One of our favourite places to visit as a family is our local National Trust property, Tyntesfield. Situated on the outskirts of Bristol, this spectacular Victorian gothic revival house is set in the most stunning of gardens, surrounded by bluebell woods. We are lucky to own a family pass, and we tend to use it often. It’s our place to relax, to breathe out; we know the lie of the land, every hill, tree and blade of grass. We love to picnic on the main lawn, climb the huge fir trees, play hide and seek in the bamboo and find the perfect spot for hill rolling.

We visit in all weathers, making a bee line for the walled kitchen garden. Here we find inspiration for our own allotment amid the neat rows of salads and perfectly netted cabbages. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we can buy seasonal produce for a small donation; freshly cut bunches of dahlias sit beside unusual shaped squashes, earthy potatoes and long green beans.

Past the garden is the newly restored orangery, filled with exotic palms and cactus, and behind that is a cafe. A perfect place to stop for a cream tea or two. My sons love to play on the old 1950s tractor in the field and play jenga or dominos on the lawn. I take the chance to sit beneath the old apple tree sipping my tea and listening to bird song.

Images taken by Lou at Little Green Shed