We are moored up very close to Shugborough Hall so have decided to pay it a visit. Although we return this way in a week or so, the property will have moved to its winter schedule and only the grounds will be open.
So a lazy start to the day, cooked breakfast of sausage, fried potatoes and egg. There is no hot water on tap: we didn't use much last night and would have expected it to have retained its heat overnight. We are having to learn the foibles of our new boat.
There is a separate boiler that powers the central heating, and can also be used to provide hot water. I can locate this unit within the engine compartment, but for the life of us we cannot find a control panel inside the boat, nor a thermostat which I would expect to be present also. Venture is revealing her mysterious ways very gradually!
We move the boat a few hundred metres and down through one lock and moor up by the footpath leading to the Shugborough estate
Crossing over the river Trent on a delightful stone bridge
and the Hall comes into view, set in stunning parkland
The interior is impressive, but seems to have far less inside than the grand exterior would suggest. This is probably because the upstairs apartments are not open on a Tuesday. The kitchens and other working areas are full of interest, especially the replication of a very stratified class structure below stairs
Back to the boat to cruise one mile to Little Haywood. This is about as far as we can sensibly travel before losing daylight.
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