oxfordshire & the cotswolds signpost 2013

Historic Houses | Attractions | Museums & Arts

Gardens & Festivals | Open Air

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Annual Publication The Ultimate County Guide

Issue 4 - 2013

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CONTENTS

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County Signpost

Published by: County Signpost Ltd

Editor: Adam Davison

Cover image © Blenheim Palace

Historic Buildings

Attractions

Museums & Arts

Gardens & Festivals

The Open Air

Welcome to the 2013 edition of the Oxfordshire& the Cotswolds County Signpost TouristGuide, your indispensable guide to the besttourist attractions and days out the county has tooffer.

We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure toread, both interesting and informative, and thatyou will take it away with you, to use again andagain.

We offer a taster of the visitor attractions andevents within the County, for both locals andthose who wish to visit from afar.

To be featured in our next edition -please email the editor.

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visiting any of theattractions.

All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware,correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd doesnot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracieswhich slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd2012. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

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● Tearoom ● Gift shop● Disabled facilities● 2 minutes’ walk from the Thames Path● Dog friendly!

‘...the loveliest haunt of ancient peace...’

KelmscottManor

www.kelmscottmanor.org.ukKelmscott, nr Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3HJ Tel: 01367 253348 / 252486

Visit the country home of designerWilliam Morris and see stunning

collections in the tranquil setting ofthis sixteenth-century

house & grounds.

© Stephen Randall Photography

See the world’s largest collection of Worcester Porcelain and learn about a fascinating workforce and history that spans over 250 years.

Meet past Royal Worcester Artists and NADFAS conservators who regularly work in the galleries and visit our shop to �nd an ever changing selection of vintage and antique Royal Worcester made on the factory site for sale.

Behind the scenes visits, refreshments, catering and private hire for special occasions available.

MUSEUM OF ROYAL WORCESTER Severn Street, Worcester WR1 2ND: 01905 21247 : 01905 617 [email protected] www.museumofroyalworcester.org

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY March to October: 10am – pm November to February: 10am – 4pmClosed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and occasionally for private functions, please telephone for details.

‘Royal Worcester’ and the C51 crown device are registered by and used under kind permission from Portmeirion Group UK Ltd to whom all rights are reserved.

Whether you love to explore houses andglorious gardens, or enjoy roaming throughparklands, woods and our wonderfulcountryside, The National Trust’s special placeshave something for everyone. Why not make aday of it? Bring a picnic or treat yourself to adelicious meal in the restaurants, cafes and tea-rooms. There are some great shops selling treatsand gifts, and an varied events programme tosuit all ages.

Newark Park,Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge,Gloucestershire GL12 7PZ01453 842 644www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newarkpark

The quirky interiors of Newark Park, a largeestate to explore and fantastic views makeNewark Park a favourite for many. Furnishedwith an eclectic mix of old and new it is easyto relax at Newark Park and discover thestory of how it became a home from itsorigins as a Tudor Hunting Lodge.

Surrounding the house you will find wild andromantic gardens, which offer fantastic viewstowards the Mendips, and lead you towards theestate walks down into the valley below. Newarkalso has footpath links to the Cotswold Way.There are croquet sets for hire, great spots fortaking a picnic and lots of space to roam about.Look out for the snowdrops in early spring andevents and exhibitions throughout the season.

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The south front of Newark Park, Gloucestershire©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

View over the garden to the countryside to the south at Newark Park, Gloucestershire©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

NATIONAL TRUSTSome special places to see

Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, nr Chipping Campden,Gloucestershire GL55 6LR01386 438333 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

Memories don’t get much better than those youwill take away from Hidcote Manor Garden.One of England’s greatest gardens, designed inthe Arts and Crafts style by horticulturalistLawrence Johnston, you can experience foryourself the fulfilment of a quiet American’sEnglish fantasy. A series of exquisite gardenrooms each has its own unique character, withrare shrubs, trees, herbaceous borders andunusual plants from around the world. The

garden changes in harmony with the seasons,from vibrant spring bulbs to autumn’sspectacular Red Border.

Whilst you are there, you can enjoy a game oftennis or croquet, join one of the free talks, orenjoy a delicious meal using home-grownproduce from the kitchen garden in therefurbished Winthrop’s Café. Why not visit thelargest plant centre in the National Trust whereyou can buy species from Hidcote – includingthe famous Hidcote lavender.

Nestled in the Cotswolds, with sweeping viewsover the Vale of Evesham, a visit to Hidcote isinspirational at any time of year.

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View looking West from the Old Garden to the Stilt Garden gates at Hidcote Manor Garden, Gloucestershire © National Trust Images/Nick Meers

Lodge Park and SherborneEstate,

Lodge Park, Aldsworth, Nr Cheltenham,Gloucstershire GL54 3PP 01451 844130 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sherborne

Discover Lodge Park, a unique and beautiful17th-century grandstand complete with a milelong deer course and accompanying deer park.Created in 1634 for John ‘Crump’ Dutton,Lodge Park indulged Dutton’s passion for deercoursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining.Here you can find out about the National Trust’shistoric renovation of Lodge Park, and thefascinating history of Sherborne Park Estate,Lodge Park and deer coursing. Why not enjoygames and a family picnic on the lawn, explorethe parkland walks and trails, designed byCharles Bridgeman, or take light refreshmentsfrom the Courtyard Café.

If you are looking for a unique venue LodgePark is a stunning and stylish setting andavailable to hire – there are two differentreception rooms, stunning views from the

balcony and access to extensive grounds. It’s amagical environment for weddings, civilpartnerships, corporate functions, private dining,photo shoots or filming and the National Trustcan help you to create your own distinctivecelebration.

Look out for a varied calendar of eventsthroughout the year including the summer artsprogramme, open air theatre and opera andliving history days.

A visit to the wider Sherborne Park Estate willreward you with an abundance of wildlife, fromfallow and roe deer to badgers and foxes.Ancient trees such as veteran oak, ash, beech andlime provide important nesting and feeding sitesfor birds, bats and insects, and Barn Owls andwoodpeckers can sometimes be spotted. EwePen Barn is the starting point for several of theEstate’s main walking routes. Do make sure youleave some time to visit the 18th-century watermeadows (home to otters, water voles anddragonflies) and to follow the sculpture trail inthe Pleasure Gardens.

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View of the Great Room at Lodge Park, Gloucestershire©National Trust Images/Nadia Mackenzie

Snowshill Manor, Snowshill, nr Broadway, Gloucestershire WR12 7JU 01386 852410 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshillmanor

This is a real one-off. Snowshill is home toan English eccentric’s treasure trove.Charles Paget Wade’s passion forcraftsmanship, colour and design beganwhen he was just seven years old. Hismotto was ‘let nothing perish’ and his lifewas dedicated to finding, restoring andenjoying objects of beauty, both everydayand extraordinary. The manor is packed to the rafters withover 22,000 objects from tiny toys toSamurai armour, musical instruments tofine clocks – all laid out theatrically just asMr Wade intended. You can start to makesense of it all by hearing the story of MrWade, as told by one of the volunteersdaily in the garden (weather permitting).

The Manor nestles in a peaceful and intimateArts and Crafts-style terraced garden withhidden vistas and quiet corners. It is the idealplace to come and relax, enjoy a delicious home-made lunch in the restaurant, with fresh producefrom the garden, or take a cream tea on theterrace.


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Part of the collection of Javanese and Balinese (Wagangand Topeng) theatre masks in Seraphim, Snowshill

Manor, Gloucestershire©National Trust Images/Stuart Cox

Well Court with lily pond in June at Snowshill Manor andGarden, Gloucestershire.

©National Trust Images/Jonathan Buckley

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Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 3LJ01242 890256 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth

At one of Britain’s grandest Roman Villas youwill discover the Golden Age of Roman Britain,walk in the footsteps of Romans and enjoy thesights, sounds and smells of Roman life.

The site was discovered in 1864 on the Earl ofEldon’s estate by a local gamekeeper and thenexcavated by his estate workers – a visit to theVictorian Museum tells the story of these earlydays and has a unique collection of artefactsfrom the site.

Following a major project in 2012 theextraordinary relics of the site were unveiledanew. The wonderful new cover building enablesyou to see amazing in-situ mosaics which can beviewed from suspended walkways. This year youmay be able to discover what else lies beneath as

the team carry out some exploratoryarchaeology on the enigmatic North Wing ofthe villa.

Other highlights to the site include the remainsof the dining room, bath houses, water shrine,latrine and the under-floor heating system. Inaddition the site is rich in natural history, withbreath-taking views of the Coln Valley. Look outfor some very large snails which were introducedby the Romans and which are still found livingaround the villa.

You can enjoy various Roman-themed eventsand activities throughout the year including talks,workshops and re-enactments, and the familytracker packs, available from reception, are agreat way to make discoveries and have fun.

Chedworth Roman Villa © National Trust Images / Allan King

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This wonderful welcomingElizabethan home, offerssomething different.

Visit Chavenage House near Tetbury and enjoyguided tours by the owner or his family. Learnof the two families that have occupied the housesince the reign of Elizabeth I. Hear of the legends and stories (especially the ghosts) –Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Cotswoldcountryside.

The name Chavenage dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, from the Norman Conquest untilthe Reformation it was monastic land. After thedissolution of the Monasteries, Henry VIII gavethe property to the Seymour family. In 1551Chavenage was purchased by the Stephens family who resided there for over 10 generations.The house and surrounding farm werepurchased by the present owner David Lowsley-Williams’ grandfather in 1891.

CHAVENAGE HOUSE

The main historical interest centres on theEnglish Civil War, when the house was owned byCol. Nathaniel Stephens MP forGloucestershire. He was persuaded against hisbetter judgement to vote for Charles I’simpeachment and subsequent execution. Soonafter the King was beheaded, Col. Stephens diedand it is said that his ghostly form was seen leaving Chavenage in a carriage driven by aheadless coachman wearing the Royal vestments.

These days, the property is very much a familyhome and even though it is open to the publicon a part-time basis.

In recent years the house and its surroundingshave been used to host various events, includingAston Martin & The Morgan Owners' Club.

Chavenage has been used as a film/TV locationon many occasions including Agatha Christie’sPoirot story ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ andis being seen as Candleford Manor in the BBC’s‘Lark Rise to Candleford’, and was recentlyfeatured in Channel 4's 'All in the Best PossibleTaste' with Grayson Perry.

Open May-September Thursdays and Sundays2-5pm. Also Easter Sunday & Monday and bankHoliday Mondays.

Telephone 01666 502329www.chavenage.com

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Described as “the Queen of the Cotswolds”,Sudeley Castle has over one thousand years ofhistory and award-winning gardens, which drawvisitors from around the world. The focusduring 2012 has been the Katherine ParrQuincentenary Festival, celebrating 500 yearssince her birth. Katherine was an influentialwoman of her time, as well as being thesurviving wife of King Henry VIII, and she isburied at Sudeley. The Festival’s Patron wasHRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and manyevents took place at the Castle. In addition a newexhibition was introduced, featuring filmnarrated by historian Dr David Starkey. Thehighlight was a costumed re-enactment of thefirst ever funeral service performed in Englishfor Protestant Queen Katherine at Sudeley in1548. Other events included Tudor Fun Days,with costumed characters and falconry, and

historical talks by writers and historians. Theevents were enormously popular and the TudorFun Days will be among those returning todelight visitors next season.

SUDELEY CASTLE

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Tudor Fun Day - 2012

During 2013, Sudeley will also be offering newGarden Tours, guided by expert Lyn Hall.Recently qualified in professional horticulture,Lyn is also a renowned cookery teacher, writerand consultant. Over the years, Lady Ashcombehas carefully restored the gardens at Sudeley, inpartnership with garden designers such asRosemary Verey and most recently Sir RoddyLlewellyn. From the spring-themed WhiteGarden, to the topiary Knot Garden and thehighlight Queens Garden, which billows withold-fashioned roses, the gardensdisplay planting designed to delightvisitors throughout the season.

Sudeley has been gardened organicallyfor many years. Conservation is animportant priority, which started withBrock, the family pet badger, andcontinues with the Pheasantry, newly-arrived young owls and carefullyselected planting to encourage wildlife.Visitors can purchase plants fromSudeley’s shop, together with vintageitems from the attics at the Castle and

locally produced souvenirs. It has been said thatno visit to the Cotswolds is complete without avisit to Sudeley and whether your interests lie inhistory or horticulture, you are likely to bedelighted.

Telephone 01242 602308www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

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"Broughton Castle ... about the most beautifulcastle in all England ... for sheer loveliness of thecombination of water, woods and picturesquebuildings."

A generous tribute from historian Sir CharlesOman in 1898, and one continued by the noteddiarist James Lees-Milne in a 1989 entry"It is stillthe most romantic house imaginable. English tothe core, as Henry James says. ... Perfection,what with moat, gatehouse, church, andgorgeous orange and buff stone".

A more recent accolade came in 2003 inEngland's Thousand Best Houses by Sir SimonJenkins. The author gives only twenty of the

thousand houses five stars — and BroughtonCastle is proud to be one of them.

The garden at BroughtonCastle

The walled garden on the south side of thecastle, known as the Ladies' Garden wasestablished in the 1880s on the site of the 16thcentury kitchens.

The fleur de lys beds are planted with 'RoseHeritage' and Rose 'Gruss an Aachen'. Thehedge against the castle is of Rose 'Felicia'. Theother beds contain many old roses and

BROUGHTON CASTLE

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herbaceous plants, together with shrubs such asphiladelphus and deutzia. The tree in the Ladies'garden is crataegus laevigata.

On the west side of the Ladies' garden wall is amixed border, with pink the predominantcolour. The roses in this border include 'Fantin-Latour', 'Fritz Nobis', 'Frau Dagmar Hastrup','Margaret Hilling', and climbing roses 'Albertine'and 'Purity'.

The rose over the arch, looking through into theladies garden is R. 'Goldfinch'.

The border nearer the gatehouse has a blueyellow and grey theme and includes roses

'Maigold', 'Golden Wings' and 'Windrush',together with berberis, potentillas, hypericumand campanulas.

The existing planting is based on advice given byLanning Roper in 1970, the work being carriedout by the then gardener Bert Dancer. In the1980s, the planting was developed by RandalAnderson, like Lanning Roper also of Americanorigin. The garden is now maintained anddeveloped by one gardener , Chris Hopkins,working on his own.

Telephone 01295 276070www.broughtoncastle.com


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Sulgrave manor – the birthplace of the modernwestern world? There are many places that turnus to thoughts of history and the events thatmay have happened there in the past. The Towerof London for example conjures up thoughts ofimprisoned Queens and beheadings, Stonehengegives us ancient druid ceremony and BrightonPavilion the supposed debauchery of the PrinceRegent. So how, you may ask does a small TudorManor House in the ever so slightly rolling hillsof South Northamptonshire compare to thesegreat and grand places?

The date is 1602 and a baby is born to a wealthybut somewhat undistinguished family, his fatheris the Lord of the Manor of Sulgrave and homeis a Tudor longhouse. He is baptised in the local13th century church of St. James the Less andgiven the family name Lawrence. He thrives inthis environment and at the age of seventeengoes up to Brasenose College, Oxford. He isbright and almost immediately upon graduationhe becomes a Fellow of the college. This is notunheard of but is certainly worthy of note, hesubsequently takes holy orders in the then fairlynew church, the Church of England, and hencebecomes known as The Reverend Lawrence.

A few years later and the country is in turmoil.The King, Charles 1, has fallen out with hisParliament, political and religious tensions arecursing through the country. The Archbishop of

Canterbury, William Laud, also Chancellor ofOxford University, decides to strengthen thiscity of learning for the King. The population ofOxford includes some of the sons of the richestand most influential families in the country –this has to be a good move! He appoints aProcter for the University whose job it will be toensure that Oxford, both city and university,remain loyal to the King and to strengthen thatloyalty. The young man the Archbishop givesthis job to is the Reverend Lawrence.

The young man performs his task well andOxford does indeed become a royaliststronghold, so much so in fact that when civilwar breaks out in 1642 the King moves his courtfrom London, where the population mostlysupports the Parliament, to Oxford, because ofits strong Royalist feelings. The ReverendLawrence, who had left Oxford by now, musthave been proud of his achievement – creating astronghold for his King. By now though he wasa wealthy Rector in Purliegh, Essex, married andwith children but his job was again political.Essex was Parliamentary supporting territoryand his task was to turn it back to the King.

Well, it all went horriblywrong! A year after theoutbreak of warReverend Lawrence wasdenounced byParliament andhounded out of hiscomfortable life. Helost everything almostovernight and thefuture looked bleak.

SULGRAVEMANOR

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The war ended in 1649and the ReverendLawrence and his familywere broken. He died in1652, almost pennilessand therefore leavinglittle to his family. Hiswife, Amphyllis, wasreduced to begging herrelatives for somewhereto live, fortunately somewere well placed in thisnew England.

However when Amphyllis’s step-father died in1656 he left small legacies to some of his step-grandchildren. The Reverend Lawrence andAmphillys’s son, John, thus inherited a smallsum. Being the son of a known Royalist did notmake for a comfortable life for a young manwith ambition and so he used this inheritance tobuy a share of a trading ship, the Seahorse ofLondon. His plan to trade with the colony ofVirginia and thus keep himself out of Englandfor most of the time. He didn’t want to leaveEngland for good but by embarking on thisventure he would come back maybe twice a yearand see if his propects had changed.

Off he sets on his first voyage aboard theSeahorse, 22 years old and First Mate, it musthave been an exciting time. The ship sails toScandinavia and picks up a cargo of furnitureand house-wares and then across the NorthAtlantic to Virginia. John must have been a goodsalesman as the cargo was sold and he purchasedtobacco for the return journey. Some say that hemay have been too eager (or greedy?), for as theship was reaching the mouth of The Potomac itencountered a storm and sank.

John was penniless (again) and on the wrongside of the Atlantic but he was not going to letthis hold him back. He was befriended by (orwas this his salesmanship coming to the foreonce more?) a wealthy Virginian by the name of

Nathaniel Pope and subsequently married hisdaughter Anne, receiving 700 acres of primetobacco planting land as a dowry. He flourishedand so did his descendants.

There is one thing that I have omitted from thisstory – the family name – it is Washington!

So did a child, born in an insignificant ManorHouse in Northamptonshire, change the worldbecause of his Royalist beliefs?

I’ll let you decide – but if you want to hear morestories of this remarkable family, dating from thelate 12th century until modern times then youneed to visit Sulgrave Manor, the Ancestralhome of George Washington!

Sulgrave, near Banbury OX17 2SD Please see the website for opening details. Telephone 01295 760205 www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

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Great Hall

Oak Parlour

Amphyllis

setting ‘very stimulating to the imagination’; forthe rest of his life it was a source of profoundpleasure and creativity, inspiring many of hismost important designs and writings.

Visitors to the Manor will find an outstandingcollection, from early furniture owned by theTurners to a unique collection of furnishingschosen by Rossetti, and pieces from each ofMorris’s London homes including severaldesigned especially for the iconic Red House.Morris’s wife Jane and daughter May are alsovivid presences at Kelmscott Manor, whichcontains many examples of their beautiful andaccomplished needlework; much of this wasdesigned by May, who was a significant designerin her own right. It is perhaps the mostevocative of all the houses associated withMorris.

KELMSCOTT MANOR

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‘...a heaven on earth...’

Kelmscott Manor, the old house with ‘greygables and rook haunted trees’ became thecountry home of William Morris – poet,designer, craftsman, socialist – from 1871 untilhis death in 1896. Initially, Morris signed a jointlease with the Pre-Raphaelite painter-poetDante Gabriel Rossetti. The grade I listed housewas built as a farmhouse around 1600 for theprosperous farmer Thomas Turner; in the 1660sTurner’s grandson added a new, rather grander,wing. Morris loved the house, by then known asKelmscott Manor, as a survival of traditionalcraftsmanship in harmony with the nearbyvillage of Kelmscott and its surroundingcountryside (one of the loveliest stretches ofthe river Thames is only a few minutes’ walkaway). He found its atmosphere and secluded

Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchantinggardens, restored in 1994 by the highly respectedlandscape consultants Colvin & Moggridge. Thefront garden features the topiary yew hedgeoriginally designed and ‘trimmed’ by Morris intothe shape of the Icelandic dragon, Fafnir.Beyond the walls of the formal garden stand theimpressive farm barns – two of these are nowhome to the tearoom and shop.


The Tapestry Room

The White Room

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2013 season

Open every Wednesday and Saturday, 3 April toend October.

Ticket office opens 10.30am; Manor at 11am –5pm (last admission 4.30pm).

[email protected] 01367 252486

‘ I’v e been in many corne rs of the wor ld andfound none more beaut i fu l ’ (an entry in 2012 Visitors Book)

This award-winning three acre garden surroundsa fine 18th century Manor House and Grade Ilisted 16th century Tithe Barn. It is a garden ofsurprises and contrasts; tranquil in spring andflamboyant in the summer months. BourtonHouse Garden is as famous for its imaginativetopiary, which includes a knot garden, topiarywalk and parterre, as its magnificent wideherbaceous borders filled with rare, unusual andexotic plants in stunning colour combinations.The garden also features a unique Shade House,a serene White Garden, several water features(including a raised basket pond from The GreatExhibition of 1851) and many creatively plantedpots. The garden is beautiful at any time of theyear but absolutely glorious in the summermonths. You will find many ideas to inspire youand many reasons to return! HHA/Christie’s ‘Garden of the Year’ 2006.

Bourton House – A brief history

Bourton House (along with its Brewhouse,Coach House and Stables) has its origins in the16th century. The Tithe Barn in its groundsbears a dedication stone dated 1570, with theinitials RP for then owner Richard Palmer.

The house was rebuilt as a foursquare Jacobeanhouse by the eminent lawyer, Sir NicholasOverbury in 1598. At the beginning of the 18thcentury, the house was once again rebuilt byAlexander Popham, the grandson of aCromwellian general. The house was takendown to its lower ground floor but the towersretained and the slit windows replaced bygenerous Georgian sash windows. The architectis unknown. The house has remainedunchanged for three hundred years.

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BOURTON HOUSE

GARDEN

Bourton House Garden from the raised walk

The lands belonging to Bourton House weresold in 1851 by Sir James Buller East MP to theneighbouring Sezincote Estate. Today BourtonHouse is surrounded by its immediate three acregarden and adjacent seven acre walled pasture.

In 1953, the house was sold at auction and therefollowed a succession of six owners until 1983when the house was bought by Mr & Mrs RPaice. By now the house and garden wereneglected and unloved. So began years ofrestoration and the planning and creation of thegarden you see today. They were fortunate tohave the help of a splendid gardening team,originally headed by Paul Williams and followedin 1999 by the current Head Gardener PaulNicholls.

Bourton House Garden first opened to thepublic on a single Sunday in 1987 for the NGS.Twenty years later, the garden was presentedwith the prestigious HHA/Christie’s ‘Garden ofthe Year’ award.

In 2010, the house and garden once againchanged hands. The new owners, Mr & Mrs RQuintus, decided to continue the tradition ofopening the garden to the public. The gardencontinues to evolve and develop in the capablehands of Head Gardener Paul Nicholls, assistedby Jacky Rae and Gareth Griffiths.

Open to the public every Wednesday, Thursdayand FridayApril to October 10am to 5pm Admission £6 (under 16 free)Groups are welcome Monday to Friday butadvance booking is essential

Tea/Coffee and delicious home-made cakes areavailable in the Tithe Barn from June to midSeptember. You will also find an interestingselection of cards and gifts throughout theseason.

Exhibitions in the Tithe Barn

Bourton House Garden will be open to thepublic throughout both exhibitions

Exhibition of Paintings by Richard Raby and Jackie TrottWednesday 12th to Saturday 15th June 2013Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd June 201310am to 5pm

This is the first joint exhibition of paintings byhusband and wife Richard Raby and Jackie Trott.The couple met as students at Birmingham ArtCollege in the 1970's. Jackie studied ceramicsand was a member of The Worcestershire Guildof Designer Craftsmen for over 25 years.Richard studied Graphics and has had a verysuccessful career in Graphic Design. Jackie and


Knot Garden

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Richard are now enjoying the freedom ofretirement and have put together a collection ofpaintings in both oil and acrylics which showswork inspired by their home in Worcestershire,the nearby Cotswold countryside and BourtonHouse Garden.

Exhibition of Paintings byAnn Blockley SWASaturday 29th June to Saturday 6th July (closedSunday 30th June)10am to 5pm

Ann is a renowned watercolour and mixedmedia artist with an individual style developedover thirty years of professional painting. Herpictures are evocative, atmospheric and intuitive.Her longstanding passion has been for flowersand nature, inspired by the gardens andcountryside close to her Cotswold studio.

In 2012, Ann received the prestigious ‘HRHPrincess Michael of Kent Watercolour Award’for the most outstanding watercolour in theSociety of Women Artists (SWA) annualexhibition. This will be her third exhibition atBourton House Garden

Charity Open Days:

Saturday 15th June – in aid of National GardenSchemeSunday 8th September – in aid of The Friendsof The Theatre, Chipping Norton

Bourton House Garden, Bourton on the Hill,Gloucestershire, GL56 9AET: 01386 700754 E: [email protected] W: www.bourtonhouse.com

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Sulgrave Manor

Sulgrave, near Banbury OX17 2SD Telephone 01295 760205

www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

Situated outside the beautiful Cotswold town ofPainswick, and famous for its snowdrop display,the Rococo Garden is a fascinating step back toa flamboyant and sensual period of EnglishGarden Design. This gem of a garden, whichwas originally laid out in the early 18th century,is set in a hidden Cotswold valley withmagnificent views of the surroundingcountryside.

A magazine article of 1753, describing this styleof garden, finished with the line .......You are takento a pompous and gilded building, consecrated to Venusfor no other purpose that the squire riots here in vulgarlove with a couple of orange wenches from the local play-house.

It seems he was unimpressed with the frivolity ofthe owners of these gardens.

Art in the Garden Exhibition

The major event for 2013 is the third of theannual Art in the Garden exhibitions. It featureslocal, national and international artists andfollows the theme "Deeper than a Vision".

Telephone 01452 813204www.rococogarden.org.uk

PAINSWICK ROCOCOGARDEN


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Seven miles from the heart of historic Oxfordlies Waterperry Gardens – 8 acres of beautifulornamental gardens with a fascinating history. Established as a School of Horticulture forLadies by Beatrix Havergal in 1932, it’s nowhome to a plant centre and garden shop, gallery,gift barn, museum and teashop.

Lose yourself in the wonderful gardens featuringa formal knot and rose garden, colour borders,waterlily canal, riverside walk and herbaceousnursery stock beds from which all cuttings aretaken for the plants sold in the Victorian walledgarden plant centre.

The pride and joy is the herbaceous border – astunning feature from early May to lateSeptember when it bursts into life again withMichaelmas Daisies in time for the specialMichaelmas weekend. Running more than 200

feet along the length of the old kitchen gardenwall, the south facing border was designed togive as long a display of colour as possible, usingearly, mid-season and late-lowering herbaceousplants and climbers.

New design elements have been added over theyears, including a contemporary herbaceousborder featuring plants which are lowmaintenance and drought tolerant.

The garden shop provides everything you needfor the gardening season and the plant centresells mainly Waterperry-grown plants – withherbaceous plants a speciality. There’s alsoseasonal bedding and veg plants, Waterperrygrown shrubs, trees and climbers as well as awide range of their own apple trees grafted fromour orchards where we produce thousands ofbottles of the own juice each year.

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WATERPERRY GARDENS

If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, the Galleryand Gift Barn are must-sees – with beautiful,affordable and unusual gift ideas to suit all tastesand budgets. There’s also a small Rural LifeMuseum and a Saxon Church but don’t leavewithout a visit to Miss H’s – the lovely teashopwhere you can indulge in home baked lunches,patisserie and cakes – all cooked fresh on thepremises each day using the best local, seasonalproduce.

There is a full programme of year round events,from horticulturally themed weekends tooutdoor theatre and concerts as well as a widerange of arts, crafts and gardening courses toallow you to brush up an existing – or learn anew skill.

Opening times:Waterperry is open all year round except duringArt in Action (18th to 21st July 2013) ChristmasDay, Boxing Day, 31st December 2013 and 1stand 2nd January 2014

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© Andrew Lawson

Groups and coach parties are welcome. Pleasecontact us to pre-book and to find out aboutspecial rates and incentives.

Events for 2013Jan: Open weekend, 19th & 20th•Feb: Snowdrop weekends, 16th, 17th &•23rd, 24thMarch: Food event, 16th & 17th. •March: Saxifrage Day 24th•April: Fritillary weekend 20th & 21st•May: Art weeks in the Gallery•June: Rare plant fair 9th•June: As you like it – Theatre in the gardens•12thJuly: Art in Action 18th to 21st (Waterperry•is closed to all but Art in Action visitors)Aug: The Pantaloons – Sherlock Holmes –•Theatre in the GardensSept: Michaelmas weekend, 14th, 15th &•21st, 22ndOct: Apple Weekend, 11th, 12th & 13th•Nov: Christmas Market, 23rd & 24th•

Telephone 01844 339254Email [email protected]: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

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© Gemma Wheeler


© Gemma Wheeler

The railway is a friendly country branch line in the style of the former Great Western Railway, providing heritage train rides for both families and enthusiasts alike, along the foot of the Chiltern Hills. Open: Every Sunday and Bank Holiday from mid-March to end of October and tickets give unlimited travel on the day of purchase. Trains depart Chinnor Station from 10.00am to 4.30pm. Cream Teas: The railway offers superb cream teas on many of the Sunday afternoon steam hauled trains. For advance bookings or more details please phone 07979 055366.

Station Road, Chinnor, Oxon. OX39 4ER

Talking Timetable: 01844 353535 www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

It’s an enchanting adventure,a nostalgic journey and a great day out for the whole family

Seven galleries • Over 50 vehicles Original enamel signsMotoring curiositiesTV’s superhero car, Brum Toy collection • Gift shop

Bourton-on-the-Water

COTSWOLD

MOTORING MUSEUM& TOY COLLEC TION

call 01451 821255visit cotswoldmotormuseum.co.uk

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Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5JD

Tel. 01242 602308www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

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The Queenof the Cotswolds

www.milldenegarden.co.uk

[email protected]

Tel: 01386 700457

Visit Mill Dene Garden

Mill Dene Garden is hidden deep on the northscarp face of the Cotswolds. It surrounds anold, pre-Norman water mill, with its pond andstream and is set in a tiny valley.

Barry and Wendy Dare fellin love with a building thatwas falling down with nogarden. They had no moneyand no experience of eitherrestoration or horticulture,but learned on ‘the hoof ’ soto speak, whilst doing otherjobs and raising children.

Their creation over alifetime is there foreveryone to enjoy:two and a half acresof interesting plant-ing; of surprisesround every cornerand a lot of fun. MillDene has a tiny misty

grotto in amongst the bog garden on the streamand a ‘trick of the eye’ apparently extends theboundaries of the garden. It is an exercise ofmaking the most of a difficult site. It is also anexercise in creating something beautiful in whichto meditate, and which will nourish the senses.

In this watery wonderland in a steep valleyaround an old mill, one follows winding pathsfrom the mill stream and pool to a wild garden,through a rose walk, to a potager and fruit gar-den and down steps to a cricket lawn – allimbued with touches of mischief and incorpo-rating quirky statues and notices. Moreover, thegarden changes remarkably through the seasons.Tulips in spring make way for a profusion ofculinary and medicinal herbs, attracting pollina-tors for the nearby fruit. Box hedging and pat-terned stone retain winter interest, when the gar-den takes on a meditative feel, possibly becauseof its historic use a Saxon burial ground. On alower terrace, a miniature cricket lawn and pavil-ion, with full sized stumps, are like somethingout of Alice in Wonderland – a reflection per-haps of the character of Wendy Dare, whodesigned the garden, and who has lived herewith her husband for forty-seven years.

Exhibitions and Art in the Garden 2013

Mill Dene Garden

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Mill Dene has a permanent exhibition of sculp-ture and carved lettering. International artistssuch as Jackie Allwood have been commissionedand her "fossils" are a tribute to Barry Dare's lifework.

Letter carvers from the Cambridge School suchas Martin Wenham and Judith Verity, arenowned Gloucestershire artist, have meaning-ful words beautifully inscribed.

The sculptures are chosen for mutual benefit: the garden enhances the sculpture andthe sculpture enhances the garden. There will beoccasional artists exhibiting as well.

e mail : [email protected]

Telephone 01386 700457www.milldenegarden.co.uk

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The Cricket Pavilion

A Serious Garden With A Sense of humour !

Batsford Arboretum in the heart of the northCotswolds, is home to a unique collection ofsome of the world’s most beautiful and raretrees, shrubs and bamboos. Unlike many other,much larger arboreta, its beauty lies in itsintimacy and informality. At just 56 acres it’sperfect for a couple of hours stroll, taking in thediscretely labelled and comprehensive plantcollections nestling among the trees.

Originally created in the late 1800’s by LordRedesdale – grandfather to the infamousMitford sisters, the Arboretum and wild gardenare heavily influenced by his time working as adiplomat in the Far East. Algernon BertramFreeman-Mitford, or Bertie as he was known,created the artificial watercourse that runs thelength of the western end of the arboretum,providing a cool welcome from the heat of highsummer. He also enlisted the help of thePulham Brothers who used their famous fakestone Pulhamite to create the rockeries,waterfalls, hermit’s cave and stream. His passionfor the orient is reflected in his decision to builda life size Japanese teahouse within thearboretum and to place beautiful statuaryincluding the bronze Buddha, foo dog and sikadeer.

In 1984 the estate passed to a charitable trust,the Batsford Foundation who are committed topromoting education, conservation and researchinto gardens, arboreta and historic landscapes.

In 2010/11 Batsford Arboretum embarked onan ambitious, £2 million pounds development ofthe new visitor centre. It houses the Arboretumentrance and gift shop, Garden Terrace Café,Garden Shop and toilets including disabled andbaby-changing facilities and is bothenvironmentally friendly and made fromsustainable materials.

The low profile roof conserves energy andreduces the visual impact on the environment;there’s a ground source heat pump, grey watercapture system to re-use grey water in the plantcentre; rare breed sheep’s wool insulation andthe modern building has been integrated withinthe existing features of the old walled garden.The new facility has allowed the BatsfordFoundation to improve visitor’s experience.

Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre is openevery day of the year except Christmas Day butwhatever time of year you visit, there aresurprises around every corner; waterfalls andpools, breath-taking views across the EvenlodeValley and beautiful eastern-inspired statuary.

Events 2013

• Daffodil Week - 16-24 March• The Big Batsford Chicken Hunt! - 23 March - 7 April• Festival of Japanese Flowering Cherries -15-30 April• Dawn Chorus Wild Walk - 27 April• Davidia Delights - 18-31 May• The Big Batsford Bat Walk - 23 May• ‘As You Like It’ – outdoor Shakespeare in thearboretum. July 11th

Telephone 01386 701441www.batsarb.co.uk

BATSFORD ARBORETUMCounty Signpost

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Batsford through the seasons...

Blenheim Palace is delighted to announce abrand new event in 2013 - The Blenheim PalaceFlower Show, taking place from Friday 21st –Sunday 23rd June. This wonderful three-dayflower and garden show, will feature over 150floral and gardens exhibitors, a Grand FloralMarquee with RHS judges, ten gardenlandscapes, and lots more including food andrefreshments and family activities.

Set within the spectacular grounds of BlenheimPalace, The brand new Blenheim Palace FlowerShow has it all. The event celebrates everythingfloral from award-winning nurseries togardening celebrities and experts who can helpyou transform your garden into a tranquil haven.The show is packed with inspiration and colourand celebrates the very best of gardening in theUK.

Stunning floral displays will be featured in theGrand Floral Marquee including RHS GoldMedal winning nursery Primrose Bank Nurserywho will be displaying their wonderful range ofHellebores. Also see Heucheraholics, DevineNursery, Roualeyn Fuchsias, Rougham HallNursery, whilst Apuldram Roses will befeaturing a selection of modern roses in theirgrand display.

Meet one of TV’s favourite gardening celebritiesChristine Walkden in the plant advisorymarquee. Christine will be at the show onSaturday and Sunday and will be holding two Q& A sessions a day. Liz Nicholson (fromNicholsons Nursery in Oxfordshire) will bedesigning a show garden and running “The Tree& Hedging advice” area.

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BLENHEIM PALACEFLOWER SHOW

West Front & Water Terrace

The show will feature over 150 gardeningexhibitors, including plants, gardening sundries,garden buildings, quality furniture, food & drink,and visitors can enter the Park and FormalGardens of Blenheim Palace at no extra cost. Ifyou are feeling peckish, Blenheim Palace has awhole range of catering options available at theshow from Cream teas to country wines, saladsto hot meals.

The Blenheim Palace Flower Show will takeplace within the stunning setting of BlenheimPark. On Sunday 23rd June, the Heritage MotorClub Rally will also be based within the Park.Advance tickets available. For all up-to-dateinformation visit www.blenheimpalace.com

Blenheim Palace, Park andGardens

Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke andDuchess of Marlborough and his family, and isthe birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Thesplendour and tranquillity of the ‘Capability’Brown landscaped parkland and the FormalGardens are unrivalled in Britain. From theinspirational history of the Palace, to the beautyof the surrounding parkland and formalgardens, Blenheim Palace offers a memorableday out for all.

Blenheim Palace is situated in the OxfordshireCotswolds, only eight miles from Oxford, and isopen from the 9th February to the 13thDecember 2013.

Telephone 0800 849 6500www.blenheimpalace.com

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All images © Blenheim Palace

Secret Garden & Rose Garden

Flagstaff Gate

The 15th century manor house, which RaymondBlanc has passionately looked after for 28 years,fulfilling a personal vision - to create a hotel andrestaurant where each and every guest discoverspure perfection - in food, comfort, service andwelcome. The 32-room hotel and restaurant,which since opening in 1984, has achieved thehighest awards and accolades of any restaurantand country house hotel in Great Britain isregarded as one of the very best in Europe. Thehotel now matches the two Michelin star cuisine.

Blanc's edict is simple yet exacting - he believesin excellence - it's as simple as that - and this phi-losophy has been applied to each and everythingBlanc has put his hand to. One of the fewrestaurants in the world to retain 2 Michelin starsfor 28 years, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisonsremains a Mecca for gourmets the world over. It

will come as no surprise then, that he has trained29 Michelin starred chefs in as many years.

It is impossible to sum Raymond Blanc up in afew paragraphs. He is a chef, an author, anentertainer, a teacher and a pupil. Issues arenever too small or too large for him to be inter-ested in or annoyed by. He is always eager to dis-

LE MANOIR AUX

QUAT'SAISONS

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cover new ways to do things and communicateestablished ways to reconnect with the world inwhich we live. His admirers all agree that he hasworked tirelessly to bring respectability to theindustry but his first and last love is for LeManoir – which is a symbol of all that is beauti-ful in life.

Blanc once said that living in the UK for 25 yearsmade him a better Frenchman. One can onlydare to imagine how the next 25 years will devel-op for Blanc and his team.

The Raymond Blanc CookerySchool

The Raymond Blanc Cookery School is a placewhere adults and children describe their experi-ence as "fun". The school is all about: offeringpeople with a passion for food the skills to pre-pare fantastic dishes—and have a great timewhile doing so. With over 20 different courses,there really is something for everyone.

Weddings and eventsA special event or wedding at Le Manoir is aunique and unforgettable experience. RaymondBlanc has created a haven where great food,comfort and service provide a friendly andrelaxed environment—the perfect treat for closefriends or colleagues. Their private dining room,La Belle Époque, can cater for up to 50 guestsfor lunch or dinner. M Blanc and his ExecutiveChef Gary Jones have devised a series of delec-table menus for your celebration.

For reservations telephone 01844 278881 oremail [email protected]

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DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE177 years after it was incorporated by Act ofParliament in 1835, the Great Western remainsBritain's best loved railway. It was built on aheroic scale by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, witha broad gauge, beautiful bridges and sumptuousstations. It served some of the most scenic areasof England and Wales and called itself TheHoliday Line. It invented the Cornish Riviera asa tourist destination. In the 20th century theGWR’s Cheltenham Flyer was the world’s fastesttrain. Its locomotive policy in the first half ofthe 20th century was an object lesson in thebenefits of standardisation and evolutionarydesign. With the end of steam on the horizon bythe 1940s, the GWR had built a fleet of dieselrailcars and experimented with gas turbinelocomotives.

Today Didcot Railway Centre encapsulates thelong history of the GWR. The replica of the1840 broad gauge locomotive Fire Fly offers anexperience of travel at the beginning of therailway era. The collection of more than 20

standard gauge locomotives from the 1890s tothe 1940s include many of the standard classestypified by tapered boilers, copper-cappedchimneys and Brunswick green paintwork. Theyare completed by Didcot’s preserved fleet ofchocolate and cream carriages. On a steamdayyou are guaranteed a ride in vintage carriagesfrom the 1930s or 1940s.

But Didcot is much more than a train ride. Theoriginal engine shed, built 1932, is an exhibitionhall which displays locomotives in theirauthentic surroundings. As the only completeGWR locomotive depot that has survived,Didcot also has a coal stage and turntable inworking order. Within the railway centre,buildings have been brought from around theGWR system and re-erected. These includedtwo signal boxes, one of which is regularlyopened with staff to explain how semaphoresignalling works. There is a picnic area whereyou can sit and watch the trains go past.

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The railway centre also includes acomprehensive museum of small relics from theGWR. These include the colourful posterswhich decorated stations, an amazing variety ofsilverware, glass and crockery used in restaurantcars in the age of elegant dining, and theeveryday items crafted in brass or steel andmarked with the magic initials GWR.

An interactive Science, Learning and Railwaysexhibition in two railway coaches explains thetheory of steam locomotion to young and not soyoung visitors. The original air raid shelter from1940 has been restored as an experience of thatdark era when the railways helped to ensurevictory, but emerged so run down thatnationalisation was inevitable. In 1948 the GWRbecame part of British Railways, but the brand isso potent that the privatised train operatingcompany has re-adopted the name GreatWestern.

Whether you want to be entertained, educated orto admire engineering excellence, a visit toDidcot Railway Centre is a great experience.

2010 saw Didcot Railway Centre gain fullaccreditation as a working museum, after manyyears of working towards this; having beenrecognised by the Museums, Libraries andArchives council (MLA), as meeting the nationalstandard for UK museums.

2010 saw Didcot Railway Centregain full accreditation as a workingmuseum, after many years ofworking towards this goal.

2011 saw the celebrations to mark the50th anniversary of the Great WesternSociety, as well as the launches of thenewly restored Steam Railmotor, andKing class locomotive 6023 KingEdward I. The Great Western Societywas awarded the Heritage RailwayAssociation Large Group Award for

2011. This recognises 50 years of excellencewithin the railway preservation movement,culminating in the restoration to working orderof Steam Railmotor No. 93, which enteredtraffic in May this year after a seventeen yearrebuild .

2012 saw a gala in early May to celebrate the50th anniversary of the closure (to passengertraffic) of the Didcot, Newbury & Southamptonline. In November 2012 Looe Valley (inCornwall) once again echoed to the sound of aGWR steam train, when passengers enjoyed aride in the elegant Edwardian oak and brassinterior of the Great Western Society's SteamRailmotor No.93, on the main line.

As well as this gala, in 2013 there will be theusual Day Out With Thomas (See Peppa Pig andGeorge) weekends in early March and earlyOctober, and Thomas & Father Christmasevents in December. (Didcot Railway Centrebeing the only heritage railway tooffer this exciting combination!)

The entrance to Didcot RailwayCentre is at Didcot Parkwayrailway station on the London to Bristol mainline. For information about events, please referto the website, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk or telephone 01235 817200.

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The railway is a friendly country branch line inthe style of the former Great Western Railway,providing heritage train rides for both familiesand enthusiasts alike.

The line runs for 3.5 miles along the foot of theChiltern Hills, parallel to the historic IcknieldWay passing through attractive countryside andred kites can often be seen circling overhead.Most trains are steam hauled and operate everySunday and Bank Holidays departing fromChinnor station. The railway is open fromMothers Day to Halloween and generally ticketsgive unlimited travel on the day of purchase.

The railway also runs a number of special eventsduring the year, including two Gala Days in June

and August, when all available locomotives andthe DMU are in use during the day. There is alsoan Open Day in May, when you can see behindthe scenes to see how the railway operates. Inaddition, the railway runs its popular Santa andMince Pie trains on Saturdays and Sundays during December, but these have to be pre-booked on 07979 055366.

It also offers superb cream teas on many of theSunday afternoon steam hauled trains whichGeorge Pembroke of Steam Railway wrote ‘Thecream tea is the best on-train catering itemoffered on normal service, and is highlyrecommended’. For Cream teas availability andadvance booking please telephone 07979055366.

CHINNOR AND PRINCESRISBOROUGH RAILWAY

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The Railway offers Steam and Diesel DriverExperiences, when members of the public canlearn how to control a locomotive on theIcknield Line, and drive the steam or diesel locothe full length of the line - full instruction given,and guests can ride in the train behind thedriver!! Telephone 07784 189322 for moredetails.

The railway has wheelchair access, but not onDMU trains, Disabled toilet facilities.

Light refreshments are available on ChinnorStation and most trains include a licensed buffet.Souvenirs of your visit can be purchased in thegift shop.

Open Times:Trains run from mid-March to the end ofOctober every Sunday, and all Bank Holidays,with the Santa trains every weekend inDecember.Train Times are generally: 11.00, 12.15, 13.30,15.00, 16.30, apart from Special Events, whenthey may be more frequent - please see website.

Santa Specials: Special TimetableCheck with the Talking Timetable for the latest

details, on 01844 353535., or go to the websitewww.chinnorrailway.co.uk.Location:

Chinnor station is situated in Station Road justoff the B4009. The M40 J6 is 3 miles away andPrinces Risborough is 4 miles further along theB4009. Once in Chinnor follow the browntourist signs to the railway.

Contact:Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Co.,Station Approach, Station Road, Chinnor, OxonOX39 4ERTalking Timetable: 01844 353535Party Bookings, cream teas and other queries:07979 055366, E-mail: [email protected]: www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

Ticket Price:Adults £10 Children (3-15) £5.00, Concessions£9 and Family £25.00 (Prices may vary onspecial event days).


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Visit Gloucester Waterways Museum anddiscover the fascinating history of Britain’s mostinland port.

The Gloucester Waterways Museum is housed inan original Grade II listed Victorian warehouse.

Interactive displays and archive films acrossextensive galleries illustrate the fascinatingstories of our waterways. Discover facts aboutthe ingenious engineering involved in thewaterways system, transport and trade, workingand living on the canals. Visit the painted waregallery on level 3.

Move it!

Horses, engines, boats, locks and more...

Packed with intricate models, hands-on displaysand real working engines, this dynamic gallerylooks at the ingenious workings of the locks andboats on our waterways.

You can navigate a lock, race boats to test outdifferent designs and try your hand at boatbuilding and traditional decoration on one ofour computer displays.

GLOUCESTERWATERWAYS MUSEUM

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Just add water! Kids of all ages will enjoy gettingtheir hands wet and discovering for themselveshow canals work.

On the museum quayside visitors can see andclimb aboard a range of historic boats, includingthe impressive steam dredger.

Compliment your visit with a 45 minute boat tripwith commentary along the Gloucester &Sharpness canal aboard Queen Boadicea II‘Dunkirk Little Ship’, or book one of our longerthemed cruises on board King Arthur. KingArthur is also available for private hire on thecanal or river Severn.

The Museum gift shop is a real treasuretrove, stocking books, maps, modelboats, prints and painted ware plusgeneral giftware. Coots cafe/bar isadjacent to the museum offering a wideselection of refreshments.

Telephone 01452 318201gloucester@thewaterwaystrust.org.ukwww.gloucesterwaterwaysmuseum.org.uk

Volunteers on a dredger

It feels like going back in time when you stepinside the Regency terrace house where GustavHolst, composer of The Planets was born in1874.

The museum has four floors of period rooms,with a music room which includes the piano onwhich Holst composed The Planets. Visitors

experience the 'upstairs-downstairs' way of lifeas they wander through the working Victoriankitchen and laundry, elegant Regency drawingroom and charming nursery.

In 2013 visitors will be able to find out moreabout the composer in the Holst DiscoverySpace, an open archive facility which opens inSeptember. There will be films available on atouchscreen, and a kiosk where digitised musicmanuscripts can be 'turned' and listened to usingpage-turning technology.

Telephone 01242 524846www.holstmuseum.org.uk

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HOLSTBIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

County Signpost

In the beautiful setting of Bourton-on-the-Water you’ll find the hidden gem that is theCotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection.A popular tourist destination, Bourton is a greatplace to visit for a day trip, with plenty to see anddo in and around the village.

The Museum

You’ll discover over 50 vehicles including cars,motorcycles, pedal cars and caravans displayed inseven galleries covering more than 7,500 sq. ft.!The Museum is a truly fascinating journeythrough the 20th Century, overflowing withvintage vehicles, hundreds of original enamelsigns and an intriguing collection of motoringcuriosities. It’s also home to TV’s superhero carBrum, whose adventures start and end at themuseum, and can now be found there every day.

The wonderful toy collection also represents theMuseum’s passion for travel. From oldfavourites from year’s gone past to more modernitems, you will be enchanted by the great displayof toys and games. After your visit, don’t missthe gift shop which is jam packed with pocketmoney treats and collectables including Brummemorabilia and souvenirs.

COTSWOLDMOTORING MUSEUM

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New Exhibition

The Museum is owned by CSMA Club, whohave been proudly supporting civil serviceemployees since 1923, and they’ll be celebratingtheir 90th anniversary with an extra specialexhibition! Focussing on Motorsports, theexhibition will include rally cars, sportsmotorcycles, photographs, trophies, clothingand other vintage memorabilia. There will alsobe a dedicated website which will document thehistory of the sport within CSMA Club, and bekept up to date with all things motorsport –news, interviews and events as they happen.

The Cotswold Motoring Museum is open from10am to 6pm seven days a week, from 9February to 27 October 2013.

Motoring Museum|Toy Collection| Gift Shop|Home of TV’s Brum|Children’s Play Area

Telephone 01451 821255www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk

The Great Outdoors

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a magicalplace that offers opportunities to escape thestresses of modern day life.

A rich mixture of woodland, meadows, cliffs,rivers, lakes and nature reserves are home to anabundance of wildlife and plants all year round.Deer and wild boar wander freely amongst thetrees; peregrine falcons and goshawks circleabove and salmon and trout swim through thecool water below.

The Forest is a nationally important site forthousands of bluebells and equally famous is theGolden Triangle of wild daffodils. It becomesnature’s own firework display of yellow, orange,red and gold, as the trees come alive in theautumn, one of the best natural colourspectaculars in the UK, easily competing withothers throughout the world.

The Severn Estuary has the second highest tidalrange in the world, giving rise to the famousSevern Bore tidal wave around the spring andautumn equinox.

Explore the thick sloping woodland above theRiver Wye an Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty by foot or bicycle, meander along thepicturesque river by kayak, or tackle its whitewaters discovering a perfect example oftraditional British countryside at its best.

Adrenalin seekers can up the pace and swingthrough the leafy canopy on high-ropes, or forthe daring cyclist there’s the more difficultdownhill forest terrain, acclaimed by many as thebest new trail in Britain the Verderer’s Trail is 7miles of all-weather mountain bikingexcitement.

An amazing natural environment, history andheritage and an array of attractions and activitiesthat will keep you busy for hours on end….thequestion is will there be enough time to fiteverything into one holiday?

www.visitforestofdean.co.uk

FOREST OF DEAN AND

WYE VALLEY

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Set against a spectacular Severn Estuarybackdrop, Slimbridge’s mosaic of pools lagoons,reed beds, marshes, woodlands and meadowsprovides a haven for diverse wetland creaturesincluding otters, plus some of the world’s mostspectacular ducks, geese and swans.

Explore on easy paths or take to the water on acanoe safari for some awe-inspiring naturalencounters. Come and enjoy each season,embrace the elements, shelter in comfortablehides and enjoy hands-on discovery indoors –there’s plenty to see and do, inside and out, allyear round.

Come and see:

Delight in a water-level view of 250•flamingos from the new sunkenobservatorySpot up to 200 wild bird species from all•weather hidesWitness ducklings first wobbly steps on•Duckery Tour days in late springSee our family of otters at their feeding•timesEnjoy the colourful wildlife and heat of the•tropical house.Our fun outdoor wet playground which is•perfect for active childrenThe underwater world at Pond Zone•(summer holidays)Extra information:•Free plentiful car parking and free for•under 4sRestaurant and kiosks in the grounds serve•delicious home-cooked food

Telephone 01453 891900www.wwt.org.uk

SLIMBRIDGEWETLAND CENTRE

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WESTONBIRT,THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

The Forestry Commission’s National Arboretumat Westonbirt is an historic, Victorianpicturesque landscape and an internationallyimportant tree and shrub collection.

The 16,000 trees (3,000 different specimens)come from Britain, China, North America,Japan, Chile and other temperate climates.

Within the 17 miles of accessible paths and fivenational collections, children become youngadventurers, adults connect with trees throughguided walks, workshops, self-led trails orvolunteering.

The National Arboretum is perhaps best knownfor its autumn colour. Autumn is a fabulous timeof year at Westonbirt and wherever you go thevibrant colours are superb. The most popularareas are Acer Glade in the Old Arboretum andThe Link and the National Japanese MapleCollection in Silk Wood, but don’t forget to useyour seasonal trail map to discover the otherpockets of spectacular colour.

However, spectacular spring flowers,Treefest (August Bank Holidayweekend), summer walks amongstlush woodlands and the EnchantedChristmas illuminated trail (the fourweekends leading up to Christmas)offer great reasons to visit.

From 2013, the arboretum’s longterm plans for a better visitorwelcome and arrival will start to takeshape.

Following a successful fundraisingcampaign, a new Welcome Building and car parkand a landscape restoration project will make abig difference to everybody who visits thearboretum. The developments will mean a betterwelcome, a better visit and a betterunderstanding of the heritage and importance ofthis world class tree collection.

Retail

Visit the Westonbirt Shop and Plant Centre forquality plants, seasonal gifts, gardening books,children's clothing, foodie treats, cards,stationary and much more. The Westonbirt PlantCentre offers a great range of top quality Britishgrown plants, rare and unusual varieties,herbaceous plants, specimen trees, shrubs, acers,conifers and David Austin roses. Trained staffare on hand to offer help and expert advice.

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Opening times

Open every day of the yearOpen: 9am weekdays, 8am weekends Close: 8pmsummer, 5pm winter, or dusk if earlier

Group rate available for 10+ people booking inadvance.Membership available.

Telephone 01666 880220www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Family outing at Westonbirt Arboretum © Rob Cousins

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DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7NJ 01235 [email protected] www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Recreating the golden age of the Great Western RailwayRecreating the golden age of the Great Western RailwayRegistered Charity No 272616Registered Charity No 272616

Recreating the golden age of the Great Western Railway with wonderfully restored steamlocomotives.Featuring the original 1932 built GWR four road shed, in full working condition. With otheroriginal GWR buildings and structures, including the coaling stage with 75,000 gallon watertank atop. (both working) Also a country station, signal box, and transfer shed.

20 former GWR steam locomotives, including a working (on special occasions) replica broadgauge (7 ft) locomotive, dating from 1840.Learn about machines that changed the world, in the interactive Science, Learning andRailways Exhibition

Over 40 mostly GWR coaches. Over 50 mostly GWR wagons. Four cranes. Carriage andwagon works.

Working turntable, with demonstrations on steam days.

Special events include Day Out With Thomas, see Peppa Pig and George. Regular steam days during the year. Open every weekend, and daily most school holidays.Telephone or refer to website for details.

GWR small relics museum. Café. Shop. Picnic area.

Waterperry Gardens – eight acres of inspirational gardens steeped in horticultural history. Choose from a huge range of Waterperry grown plants, enjoy some retail therapy in the gift barn and gallery and treat yourself to a sumptuous home baked lunch, cake or patisserie in the teashop. Waterperry Gardens – one of Oxfordshire’s most beautiful gardens and so much more.

Open every day from 10 til 5pm. Visit www.waterperrygardens.co.uk or call us on 01844 339254

Waterperry Gardens, Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1JZ. TM

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This charming, lived in, historic Elizabethan (1576) Manorwhich has been used a a TV location and featured asCandleford Manor in “Lark Rise to Candleford” is setamidst the tranquil Cotswold Hills contains much ofinterest. Tapestry rooms, furniture and relics of the

Cromwellian period. Hear of the Headless Coachmancoming to collect the body of a former owner.

Open 2-5p.m. on Thus. & Sun. , May to end of Sept.Plus Easter Sun. & Mon. & Bank Holiday Mondays.

(Last Admission 4pm)Tours are conducted by the owner or his family.

Group visits (20 plus) on any day at any timethroughout the year by prior arrangement.

Catering for pre-arranged groups especially teas or light suppers

For further information, please contact:Caroline Lowsley-Williams, Chavenage,Tetbury, Gloucestershire. GL8 8XP

Tel: 01666 502329Email: [email protected]

CHAVENAGE

IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS

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01952 433424 www.ironbridge.org.uk email [email protected]

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