pique my interest.

Situated in the south of the county, Kedleston is approximately four miles outside of the city of Derby. It is a spectacular 18th century mansion, designed by Matthew Brettingham and James Paine, with Robert Adam taking over and completing the mansion.

The National Trust property is set amongst 800 acres of fabulous parkland, and is a great location for walking, or if like me, photography is your thing, then you'll be occupied for hours. There's a wealth of subject matter all around.

A tour around the impressive rooms within the house is well worth taking, as there are not only many paintings to be admired, but lots of interesting furniture to see too. There are too many rooms to mention here, I particularly enjoyed the library (After all, I'm a writer) with its huge bookcases, and fabulous mahogany desk.

The gardens were landscaped in the 1760's as fashionable 'pleasure grounds', and there are numourous statues and features to be seen, as well as an impressive summer house.

There is also a very nice tea room, where you can rest a while, take tea, and eat their delicious cakes. You can also get an excellent cooked meal, made using fresh vegetables from the gardens, and quite often lamb which was raised at Kedleston.

Kedleston Hall by Maria A Smith

There is much to see and do. A visit is well worthwhile. I urge you to take a day out, you won't be disappointed.