.jpg) |
EXCURSIONS MAY 2008
FRIDAY 2ND MAY
AUDLEY END HOUSE & GARDENS
(Guided Tour of House)
Audley End House, Saffron Walden, Essex remains one of England's grandest country homes with over 30 lavishly and sumptously decorated rooms to enjoy and explore. Walden Abbey as it was then called was given to Sir Thomas Audley by King Henry V111 and it was he who transformed it into a mansion. The Baron Braybrooke filled it with treasures including paintings by Masters such as Holbein and Canaletto, rare tapestries and exquisite furntiure and furnishings after he inherited the property in 1825. Surrounded by the beautiful 19th century parterre with magnificent floral displays, the grounds and lake will be a delight.
FRIDAY 9TH MAY
EASTBOURNE
A walk along the prom, shopping, a leisurely lunch - the choice is yours.
|
.jpg) |
THURSDAY 15TH MAY
BLUEBELL RAILWAY & SHEFFIELD PARK GARDENS
A 90 minute train ride from Sheffield Park Station on the Bluebell Railway watching the countryside go by is a lovely way to spend a morning followed by a visit to Sheffield Park Gardens. This is a magnificent 'Capability Brown' landscaped garden with waterfalls, cascades and lakes with a profusion of colour all year round including spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas. Tea romms at Sheffield Park Station and Restaurant/Tea room at Sheffeild Park Gardens.
TUESDAY 20TH MAY
CHAVENAGE
This is a wonderful and highly amusing guided tour by the owners of this delightful Elizabethan house in the Cotswolds which houses tapestries, fine furniture, pictures and many interesting rooms. Used for many film and television locations the owners will tell stories and make the history of the house come to life in this very personal and intimate tour. January 08 will see the start of 2Lark Rise to Candleford" starring Dawn French on BBC1 Sunday evenings - Chavenage is 2Candleford Manor" - Watch with interest!
Tea/Coffee and cakes are included.
|
.jpg) |
THURSDAY 22ND MAY
MICHELHAM PRIORY & GARDENS
Nesling deep in the East Sussex countryside is the beautiful historic property of Michelham Priory. Dating back to 1229, Michelham boasts England's longest medieval water-filled moat and is steeped in history and offers much interest to visitors. Known as the "Island of History", you will have the opportunity to explore the 14th century gatehouse, magnificent Tudor Mansion and the working watermill. Surrounded by superbly kept gardens, ingenious planting offers a continual display of colour and beaurty while th Cloister, kitchen and Physic gardens add extra interest. Well stocked gift shop/self service licensed restaurant or plenty of areas for a picnic.
TUESDAY 27TH MAY
THAMES RIVER CRUISE
CAVERSHAM TO HENLY
Following the success of our Thames river cruise in 2007 we are again boarding from the Thameside Promenade at Caversham. This year our cruise will take us in the opposite direction passing through Sonning and Shiplake, meandering through until we reach the Victorian and Edwardian splendour of Henley renowned for its Regatta. Witness the tranquil rural scenery and see the opulent mansions with their lawns stretching down to the river whilst enjoying your lunch which is included in the price. This is a 3 hour cruise starting at 1200hrs and finishing at Henly at 1500hrs where your coach will be waiting for you.
|
