Where
to go and what to see in the UK,
from Britain Express, your UK travel and heritage guide
from Britain Express, your UK travel and heritage guide
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Where
to go and what to see in the UK,
from Britain Express, your UK travel and heritage guide |
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Welcome to
another issue of Britain Update,
English Gardens Tour - places are filling up for our English Gardens Spring Tour, so please book now to avoid disappointment! Spring
Tour - March 26 - April 2, 2003 Join gardening professional Anne Slade on an 8 day tour of England's West Country and the historic city of Bath. Enjoy some of the finest gardens, large and small, that the region has to offer. Immerse yourself in the rich countryside of Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall - from the exotic splendor of sub-tropical Trebah Gardens to the isolated beauty of small Cornish fishing villages, from historic houses to thatched cottages and the classic English scenery of the Cotswolds ... you'll have the time of your life! You will see 8 Gardens, 5 Stately Homes, have a free day to explore the city of Bath, travel through The New Forest, and visit delightful coastal villages in Cornwall & Devon - and you will always have plenty of free time to shop or stroll about at your own pace. See
also:
English
Gardens Summer Tour (May
25 - June 1) Full
tour details at
Cliveden
Taplow, Buckinghamshire, England One of the great country houses of Buckinghamshire, and indeed, of all England, Cliveden stands on a high cliff above the River Thames, and the gardens provide wonderful views down the river. The house was originally built in 1670 for the 2nd Duke of Buckingham by William Winde. It was badly damaged by fire in 1795, and was left to molder for 30 years. It was eventually rebuilt, but another fire in 1849 destroyed much of the original structure. Sir Charles Barry designed a new Italianate building in 1850 for the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland. Barry's three story central block curves outward to join 18th century wings designed by Thomas Archer. The interior was altered in the 1870s from Barry's design, and the clock tower and stable block added. In 1893 the estate was purchased by William Waldorf Astor, and the interior was remodeled yet again, to set off Astor's fine furniture and tapestries. Between the two world wars Cliveden was at the centre of political and social activity, and the 2nd Viscount Astor and Lady Astor made Cliveden a popular gathering place for influential people who became known as "the Cliveden set". In 1942 Viscount Astor gave Cliveden to the National Trust. The house is surrounded by 375 acres of superb landscape gardens, including a Rose Garden designed by noted English garden expert Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe. The gardens also feature the Canadian War Memorial Garden, the Ilex Grove, Amphitheatre, River Walk and the Yew Tree Walk. The grounds are also notable for their delightful statuary, with the most prominent feature being the sculpted "Fountain of Love", which stands at the end of a broad entry avenue at the main approach to the house. Parts of the gardens date back to the 16th century, though most are of more recent vintage, and much of the statuary was added by the Astors. The house itself is now run as a hotel, and only three rooms are open to the public, but the gardens are maintained by the National Trust. Essential
Information Events: full programme, inc. concerts, open-air theatre, children's theatre held throughout the season; contact National Trust Regional Box Office on 01494 755572 Access: Car park 200m from house, but alternative arrangements for disabled drivers. Disabled visitors may be driven to and collected from restaurant. House (part): accessible, but some steps. Terrace: ramped access. Garden & grounds: largely accessible. Related: Buckinghamshire Hotel Guide | Buckinghamshire Travel Guide
Trull
House Trull House is set in a lovely rural location in the rolling countryside near Tetbury. The house is surrounded by 8 acres of gardens in a wide variety of styles, augmented by beautiful trees and mature shrubs. Some of the chief features include a large lily pond, a set of terraced gardens, and a sunken garden leading to a summerhouse. In addition, there is a wilderness area which boasts masses of bulbs in spring, while later in summer the area is given over to a wide variety of natural grasses and wild flowers. To the rear of the house is a secluded walled garden, set with a series of herbaceous borders. Overall, the garden has an intimate air, and offers superb views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside. Nearby attractions include Highgrove, home of Prince Charles, and Tetbury, with its many antique shops. LOCATION OPENING
Stay Free in the UK Teddy
Bear Centenary in London The Museum of Childhood, open daily except Friday, admission free, is a branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum. Tel: 0208 983 5200. Website: http://www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Hadrians
Wall Path to open Though ideal for a week-long walking holiday, 40 short walks have also been created for those with less time or energy. Farmhouse and bed-and-breakfast accommodation is available near the trail. Tel: 01434 602 505. Website: http://www.hadrians-wall.org Flower
Power in Norwich Sutton
Hoo voted Top Treasure From 22 March the exquisitely crafted shoulder clasps and the Anastasius Dish will be on show in an exhibition looking at cultural links with the continent. In addition, there will also be examples from the Mildenhall and Hoxne finds, also on loan from the British Museum, both of which were also featured in the Top Ten Treasures. Official Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Welsh
Spa Town Celebrates Ale Welsh
Culinary Events in March It will feature local and international chefs striving to strike a perfect balance between invention and tradition, and the public are warmly welcomed to lend their support. For more information, contact Regency Hall, Saundersfoot. Tel. 01834 812304. For other culinary St. David’s day treats, visit the ‘Blas’ exhibition at the old library in central Cardiff – a free three-month event featuring the cream of Welsh food and drink. Part of the landmark building at the centre of the city has been transformed into a state-of-the-art culinary stage on which foods from all around Wales will be showcased, cooked, tasted and sold. Although the event runs from the beginning of January until mid March, that special St. David’s day feeling should bring extra flavour to the food – not least because the day will hold themed demonstrations and menus. The event will feature top Welsh celebrity chefs Angela Gray and Nerys Howell. Tue–Sun, 11am-5pm, entry is free. Contact 08457 775577. Fans will be making a pilgrimage this year to Dylan Thomas’ neck of the woods in Swansea and Carmarthen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the poet’s death. If you go be sure to visit the ‘Get Welsh in Swansea’ event from 28th Feb to March 1st, held around the town’s famous indoor market. Here, top chefs will be demonstrating their own ‘Dish for St. David’s’. Marquees selling Welsh produce will be set up in the ‘Welsh Food Fair’ in nearby Oxford Street. You’ll also get the chance to sample traditional Welsh song and dance. For further information contact 01792 636851.
That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier. David Ross,
Publisher, Britain Express |
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