Not a promising start as we boarded the coach in drizzle then drove through showers and wind. However the elements eventually relented to give us a reasonably warm and mainly dry visit.

Coleton Fishacre near Kingswear in Devon is a National Trust property built in the Arts & Crafts style. The house is set in lovely grounds with many viewpoints overlooking the sea. It was built as a holiday home for Rupert D'Oyly Carte in true 1920s elegance and furnished accordingly. Some of the furniture was owned by the D'Oyly Cartes and the rooms have a feeling that they have only just popped out for a moment.

The beautiful gardens surrounding the building are well worth the journey in their own right and even the lack of sunshine couldn't detract from them.

This is a place which warrants more than one visit as there is so much to explore and enjoy.

We're not going to let a drop of rain spoil our day.	Jackie and Sue exploring the gardens.
It's not raining now!	I'm enjoying my visit.
Is there time for a last minute browse around the shop?	The house sits so comfortably in its gardens.
The lawns are well cared for too!	One of the impressive flower borders.
Another impressive border.	Enticing paths to explore.