Escape from the City!
I’m first from the starting gun when the sun comes out and we hit the nearest park, desperate for ultra-violet rays and proof that flowers are actually growing. I know I said we’d be stopping off at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (see previous post) but there’s the tiniest crease in the fabric of space and time which takes us from the kaleidoscopic colour of Park Güell in Spain to… Heaton Park in north Manchester, England.
This is yet another chance for me to wave the Union Jack – this time, while sunbathing. Culture shock, maybe, but I suggest you grab your sunglasses and get a load of this: it’s a Scottish Highland Cow. Or bull, as both male and female have horns. Also the oldest known registered breed of cattle. I wasn’t expecting to come face to face with a horned beast (not on a Wednesday afternoon and certainly not in broad daylight) and was kind of hoping for something more like an ice-cream van.
Heaton Hall has been here in one form or another since 1684, and the grounds were designed in the style of Capability Brown, England’s finest landscape architect in 1839. It’s the largest park in Europe.
The funfair was in town…
There’s a beautiful boating lake, with an island in the middle, full of ducks and geese and swans.
I tried to make this one look like an old postcard from the 70s, partly because the brightly coloured train which drives around the park is like something out of The Magic Roundabout.
If you liked this, then my previous post from Park Güell in Barcelona will completely blow your mind…Get some colour!
the vibes 
the swan in the lake looks beautiful
Cheers, Fati! It was a lovely day, beautiful birds. It’s a shame we didn’t see the peacocks, or hear them.
Loved this! Beautiful pics!
Thanks Anne, I had to share the sunshine, glad you like!
your turning into a real good snapper mate. that bird cleaning its arse is top
Charming! No, seriously, thanks for the compliment – it’s a learning curve.
Thank you for the beautiful escape!
You’re welcome! Manchester isn’t too shabby when the sun shines.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for commenting on my post, “On the Day We Parted”.
I’m glad to have discovered your blog. Great photos here.
The English architecture reminds me of my stay in England.
Gracias!
Thanks, Chito. Glad to have you aboard!
Lots of fabulous shots! But I’m especially taken with the gorgeous Highland cattle. Looks like Spring is treating you nicely, Mark. So glad!
Kathryn
Kathryn, poor Old Blighty has been plunged back into November weather, just in time for our Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. Typical! Thanks for dropping by, glad you liked the cattle – I think the fringe is very *now*.