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Art in Action

Art in Action is a big place of peace and calm in a sedate & pastoral setting, surrounded by fruit trees that fill the air with scent that is entwined with the music of international origins. It would be an impossible task to see and hear everything in one day so you will need to cherry pick and make a plan of action for the day. There are a list art classes you can join in but you will need to book the moment you arrive. They give clay, glue, pens, paints and canvas to adults and children, so you can cheerfully express yourself as the band plays on, bringing an ambience of Left Bank intellectualism. As one of the longest running art and craft festivals in the UK, it brings together hundreds of artists in a vast array of artistic disciplines. Artists set up their studios and work in marquees set in the beautiful grounds of Waterperry House near Oxford, offering you a rare opportunity to observe the creative process first hand you could have as deep a conversation as you care with artists and heroes. Music, dance and drama are showcased, with performances from all over the world that takes place in the inspirational Waterperry amphitheater.
In 1977, 51 artists and musicians took part and 14,000 visitors arrived. Today Art in Action welcomes approximately 25,000 people over four days. Visitors come to learn, buy and enjoy, the exhibitions, classes and performances of 400 demonstrating artists, designer makers, teachers, musicians and performers. Disciplines include painting, sculpture, glass, woodwork, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and jewellery.

Directions
Get off at Junction 8a M40 "Services" Go through roundabout/s following signs for A418 to Thame Continue for 3.5 miles Turn left at Mill Road (signed for "Shabbington") Continue 3 miles to Worminghall Turn left at Clifden Road Continue on to Art in Action
Art in Action

Beale Park

The History of Beale Park, Part of The Child-Beale Trust

In 1956, Beale Park was formed by Gilbert Beale who decided to give this beautiful 350 acre, Thames-side park land to ‘the people’ by converting it from private farmland into a non-profit making, charitable trust. In those days it was little more than a track and a couple of ponds.

Gilbert, being eccentric in the extreme, adored Indian peacocks and by his death, aged 99, in 1967, there were over 300 on site. His favourite, a peahen called Laura, followed him everywhere and even rode around the estate in his Rolls Royce!

Gilbert’s great nephew, Richard Howard and his family, together with a dedicated team of staff, some of whom have been associated with the park since the 1940s, have made the wildlife park what it is today, a unique and enchanting garden, specialising in captive breeding of rare birds, providing a relaxing environment for visitors of all ages. There is a huge array of attractions now ranging from a walk through aviary, nature trails, owlery, and a deer park to summer river cruises, adventure playgrounds and paddling pools, set against the backdrop of the River Thames.

The Trustees believe that all species have an equal right to life and, therefore, to conservation.Beale Park is very fortunate to have a truly dedicated team of professionals to care for the animals and the land in its tenure.

Since the Trust was formed the bird collection in particular has advanced from a few peacocks to one of the foremost collections in Europe. The main source of funding for these important projects is from ticket receipts at the gate so Beale Park relies on its visitors more than ever before. Visitors are helping conserve rare and endangered birds just by coming to see the collection and enjoying a day out at this traditional wildlife park.

Directions
Beale park is conveniently located at Lower Basildon, 6 miles from Reading on the A329 between Pangbourne and Streatley.
Leave the M4 at J12 (Theale) and follow the brown tourist signs.
www.bealepark.co.uk

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, England. The ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland for one thousand years. Currently the family home of the 11th Duke, Duchess and their young family.

Recently opened are the hidden 'Spring Gardens', visit this stunning valley garden, originally designed by Elizabeth the 5th Duchess.

The name Belvoir means 'beautiful view' and dates from Norman times.

The Castle occupies a commanding position with breath taking views across the Vale of Belvoir

Directions
Belvoir Castle is easily signed from the A52 Nottingham to Grantham Road.
www.belvoircastle.com

Burgees Hall

In 1972 a Joint Management Committee consisting of members drawn from the St. Ives Borough and Rural District Councils and Huntingdon and Peterborough County Council was appointed to formulate plans for the creation of the St. Ivo Recreation Centre, which would embrace within its complex the 25 metre heated indoor swimming pool, a product of that same Committee, which was opened in the autumn of 1970 adjacent to St. Ivo School. The facilities envisaged were the provision of a sports hall, gymnasium annex, squash courts, small bore rifle range, weight training areas, together with a civic hall and drama/concert theatre and theatre workshop; also included was the construction of Committee rooms for use by various organisations and the general public.
This St. Ivo Recreation Centre has been designed to serve the needs of both the sports enthusiast and the family seeking casual recreation. Thus it is not only for the devotee but it is also a civic and community building, with all the associated facilities for sports training, coaching and the highest standard of competition, with equal emphasis placed upon the cultural, social and spectator needs of the community. The disabled have not only been catered for in the provision of lifts between the three floors of the complex, but arrangements have also been made for their participation in the activities. Simultaneously plans were conceived for the provision of outdoor facilities to include tennis courts, running track, an all-weather pitch, not to mention grass pitches for association and rugby football, hockey and cricket, with appropriate floodlighting. The contract for the Houghton Road Sports Complex was awarded to Messrs. Maxwell Hart and the construction of the Pavilion to Messrs. Cyril Middleton & Company, work commenced during September 1973. The capital costs of the whole project amounted to slightly less than £1 million which was borne by the three former authorities, together with a grant from the Sports Council. Today the St Ivo Recreation Centre is managed by One Leisure on behalf of Huntingdonshire District Council and is known as One Leisure St Ives Indoor of which the Burgess Hall forms part. The Outdoor Recreation Centre in California Road is now One Leisure St Ives Outdoor.

Directions
Car: Coming from the A1123 (St Audrey lane) turn onto Ramsey Road and then turn right onto Westwood Road, go to end of road and you are at Burgess Hall. Coming from the A1096 (Harrison Way) turn onto Meadow Lane, which merges to The Quadrant, carry onto East Street and then turn right onto Ramsey Road. Turn Left onto Westwood Road, go to the end of the road and you are at Burgess Hall.

Address
The Burgess Hall Westwood Road St. Ives Huntingdon PE27 6WU Cambridgeshire

Map
Printable Pdf file of map for Burges hall location

Bowood House

Purchased by the 1st Earl of Shelburne (1705-1761) in the mid 18th century, Bowood House and Gardens have been improved by successive generations up to the present day. Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed, including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, Capability Brown, C.R. Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry.

Directions
For Visitors using Sat Nav please IGNORE the directions as you approach Bowood and follow the Brown Tourist signs - a number of Sat Nav providers are currently directing you the wrong way.
www.bowood-house.co.uk/

Broadlands

One of the finest examples of mid-Georgian architecture in England, Broadlands stands serenely in a unique place in British history. Its distinguished owners and many of its important visitors have helped to shape the course of history.

Directions
Broadlands is on the A3090 Romsey by-pass, ½ mile from Romsey town centre. The M27 motorway runs 3 miles from Broadlands providing excellent motorway and trunk road links in all directions - Central London is only 2 hours from Broadlands via the M3 and M27 motorways. Drivers should leave the M27 motorway at Junction 3 if approaching from the North and East, or Junction 2 if approaching from the West, and follow the signs to Broadlands.
www.broadlands.net

Burghley Estate

Burghley is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. Built and mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587, the main part of the House has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors. There are more than 80 lesser rooms and numerous halls, corridors, bathrooms and service areas. The lead roof extends to three quarters of an acre, restoration and rebuilding of which began in 1983 and took nearly ten years to complete. Visitor facilities include the Orangery Restaurant, Gift Shop, Gardens of Surprise and beautiful walks around the historic parkland laid out by Capability Brown and still occupied by a herd of fallow deer.

History can come alive in a single trip whether it is to enjoy a guided tour, take your dog for a walk in the park, take the children to paddle or see the Teddy Bear’s picnic in the Gardens of Surprise or take time over lunch in the Orangery.

Directions
Car: Burghley is a mile from Stamford, 20 minutes north of Peterborough on the A1.

From the South: From London follow the A1 north from the M25, past Stevenage, Sandy and Peterborough. Approximately 90 miles north of London (an hour and a half) you will reach the Stamford junction labelled Carpenters Lodge. Take the exit and cross the A1, turning left at the end of the road. Follow the road past the estate wall and the impressive Bottle Lodges entrance gates down towards Stamford. Just past the A43 turning on the left, turn right past the Bull & Swan Public House and continue for one mile along the Barnack Road (B1443). You will see the Visitors Entrance on the right.

From the North:From the North follow the A1 south past Doncaster and Grantham. Approximately 30 minutes south of Grantham you will reach the Stamford junction labelled Carpenters Lodge. Turn left towards Stamford. Follow the road past the estate wall and the impressive Bottle Lodges entrance gates. Just past the A43 on the left, turn right past the Bull & Swan Public House and continue for one mile along the Barnack Road (B1443). You will see the Visitors Entrance on the right.
www.burghley.co.uk

Public Transport
Burghley's nearest station is Stamford, approximately 1 mile from the entrance. This is either a pleasant 30 minute walk taking you through the park or a short taxi ride. Stamford is a cross country link from the mainline from London to Edinburgh via Peterborough. For more information please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. There is also an hourly bus service run by Delaine which serves the outlying villages and links Peterborough to Stamford, for more information please visit www.delainebuses.com

Cheshire Showground

The Cheshire show ground was made for the Annual two-day agricultural It is also home to the Cheshire Game & Country Fair, Aug 27 to Aug 29, 2011 Now in its 4th year the Cheshire Game & Country Fair goes from strength to strength. Two action - packed, entertaining arenas have a full programme of events, with everything from scurry racing and fun sheepdog and ducks to majestic falconry and co-ordinated Gundog displays

The Cheshire show, held near Knutsford; information about programme, attractions, competitions, trade stands, and history. The show is already one of the largest two-day events in the North West with the 2010 celebration attracting crowds of more than 80,000.
 
Thousands of animals ranging from cows to cavies and poultry to pigs will descend upon the Tabley Showground as local and regional farmers compete in the hundreds of competition classes at the 2011 show.
 
Visitors will also get a fascinating insight into farming practice with new demonstrations and educational displays from the region’s agricultural experts in the Sainsbury’s Agri Centre.
 
Food lovers looking for a tasty treat won’t be disappointed as the ever popular Roberts Bakery Food Hall and Food Live Theatre returns to the 2011 show to showcase the very best in local, regional and national produce.
 
Country lovers will get the chance to try their hand at a range of pursuits including clay shooting and archery in the Countryside Experience area as well as seeing falconry and fishing demonstrations and the parade of hounds.

Cheshire Game & Country Fair
You can purchase your tickets from the box office here

Directions
The showground is situated off the A556 approximately 1 mile west of M6 junction 19. Please follow the signs when approaching.
click for map

down to earth gallery and contemporary crafts

The Down To Earth Gallery primarily showcases the work of Contemporary Metalwork Artist Phil Rogers.

The Gallery is owned and run by himself and his wife Bridget. The gallery also features an eclectic mix of original work by local and national designers and makers. It brings highly beautiful and unique works and small sumptuous gifts together in one space.
The Down To Earth Gallery stocks the very best of inspirational British designer made arts and crafts including contemporary fused glass, jewellery, ceramics, pottery, studio glass, prints and paintings, accessories and stationery.
The Gallery ensures that there is something for everyone's taste and budgets. Our prices range from affordable to equisit works of art, with quality and originality guaranteed. A small haven from the predictability of the High Street. The designers and makers at the gallery create beautiful objects that reflect both their personal skills and creative talents. Many create collectable ranges of products but will also work to commission. We support and show many local artists of contemporary art and crafts.
We hold regular exhibitions throughout the year in the top floor gallery room. Details of our present and past exhibitions can be found on our website.
The Gallery is situated in the heart of the bustling market town of Whitchurch in the beautiful county of Shropshire. We can be found at the Whitchurch Craft Centre next to the Whitchurch Heritage Centre just off the High Street.

Bridget will be at the gallery to offer you a warm welcome.

Opening Hours 10AM - 4 PM
TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
Down To Earth Gallery and British Contemporary Crafts, 4 The Craft Centre, St. Mary's Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. SY13 1QY Telephone 01948 66771

Directions
From junction of the A41/A49, follow A41 to Whitchurch. Straight across 1st roundabout towards Whitchurch, straight across second roundabout towards Whitchurch and across a mini roundabout. At the next roundabout by Dodington Lodge, then bear right at the mini roundabout and continue through the traffic lights. Turn 2nd left into St John's and turn right into St. Mary's Street. The Heritage Centre is on your left.
click for map

The Glass And Ceramics Fair Dulwich

NEW EVENT FOR LONDON!! Up to 80 exhibitors selling fine quality antique and collectable glass and ceramics including contemporary artists showing their own work. Poole; Powell; Moorcroft; Murray; Faience; Fat Lava etc etc. Glassblowing demonstration; refreshments; free parking. www.gcSE21.com 07887 762872

Directions
The Gallery is in Dulwich Village, sandwiched between College Road and Gallery Road, both have turnings off the South Circular Road, the A205.
Train: The best way to reach the Gallery is by train from either Victoria to West Dulwich or London Bridge to North Dulwich.  Both train journeys take approximately 10 minutes with a 10 minute level walk from the station to the Gallery: Victoria Station - West Dulwich Station (the Orpington line, Travelcard Zone 3) Monday-Saturday: Trains leave Victoria 4 times an hour at 6, 21, 36, 51 past the hour, from platforms 1-8 Sunday: Trains leave Victoria twice an hour at 22 and 52 past the hour, from platforms 1-8 Turn right out of West Dulwich station and take the first left, Gallery Road.  Walk to the end of the road, the Gallery is on the right hand side London Bridge - North Dulwich (Travelcard Zones 2 and 3) Trains leave every 10 minutes (call 08457 484950 for more details). Turn left out of North Dulwich station and walk through Dulwich Village to the Gallery.Please do not alight at East Dulwich station, it is a long distance from the Gallery. www.dulwich.org.uk/

Eridge Park

Eridge Park Estate is situated on the borders of Kent & Sussex, within easy access of Tunbridge Wells town centre and its main line station providing regular services to London. Dating back to the 1450s Eridge Park retains many of the features from its historical past and extends to approximately 3000 acres. The vast unspoilt landscape features lakes, springs, caves, woodland, farmland and countryside.

On the site where Eridge Castle once stood is now the main residence, rebuilt in the 1930s in neo-Georgian style. The grounds and gardens are designed to benefit from the panoramic views out across to Britain's oldest deer park and the ancient woodland.

There is in excess of 1000 acres of woodland ranging from more open parkland style planting to the ancient woodland located at Saxonbury Hill, site of an iron age hill fort and Saxonbury Tower.

Numerous buildings and places of interest are located within the estate including hunting lodges, castle-like follies, stables and courtyards, rock out crops and caves, not to mention the cricket pitch and pavilion and some of the rarest breeds of Shire horses. In addition there there is plenty of vehicle access, parking facilities and helicopter landing areas. Hot air balloons are also able to take off from Eridge.

Click here to see it on the map

Directions By Car From M25 Junction 5, follow A21 to Tonbridge, leaving at SOUTHBOROUGH exit and follow the signs for TUNBRIDGE WELLS and CROWBOROUGH. ERIDGE PARK is two miles from Tunbridge Wells on the A26 Crowborough road. Turn left opposite Eridge church.

By Train From CHARING CROSS to TUNBRIDGE WELLS on the HASTINGS line. Eridge Park is a short taxi ride from Tunbridge Wells station.

www.eridgepark.co.uk
click for map

Gatcombe Park

Gatcombe Park is the home of Anne Princess Royal in the county of Glocestershire near the village of Minchinhampton an ancient market town. The grounds are well known for hosting the Festival of British Eventing over the first weekend of August. Organised by Mark Phillips with considerable input from Her Royal Highness, the event attracts the world's top olympians and over 40,000 paying spectators, as well as BBC television coverage. The estate also holds two smaller Horse Trials, in the Spring and Autumn, whose courses are designed by HRH.
The area has an air of serene calm with misty rolling hills and very carfully placed dry stone walls. It would difficult to find a better spot to paint a picture or take atmosheric photographs
On the nearby common Iron Age tribesmen of Gloucestershire made their final stand against the massive Roman invasion on Minchinhampton Common. Survivors eventually fled to the north. Some earthworks, known as 'the Bulwarks,' evidence of these ancient fortifications, are now open to people, grazing horses, cows and golfers.

Directions
from the M4 Junction 15 follow A419 to Stroud Junction 17 follow A429 to Malmesbury and B4014 through Tetbury Junction 18 follow A46 to Stroud, follow signs to Minchinhampton All routes to the Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park will be signed. From the M5 Junction 13 follow A419 to Stroud then follow signs to the event
Trains and coaches
For Trains to Stroud please call National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950. you will then need to get a TAXI to the event: Taxi service Stroud Station Taxis - 01453 755055 1A Taxis - 01453 835444 A & A Taxis Stroud - 01453 767777 (This is a selection of taxi numbers taken from the yellow pages and are not in anyway connected to craft and country fair) Any other enquires try the tourist board for further local information- 01453 760960

Hertfordshire Game & Country Fair

The Hertfordshire County Show can trace its origins back to 1879 when a ploughing match was arranged by the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society in the grounds of Hatfield House. Today the Show is still run by the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society but it is much, much more than a ploughing match.

Directions
The Showground is located 300 metres from Junction 9 of the M1. The Showground is signposted from the motorway.
www.hertsshow.com

Hylands Park

Hylands Park is open every day from 7.30am. Enjoy the tranquillity that 574 acres of parkland has to offer, including recreational ancient woodland, grassland, lakes, ponds and gardens.New Hylands Adventure Castle Play Area is open at the Writtle end of the Park!

Pleasure Gardens
The formal Pleasure Gardens, situated to the west of Hylands House, are ideal for quiet contemplative strolls. They consist of a variety of planting styles from the Victorian to Edwardian era and include a small rectangular goldfish pond with an arbour on either side
This was once the site of a magnificent 300 foot long glazed conservatory, built between 1819 and 1825

One World Garden
The One World Garden was designed to celebrate the World Scout Jamboree held at Hylands Park in 2007 and is one of the most exciting contemporary gardens created within East Anglia
The design was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the ideals of the Scouting Association, and an understanding of the Estate's historical background Each of the garden areas represents a child's journey through life to adulthood Visitors can also take a walk to the Serpentine Lake, enjoy refreshments from Hutton's Courtyard Cafe and browse the Gift Shop in the Stables Visitor Centre or learn about the restoration work at Hylands House.

Directions
The Showground is located 300 metres from Junction 9 of the M1. The Showground is signposted from the motorway.
www.hertsshow.com

Kedleston Hall and Park

Kedleston was the home of the Curzon family, Lords Scarsdale, who arrived here in the 12th century. Kedleston Hall is a classical Palladian mansion built for the first Baron Scarsdale between 1759 and 1765. Three architects were involved - Matthew Brettingham of Nottingham drew up the first design which included the colonnades, but he was superseded by Jame Paine who designed and built the centre block, and the building was completed by Robert Adam. The interior includes the Marble Hall and is one of the best examples of Robert Adam's interiors in England, all the more because it has seen very little alteration since its completion. The state rooms are on a grand scale and have particularly good collections of paintings and original furniture. A museum of remarkable furniture and artefacts collected by Lord Curzon (1859 - 1925) when he was Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905 is housed in the Eastern Museum. The gardens were landscaped in the 1760s as a fashionable 'Pleasure Ground' of the period and a 'ha ha' allows uninterrupted views of the parkland and grazing areas beyond. There are numerous sculptures and architectural features with a summer house and an orangery. A sunken rose bed and finely stocked shrub and flower beds complete a charming and relaxed area. Only the small church remains from the original village of Kedleston, which was moved 2km in 1757 by Sir Nathaniel Curzon, first Baron Scarsdale, to take it away from the new house. Built originally in the 13th Century the church retains many interesting features but is dominated by a flamboyant tomb to Lord Curzon who was Viceroy of India. His effigy lies next to his first wife as he planned the tomb well in advance of his death. History does not record how his second wife viewed his final resting place! The Park covers 820 acres and was also designed by Robert Adam who created the five lakes as well as various smaller buildings and walks. Entrance to the Park takes you over the Adam Bridge and the lakes are home to a variety of wildfowl. There are two established walks of one and two hours duration and tours are available of the Fishing Room and Boat Houses which have been recently restored. There are picnic tables near the car park. -

Directions
By Road:Kedleston Hall lies just near to the village of Kedleston, off the minor road which links Derby with Weston Underwood. Take the road north out of Derby (Kedleston Road) past Derby University and then fork left.
By Bus: The 109 service between Derby and Ashbourne goes past the gate. It is a walk of about 2km from there through the park to the house
By Train: Derby is the nearest railway station. When is it open? The House and church are open from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm (last entry 4.00pm) from February 20th to November 3rd - Saturday-Wednesday. Gardens are open between the same dates 10.00am to 6.00pm every day.

Knebworth House

One of England's most beloved stately homes, Knebworth House is famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words "The pen is mightier than the sword" -

Directions
this beautiful gothic mansion is situated 29 miles north of London off the A1(M) at Stevenage.
www.knebworthhouse.com

The Centre Milton Key

Osmaston Park

This privately owned beautiful and dramatic 3000-acre park used to have Osmaston Manor at its heart. Sadly the house, like many others, became too much of a financial burden for the family and was demolished in 1965.

However, the old manor site has recently been restored and although the house itself is missing, the surrounding grassed terraces, ponds, stone steps and balustrades are now intact and provide a spectacular and unusual setting for events. From this site, the views over the lakes, woods and parkland are truly magnificent.

Directions
Osmaston village is I mile south east of Ashbourne, just off the A52 Derby road.
You will find the entrance to Osmaston Park in the village of Osmaston next to the duck pond.
www.osmastonpark.com

Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle has been the home of my family for over 600 years. It was built by my ancestor, Sir Philip Courtenay in the 14th century, and, despite many alterations and additions, he and his many descendants would hopefully still recognise it today.

It is an honour to live in such beautiful and historic surroundings, and it gives the family great pleasure to share it with many visitors each year. There is so much to see, enjoy and appreciate that we could never take full value from it ourselves. Nor, frankly, could we afford to maintain it without their help and support.

You are therefore doubly welcome. Your visit makes a contribution to our shared heritage, and we hope that as a result you will grow to love and respect what is one of the oldest family homes in England.

Directions
10mins from M5 Jctn 30 on the A379 Dawlish Road
www.powderham.co.uk/

Raby Castle

Every room in Raby Castle, from the magnificent Barons' Hall, where 700 knights gathered to plot the 'Rising of the North', to the Mediaeval Kitchen which was used until 1954, gives an insight to life throughout the ages. Home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626, Raby is one of finest medieval Castle's in England. Built by the mighty Nevill family in the 14th Century, Raby remained in the Nevill family until 1569 when after the failure of the Rising of the North, the Castle and it's lands were forfeited to the crown. In 1626, Sir Henry Vane the Elder purchased Raby from the crown, and the Castle has remained in the Vane family ever since.

Directions
leave the A1(M) at Junction 58, travel towards West Auckland, turning left on to the A688 towards Barnard Castle - Raby Castle is on the right hand side.
www.rabycastle.com

Sandringham

In 1968 an area of 142 hectares (350 acres) of The Queen's private Estate at Sandringham was designated as a Country Park. It has subsequently been enlarged so that today nearly 243 hectares (600 acres) are available for visitors to enjoy.

Directions
Sandringham is 6 miles north-east of King's Lynn and is signposted from the A148 Fakenham road and the A149 Hunstanton road.
www.sandringhamestate.co.uk/

Sledmere House

Described by many as the Yorkshire Wolds Premier Stately Home Sledmere House has become a haven of history, peace and beauty.

Sledmere House is the home of Sir Tatton Sykes, 8th Baronet. There has been a Manor House at Sledmere since medieval times.

The present house was begun in 1751 by Richard Sykes and extended in the 1790's by Sir Christopher Sykes 2nd Baronet.

The building that Sir Christopher Sykes extended and redecorated in the 1780's and 1790's was gutted by a fire in 1911, but through careful restoration most people still think of Sledmere House as a eighteenth-century house.

Directions
Sledmere House & Estate are just 7 miles northwest of Driffield, a scenic 25 mile drive from York, 19 miles from Scarborough and just 10 miles from Beverley.
www.sledmerehouse.com/

St Ives

The Burgess Hall adjoining One Leisure St Ives Indoor is the premier entertainment, events and conferencing venue in Huntingdonshire. The facility is fully air conditioned and boasts a professional sound and lighting system, video and projector with long throw lens and a semi-sprung dance floor. In addition to the main hall there are a number of other rooms available.

Directions
Tatton Park is signposted from Junction 7 of the M56 and Junction 19 of the M6. The entrance to the park is approximately half a mile from Knutsford Railway Station.
/www.tattonpark.org.uk/

Tatton Park

A day at Tatton Park has much to offer, its two historic houses, the Mansion and Tudor Old Hall, are set in 1000 acres of beautiful parkland with lakes, tree-lined avenues and herds of red and fallow deer. Award-winning gardens, a working farm, speciality shops and a superb programme of special events complete the picture.

Directions
Tatton Park is signposted from Junction 7 of the M56 and Junction 19 of the M6. The entrance to the park is approximately half a mile from Knutsford Railway Station.
/www.tattonpark.org.uk/

Thame Showground

Thame Easter Country Show - held at Thame Showground, Oxon. Now in its 10th year the Show has increased in popularity.Although the first official show of the Thame Agricultural Association was held in October 1888, the origins started over thirty years before that date.

During October of 1855, Mr D Prowting, a representative of Messrs. Howard’s, Ploughmakers, met with Mr Joseph Dodwell and Mr A R Howland, both of Thame, with a view to holding a Ploughing Match. Agreement was reached and Mr T Smith of Brill and Mr J T Shrimpton of Thame were made Honorary Secretaries. On Thursday 25th October 1855 the first Ploughing Match of Thame took place.

This event was a huge success with twenty-six teams competing for eight prizes.

For some eight years preceding this event, Thame had held a Horticultural Society Show. Following the success of the Ploughing Match, it was agreed that these two events should be combined. In 1855 Thame Agricultural and Horticultural Society was formed. This later became Thame Agricultural Association and the show, Thame Show.

The Thame Showground was borne - a purpose built venue that is the perfect setting for our various events in South Oxfordshire. 

Directions
M40 At junction 8a, take the A418 exit to A40/Oxford/Thame/Aylesbury
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A418 heading to A329/Wallingford/Thame/Aylesbury
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A418
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A4129/Kingsey Rd show ground is on the left. OX9 3JL

Trinity Park

Trinity Park is the ideal venue to stage any kind of corporate function from conferences and award ceremonies to meetings, team briefings and product launches.
Our new Conference and Events Centre is a landmark building, specially designed to offer state of the art event facilities and a uniquely flexible layout. It can be arranged as a single space, seating 1000 theatre-style or 400 for dinner. Moveable walls allow the room to be divided into six separate areas to host smaller events such as team briefings and breakfast meetings or lunches. Designed with the demands of the business world in mind, the Conference and Events Centre offers the very latest in audio visual technology.

Directions
From the A14Trinity Park is on the outskirts of Ipswich, just off the A14. From the A14 take the exit sign-posted Lowestoft A12 and Ipswich East. At the roundabout take the A1156 towards Ipswich. (From the West this will be the third exit and you will pass under the flyover, from the East this will be the first exit). Travel for a little over a mile, passing a Honda Garage on your right, until you come to a roundabout. Take the third exit at the roundabout to enter Trinity Park. From the South - London, Chelmsford & Colchester.Travel along the A12 until it joins the A14 and follow signs for Felixstowe, traveling over the Orwell Bridge. Follow directions from the A14 detailed above. From the North - Lowestoft & Great YarmouthExist the A12 at the Seven Hills Roundabout, pass under the bridge (A14) and follow the A1156 towards Ipswich. Travel a little over a mile, passing a Honda Garage on your right, until you come to a roundabout. Take the third exit at the roundabout to enter Trinity Park.
www.trinityparkevents.co.uk

The Monmouth Showground

Situated on the banks of the River Wye, the Monmouthshire showground is a fantastic green field site in the heart of Monmouthshire’s Wye Valley. The 96 acres of prime land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 44 mile / 72km stretch of the River Wye winds down through the valley through spectacular limestone gorge scenery and dense ravine woodlands. Superb wildlife, intriguing archaeological and industrial remains and impressive geological features all make it into one of the most fascinating Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Designated in 1971, this unique landscape straddles the border between England and Wales. It includes areas within Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. The Monmouth Country Fair held at The New Monmounth Showground, Off the A466 Monmouth - Chepstow Road.

Directions
The Monmouth Showground (NP25 3LX) is located on the outskirts of Monmouth, bisected by the A466 Redbrook Road, between Chepstow and Monmouth. From the North - Via the M50 Ross-on-Wye and A40 dual-carriageway to Monmouth. From the South West - Via the A449 and A40 dual-carriageway. From Gloucester and the East – Via A4136 Huntley to Staunton Road. In Monmouth take A466 towards Chepstow. From Chepstow and the South – Via the A466 Chepstow to Monmouth road.

Thoresby Park

Thoresby Park is Robin Hood country and home to a gallery of Arts & Crafts, a Grade I listed mansion and over 1000 acres of grounds The park was laid out in the 17th century in a formal, geometric, Jacobean style. This was subsequently softened and rounded on the advice of Capability Brown, then Humphrey Repton and Nesbit, all of whom we must thank for most of the mature landscape that we now enjoy. Thorseby Courtyard holds the Gallery with its rich variety of prints, textiles and ceramics plus a framing service, a glass studio, a craft corner, a jewellery studio, confectioners, ladieswear shop and cafe amongst others. The mansion is now Thoresby Hall Hotel & Spa and provides luxury breaks in magnificent surroundings. The hall is an architectural delight designed by Salvin and for Earl Manvers in the 1860s.

Directions
Thoresby Park is approximately 22 miles North of Nottingham City centre.
Follow the signs from the A614, A1, A616 and A6075. NG22 9EH

Thorsby Park website

Woburn Abby

The Abbey is built mainly of a local stone called Totternhoe Clunch, a rather soft and porous material, which causes many problems. There is a restoration programme of the main fabric of the house which spans five to ten years.
The Parks Department is responsible for the maintenance of the 3000 acres within the walls. Each year they plant one hundred standard oak trees, plus any replacements for trees lost or damaged in gales.
There are nine species of deer in the park, looked after all year round by the Head Verdurer. Amongst them are the Père David, which originated in China.
In 1985, Lord Tavistock donated 22 deer to the Chinese Government, and they have adapted successfully to their new home, now boasting a population of 360 in their home just south of Peking.
The history of the house begins in 1145. Hugh de Bolebec founded a religious house for a group of Cistercian monks, with the monastic buildings following the usual Cistercian pattern.
Thus, the north wing is on the site of the monastic church and the present courtyard is on the site of the great cloister and garth. In 1538 the Abbot, Robert Hobbes, was found guilty of treason and the monastery confiscated. Legend states that he was hanged from an oak tree at the Abbey's gate.
Edward VI granted Woburn Abbey to Sir John Russell in 1547, though it did not become a family home until 1619. In 1747, the Fourth Duke commissioned Henry Flitcroft to rebuild the west range, including the grand series of staterooms. In 1802, Humphry Repton landscaped the park as it appears today.

Directions
Take exit 13 off the M1 motorway, or leave the A5 at Hockliffe for the A4012. Woburn Abbey is well signed from these locations.

Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park offers visitors an amazing opportunity to see animals who are free to roam - a day you'll never forget! Summer visits average about 6 hours long - you can repeat the Road safari as many times as you like and then spend the rest of the day at the Wild World Leisure area for more interaction with the animals, the Mammoth Play Ark for indoor fun, Junglies Gift Shop and the two restaurants.

Directions
From the M1 - Follow signs to Woburn Safari Park from the M1 junction 12 or 13. From the A5, follow signs to Woburn village. Woburn Safari Park is signposted from here. For Satellite Navigation systems please enter MK17 9QN, Crawley Road.
Woburn Safari Park