I really enjoyed the Fair-Friday Flourish day trip to Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton. I met the group at Central Station and we travelled there by train. For centuries Chatelherault estate was owned by the wealthy Dukes of Hamilton. In the past it had its own castle, palace and hunting lodge, but today only the lodge survives. It houses a museum, large café and shop, as well as a banqueting hall and drawing room. It is good that access to all is free, especially in the current climate.
On arrival we were guided into a small auditorium where we were shown a film about the lodge’s restoration in the 1970s. We were then given time to eat the packed-lunches Flourish had prepared for us. I then joined others on a walk to see the ruins of the old Cadzow castle. As the weather kept up for the day, I then took time to have a coffee in the terrace café, before having a stroll around the museum and banqueting hall. Before leaving, I made sure I had a good wander around the excellent shop and even bought a memento of the day. I had a lovely time visiting the park, so if you fancy a day of ‘life in the slow lane’ I would recommend a visit to Chatelherault.
I was very impressed by the estate which used to be the hunting lodge of the Duke of Hamilton back in the 18th Century.The grounds are very large with high trees & thick woods. I really liked the museum life-like people from the 1700s. The keeper of the dogs for hunting, and what a stone mason looked like. The interior of the house is very ornate. The architecture was designed by Robert Adam.
James
“It was great! It’s good to get out of the city.”
FH member
“Lovely gardens. I loved standing in the garden listening to the river. There must be a waterfall nearby.”
FH member
