The gardens at Cheslyn still look really colourful in late November. They are very well maintained, and show a real knowledge of plants. Its not a huge garden, 3.5 acres, but seems bigger with lots of different areas - a large lawn in front of the house with birch trees and heathers. Around the house the grasses look their best, along with some late flowering salvias. Behind the house is a pond and rock garden. The largest area is a woodland garden, which in late November is full of colour. The maples are still very vibrant, while the larger woodland trees including the oaks are showing signs of turning. It takes about an hour to look around, but you can easily spend longer relaxing. In terms of facilities there is a toilet, but no refreshments available.

Spring is very much under way at Cheslyn. The Daffodils are fully out, the camellias look lovely in the woodland, and the magnolias are in fully bloom on the lawn. The magnolias in particular look good this year without any frost damage. The last of the earlier spring flowers are hanging on - the hellebores by the house and a very last few snowdrops in the woodland. The garden has distinct areas with a formal pond and rock garden; woodland; and lawns in front of the house. It only takes an hour to walk around, but its easy to spend much longer. Especially recommend spending some time at the wild bird feeder. With a little patience you can see Siskin (a bit like a greenfinch) and a blackcap (although the female has more of a brown cap), as well as blackbirds, song thrush, great tit, blue tit, robin, etc. In terms of facilities there is a toilet open the same hours as the garden, but no refreshments available. It opens at 9am and evening closure depends on when sunset is, and is clearly displayed at the entrance. The house is hired out from time to time to community groups and sometimes has public access - like an art show.

Stopped off here to eat a picnic. What a glorious garden! Beautiful plant combinations all around and wonderful mature rhododendrons and trees. Everywhere we looked were gorgeous flowers covered in happily buzzing bees. A hidden oasis near the city, a must visit for plant lovers.