There's some important information that applies to all outings. Please click here to read it.

Below are the outings for 2010. You need to book using the form in the March 2010 newsletter. 

Click the clock to see the pick-up timetables .Click on the symbol to go the venue's website. 

There are pictures from some earlier outings on the Photo Galleries page

Date

Outing details

Thursday 19 August

2010

This visit has a late start - see timetables

BUCKLER’S HARD, Beaulieu, Hampshire

The unique and picturesque village of Buckler’s Hard is situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River in Hampshire. The ‘Maritime Museum and Buckler’s Hard Story’ with its reconstructed 18th century cottage interiors  give an insight into its history and the river on which it stands. Buckler’s Hard developed as a thriving shipbuilding village where ships of war for Nelson’s Navy were built, including 3 which took part in the Battle of Trafalgar. The museum houses models of these ships and Nelson memorabilia. The site has remained almost unchanged since the 16th century, so might be less suitable for disabled members. There are a number of gravel paths and narrow doorways. The Maritime Museum is on various levels reflecting the architecture of the time. The Captain’s Cabin Café offers light refreshments, while the Master Builder’s House Hotel has a buffet and public bar, with a restaurant offering cooked meals. A 30 minute cruise on the Beaulieu River is included in this outing

Members £18.50  Non-members £19.50

Wednesday 8 September 2010

This visit has an early start - see timetables

TYNTESFIELD, Wraxall, North Somerset.  NT

Situated on a ridge overlooking the Yeo Valley,  Tyntesfield is a Gothic Revival extravaganza inspired and remodelled by John Norton in c.1864 for William Gibbs,  a successful merchant. The mansion survives intact with a wealth of Victorian decorative arts, and was saved for the nation by the National Trust in  2002. Tyntesfield offers a glimpse of life ‘below stairs’ , a sumptuously decorated private chapel, formal gardens, and a wonderful walled kitchen garden.  The property is described as one of the most exciting projects of the National Trust due to its innovative approach to allowing access to the ongoing conservation. Visitors will see estate building and conservation work in progress.  Access to parts of the house will be restricted for health and safety reasons. There is partial access for disabled visitors. 

Members will recall visiting this property in 2004, but it will be interesting to see how further work is being carried out. There is still no restaurant or teashop, but light refreshments are available from the kiosk. It was a very hot day on our last visit, allowing us to enjoy a picnic on the sloping lawns just outside the house. Members could take a picnic lunch again if they choose, and a light, portable garden chair is recommended.

Members £25  Non-members £26

Friday 8 October

2010

Barrington Court

Lytes Cary

Morning BARRINGTON COURT (NT), Ilminster Somerset 

Afternoon LYTES CARY MANOR (NT), Charlton Mackrell, Somerset.

The charming formal garden at Barrington Court, influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, is laid out in a series of walled rooms, including the White Garden, The Rose and Iris Garden and the Lily Garden. The working Kitchen Garden has espaliered apple, pear and plum trees trained along high stone walls. In 2010 visitors will have the unique experience of seeing the ‘bare bones’ of a restored Tudor house without the distractions of furnishings, making it possible to more readily appreciate the architecture of the rooms. Two catering options are available – the Strode Restaurant offering  more formal dining, overlooking the Lily Garden and the self-service Beagles Café.

In the afternoon we pay a short visit to Lytes Cary Manor. Depending upon the size of the coach needed, it may be necessary for members to walk 300 metres from the drop-off point to the main reception area, which as a farm track can be muddy and uneven, so possibly not suitable for a disabled visitor. Refreshments are served from a small kiosk where hot and cold drinks, cakes, and ice cream may be purchased. The house has a 14th century chapel and 15th century Great Hall which was much added to in the 16th century. In the 20th century it was rescued from dereliction by Sir Walter Jenner who refurnished the interiors in period style. The garden has mixed borders, topiary, and a herbal border based on the famous 16th century Lytes Herbal , which can be seen in the house.

Members £15  Non-members £16

The Outings for 2012 will appear on the site as soon as possible after the publication of the March 2012 Newsletter

Planned venues include Exbury, Castle Drogo, Lacock Abbey, Dyrham Park, the Olympic Stadium Site, Edmondsham House and Wisley