Champneys Henlow Grange, a red brick Georgian house with a gravel drive and fountain garden

My friend and I have visited a few Champneys over the past few years, and Champneys Henlow Grange was this year’s choice. It’s an impressive building. There are two walks available from the Gym Reception, so we decided to try them both over our stay. The first headed off towards the river and we extended it into the nature reserve.

A quiet stream winding through overgrown reeds and greenery

Reeds in front of a willow-lined river

After a summer that’s turned most green spaces sandy brown, it was a real treat for the eyes to see proper green again.

A weathered wooden owl carving perched on a carved tree stump

Fun owl carving, sitting right where we crossed a footbridge.