How lovely to hear that you and Wolfie had a good visit to the gardens as well as the tea rooms. We changed our policy about dogs in the coffee bar where you order your food just for the reason you outlined -- impossible for someone stops by solo. It's good to know that we did the right thing...and fun to hear that you saw the snow drops etc. There are loads now but only a couple of years ago they were few and far between. With all the work that has been done to cut back overgrown shrubs and put the garden back to rights, light is falling in areas where dark shade used to rule. As a result long-dormant bulbs (and roses, if you can believe it) have been popping up unexpectedly. It is a huge reward to the gardeners for all their hard work. We look forward to your return!

Thank you very much for your lovely review -- the Victoria Sponge is one our favourites! We also have gluten-free gravy with our Sunday Roast dinners because we know how important it is to those who must be gluten-free. Next time take a walk through the gardens!