Cliveden Lit Up

The National Trust, once again this year, decided to throw a few mega watts of light at the historic Cliveden House. Big Bruv suggested we go and have a look, so on a cold and crisp evening (27th October 2008) we ventured over there. After being relieved of a few quid to get in, (he was all smiles, as he got a £3 discount for being a NT member, and also received a much bigger size ticket for his troubles)we parked up, and amazingly enough the Gledhills were in the car next door! Us camera wearers must all think alike.

Off we trekked into the night, to find the first interesting port of call, The Pagoda. I must say the lighting here was great, really showing off the colour of The Pagoda and surrounding foliage a treat. I was even more excited to see that it was being reflected in the water. I always did say that a photo isn't a photo without some water in it somewhere.

We then meandered off to the main house, and got a great view of the gardens from up on the terrace there. I was just getting set up to take a picture along the house, when a fluorescent jacket started looming towards me, seems they don't like cameras pointing at the house from close quarters. So I then moved over to the top of the steps, to take photos of the gardens, to be told, tripods weren't allowed there by the steps, as it would cause an obstruction! I decided at this point to get as far away from the house as possible.

Walked to the bottom of the gardens to get the view back up to the house. Just wish they had put a light that side of the statue to light it, as the back of it was in darkness. Still you can't have everything I suppose, and at least I didn't get moved along from here. It was down this end that I realised that this was probably the first time I had been out with my camera when it was dark.Luckily Big Bruv had bought along a torch so that we could see what we were doing.

Time to troop back up to the fountain, but I couldn't help but be impressed by the balcony scene as we passed. All that was needed was someone on the balcony and we could have had a real Romeo & Juliet moment. After seeing a big chunk of it missing underneath, thought it best if I didn't send someone up there.

The fountain of course was wonderfully lit up, and reflections were aplenty. The stewards were looking at their watches, so just after 9-00pm, we decided to call it a day and go home. We'd spent over 2½ hours there, although it didn't seem that long, but my toes were frozen solid. We made a good choice to go on The Monday as the event was cancelled the next day due to the snow!

If they hold this event again next year, I would heartily recommend it as a good night out, just don't upset the stewards in their reflective jackets!

-- DaveMundy - 31 Oct 2008