CULTURE 09

Enjoy the summer with Historic Houses Association

With the meteorologists predicting the imminent arrival of an Indian summer allied to the weakness of sterling the prospects for visitors staying at home in Britain  are enhanced by the number of varied and unusual events that are to take place at Britain’s stately homes and castles across the nation. Ranging from the Potters’ Festival at Hutton in the Forest in Cumbria to the ‘Create your own Egyptian’ at Chiddingstone Castle in Kent, there is a country house near you that not only shows you its history but also hosts events for all the family.

Among other events taking place this summer are:

Hever Castle will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne on 18th and 19th July.  The Knights of Royal England return for the first of the annual jousting tournaments and there will also be have-a-go archery, costumed dancers, minstrels and a children's competition for the best dressed princess and knight.

Come and Support the War Effort at Hedingham Castle on 26 July. The owners have allowed the keep to be commandeered as an army base and the grounds to be put to good use in Digging for Victory. Learn what it is like on the Home Front; see how people manage with the rationing. Displays include a wide and interesting selection of Military Vehicles.

Levens Hall will host the 2nd The Lakes Chilli Fest on 15th & 16th August. The growing popularity of hot food together with the ever-growing range of chilli products now available has prompted this entertaining weekend…

Visit the family’s kitchen garden at  Ragley Hall with the Head Gardener and on 21 August you can lift a selection of vegetables which will be cooked by the Head Chef and accompanied by a delicious BBQ from Ragley Estate Meats -  Fork to Fork 7pm – 10pm

All these venues are members of the Historic Houses Association (HHA), which represents 1,500 historic properties across the UK.  Visit www.hha.org.uk to find out more about the Association and details of events at Member houses this summer.

http://www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/whatson.html

http://www.potfest.co.uk/parkposter.pdf

http://www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk/

http://www.levenshall.co.uk/

http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/WhatsOn.aspx

http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/

http://www.ragleyhall.com/events.html