The flower looks like a rhododendron but the shrub does not seem right - very scrawny.

I too would say a rhododendron, though the photo is completely out of focus.

Thanks, sorry about that poor quality pic, it's the glare of the sun. I 've added the other photo I took, hope it's clearer.

Yup rhododendron, looks like it could do with an ericaceous feed. I take it your ground is slightly alkaline?

Hi thanks, sadly it isn't in my garden. This photo was taken in the grounds of Herstmonceux castle in East Sussex. They have a few resident gardeners there I think so I'm sure they'll soon get around to doing what you suggest, fingers crossed ;)

Fingers crossed indeed!