Not only were the bluebells in the woodland gardens and alongside the Quarry Railway in full flower, but the rhododendrons and azaleas were in bloom too.
Hollycombe is open next on Sunday 7 May, when more Bluebell Trains will be in operation.
This year, early to mid-May will also be the best time to see Hollycombe’s acclaimed Azalea Walk in full bloom – a ¼ mile long grassy walk home to the billowing orange, salmon, yellow and pink blooms of the Mollis Azaleas.
Inside Hollycombe’s Bioscope – a travelling fairground building seen at the start of the 20th century – some of the earliest known Victorian ‘Magic Lantern Shows’ were showcased to an enthralled audience.
The team responsible for the displays – Reg Bosley, Suzanne Higgins, Valmai Goodyear, Bryan Creer and Rene and Alan Marriott – were dressed in appropriate Victorian clothing and sang songs against a backdrop of humorous and entertaining images. ‘Its great fun playing to full houses’ said Reg. ‘With the weather we weren’t expecting so many visitors to be at Hollycombe – it was a very encouraging weekend.’