I'm just taking the camel for a ride - colourised archive pictures at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire show how our ancestors lived

English Heritage has trawled its archives to show how our seemingly new found familiarity with fresh air during the pandemic might actually bring us closer to our ancestors.

The charity has brought to life, with expert colourisation, rare archive photography from the 19th and 20th centuries showing the nation enjoying their time in the great outdoors. The initiative is in partnership with TikTok as part of the #LearnOnTikTok campaign.

The photographic collection - which includes these pictures from Wrest Park in Silsoe - shows people from all walks of life enjoying the fresh air amidst parks and gardens and rivers.

Although there aren't too many of us who would think about taking a camel ride in the county these days.

English Heritage lead properties historian, Andrew Hann, said: “Colourising photos instantly makes their subjects more real and relatable to us. The great outdoors itself is full of life, energy and most importantly - colour, and it feels right to be bringing that colour to these images.

"English Heritage cares for some very grand country houses and it’s clear that their gardens and grounds have long been a source of enjoyment for their residents and visitors and remain so today.

"With some of these photos dating as far back as the mid-19th century, it is great to know that in 2020, even as the seasons change, we can still wrap up warm and share a common experience with those who came before us - albeit without the camel.”

The other English Heritage sites featured are Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in Yorkshire, Eltham Palace in London and Audley End House in Essex.