We went to Blickling Hall in Norfolk last week. We always like visiting here and do so most years. What a disappointment! First the public are now directed through the back way through the mostly unplanted vegetable garden, usually one of our favourite places, rather than the impressive front garden and entrance. The shop is now full of expensive toot rather than the wholesome lavender sprays, soaps, food items and interesting books they were well known for selling.So, we thought we would have something for lunch as the restaurant was nearly empty, but after queueing up behind three other people, who took so long to serve, due to very slow and inefficient system of serving, we gave up and left.No problem as the house was about to open.Well ! That didn’t take long as the first rooms were so dark we couldn’t see a thing. There was no hope of looking at the paintings as it was so dark, especially after coming in from a sunny day our eyes couldn’t adjust.Also several rooms were closed, so we were soon out of the side door before we knew where were were!Never mind, we love the gardens at the rear, with all the planted beds and herbaceous boarder’s.Again, such a disappointment, some of the beds were unplanted due to a weed problem! Being a gardener myself I have never heard of such a thing! And the lovely herbaceous boarders were overgrown and fenced off due to a structural problem!I would have been very disappointed if I had paid the entrance fee, us being members, surely a discount should have been offered if the place was now so poorly maintained?The best part of the day was when we left and were able to direct some incoming visitors, who were confused with where to get into the site. We directed them through the front way, so at least part of their visit may be enjoyable.So sad to take this once lovely place off our visiting list
