Programme of Visits 2012 Thursday 19th April
2012 -
Thursday 17th May 2012 - Lewes and Borde Hill House & Gardens Wednesday 20th June 2012. - Winchester and Mottisfont Abbey Thursday 19th July 2012 - Wednesday 15th
August 2012 - Wednesday 12th September 2012. -Rochester and Hall Place and Gardens Thursday 4th October
2012- |
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Lewes and Borde Hill
House & Gardens
Lewes is our coffee stop, an old and interesting town worth a browse and a wander. At Borde Hill we have been invited to visit the house - a rare opportunity as large groups are not normally allowed access. It dates back to the 16th century but has since been extended. The family (now the Stephenson-Clarkes) travelled extensively and brought back many unusual artefacts which are worth viewing, as are the stalactite plaster ceilings. Although large and grand, the house exudes a warm and cheerful atmosphere. The gardens are impressive with a lovely rose garden, a Garden of Allah, a Mediterranean garden, an Italian garden and lakes and ponds. The old potting sheds now house some tender and exotic plants and the Victorian greenhouses are home to figs established way back in Victorian times. There are many species of trees and a lot of them are unique. Those that are listed as 'Champions' are among the tallest, or of the widest girth, in Britain. No doubt you will want to try the restaurant and sample some of the food which includes pastries, home made cakes and delicious savoury dishes. There is much to see and to do at Borde Hill and we think that you will spend a memorable afternoon there. The cost of this outing is £23.00 |
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Winchester and Mottisfont Abbey We stop at the ancient town of Winchester for refreshments or some enjoyable sightseeing, then it is on to Mottisfont Abbey, originally a 13th Century priory. Mottisfont is famous for its national collection of old fashioned roses and we will be visiting when they are in full bloom and wonderfully fragrant. The house is set in glorious grounds alongside the River Test. Take a riverside walk, watch for wildlife, see the huge and ancient trees, including plane, cedar, sweet chestnut, beech and an oak which is thought to be as old as the medieval abbey itself. Wandering around the house you will discover one of its most intriguing features, the drawing room with its eye-tricking design and as well as the customary well stocked bookshop, a well stocked second hand bookshop. There is a cafe, of course, and an extra treat - an ice cream parlour with a delicious choice of local ice creams. The last private owner, Maud Russell, is said to have led a racy and exciting life and while we cannot promise you that, we believe that your trip will be a very happy and pleasurable one. The cost of this outing is £22.00 or £14 for National Trust members (NT cards must be brought on the day) |
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The Glasshouse continues to impress members
and visitors with its world-class plant displays. Inside, a series of
computer-controlled environments recreate desert, rainforest and tropical
conditions that support more than 5,000 tender plant varieties including some
rare, vulnerable or endangered species. Those who are eager to participate in the
grow-your-own trend will find a visit to the Fruit Field and the Model Fruit
and Vegetable Gardens on Weather Hill most worthwhile. |
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This is an enchanting
historic house, c1470, in the picturesque award-winning downland Listed by ‘The
Independent’ as one of The five acres of
gardens include the Victorian ‘Secret’ Garden with its 40-metre fruit wall,
original heated pineapple pits and stove house. The Rose Garden was planted to
commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The |
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Wednesday 12th
September 2012. Rochester and Hall Place and Gardens We have chosen a favourite town for our first stop and historic Rochester has many delightful eating places. In the afternoon we are off to Hall Place where there is so much to see.
The house was built in the reign of Henry VIII in an intricate chequered
brickwork style, there is an impressive Long Gallery and Great Chamber and Early
Settlers Gallery and many fascinating objects collected over the years. Outside you
really are spoilt for choice with several gardens to visit, including an
extensive fruit and vegetable garden, a secret garden, horticultural centre and
nursery and sub-tropical plant houses. A topiary garden was planted in 1953 to
celebrate the Queen's Coronation and is now fully grown with examples of the
Queen's Beasts modelled on the originals at Hampton Court Palace. Many species
of birds have been identified on the site, including the elusive and brilliant Kingfisher. Do come and see for yourself - it's different! The cost of this outing is £18.00 |
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Thursday 4th October
2012 |