Esrum Abbey from the outside - because it was closed :(

Here's a perfect river for playing 'Pooh sticks'

And here are a lot of pooey sticks, waiting their turn to float under the bridge.

Though Esrum Abbey was closed when we got there - due to a glitch on their website,
it looked as if it could be interesting and educational and seems to invite a lot of classes to visit.  

This was a poster of the Mediaeval fair they hold in the summer. It says at the end
of June on the website but it also says 2014, so better give them a call before turning up
in your codpiece and moccasins!

This is outside the cafe, which judging by the website has ambitious food and holds culinary events.

This is a kind of cage in the river near the water mill where they help
raise the something small and squiggly you can see in the photo below,
ready to let them go and help populate the riverways. 

They look like fish to me. It impressed me at the time, anyway.

Ah yes, here we go...they are trout.

This is one of the outbuildings.

On a nice day, not like the horribly icy cold day we chose because of the looming deadline,
you can apparently see grebes, kingfishers and all sorts of things - though I expect they are all tucked up warm in Percy the Parkkeeper's house, right now, don't you.
The map in the top right-hand corner shows where Esrum is on Zealand.  

Well, well, well!

This is a photo of a lone wolf snapped close up as it searched for shelter.
Actually it's Jake's hood but believe me, he was looking for shelter.

This shows the inside of the Abbey. I'd have liked to see that!

Giddey Up! Well, giddy with hypothermia, anyway.

Looks like it could be fun jousting in warmer weather.

Look, mum, no hands! No gloves either.

And here's the shield you wack with the pole as you ride by on the horse.

There's a sophisticated herb garden and vegetable patch that supplies raw ingredients
for the cafe menu no doubt.

And this contraption has ropes hanging from it.
Guess the kids had better behave well while they're visiting :o).

Another out picturesque building.

Another horse, though this one was a Medieval torture instrument.
In the background there's a children's barn with dressing up clothes. 

And as we slithered across the icy car park, I snapped a couple of far more comfortable looking beasties.

This is her good side!