How do we do it? Choosing such a lovely day in a week of very indifferent weather was definitely a bonus. Another bonus was to have such a knowledgeable guide as Katie who led us across pastures green to an arboretum with magnificent trees many of which were probably already mature when Kings Weston House was completed in 1719. Others, including a new Lime Tree Avenue, were relatively insignificant in size but contributed their own brands of beauty to the magnificent landscapes which surround the Grade 1 listed building.
Situated just 10 minutes from bustling Bristol city centre the contrasting serenity of the English Baroque house set in over 300 acres of stunning estate with panoramic views of the Avon Gorge, the Severn Estuary and Wales provides us with the opportunity to experience gorgeous countryside right here on our doorstep.
At one point we came across a bench commemorating ‘The Lark Ascending’, a famous piece of music completed here by Vaughn Williams who was a good friend of Philip Napier Miles, owner of the House. Here we stood and listened to the music whilst the gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the trees around us. Magic!!
Our guide summarised the walk by commenting that the Miles family had two sons who both left their marks on Bristol, one by creating a beautiful park which overlooked many miles of wonderful countryside, the other who commenced the development of a new dock where the estate met the banks of the River Severn and this became Avonmouth. Two contrasting but major contributions to our fine city.
Many thanks Katie and Emma for another entertaining insight to the city we love.