Wednesday 14^th August 2019 – Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle has been the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland’s family since 1067.  It is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the world.  The castle today was built in the early 1800s for the 5th Duke and is the fourth castle to stand on this site.  It houses numerous paintings and treasures that have been collected by the family for nearly 1,000 years.

The gardens have undergone several changes over the centuries including bringing the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition.  There are also walks through formal gardens, woodland, Japanese, Duchess’s and Hermit’s gardens.

Our visit will include travel by coach, arrival coffee or tea and biscuits.  We then split into 2 groups.  Group 1 will tour the house while group 2 explore the gardens.  Then we have a 2 course lunch with coffee or tea.  In the afternoon, group 2 tour the house while group 1 visit the gardens.  The coach then takes us to the Engine Yard retail village before returning home.

Ticket price £51

Tickets available before both lectures in May 2019 and subsequent meetings if any remain.

Click here for the Belvoir Castle website.

Image – Belvoir Castle © By Nancy, Used under Licence: Creative Commons by SA 3.0

Wednesday 20^th May 2020 – Chatsworth

Chatsworth, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549.  It is a beautiful grade 1 listed English Baroque house in Derbyshire. The house is set in expansive parkland and contains an important collection of paintings, furniture, old master drawings, neoclassical sculptures, books and other artefacts.

Following our recent excellent study day on Chatsworth, and by popular demand, we will re-visit the house.

After our coach journey, there will be time to wander round the grounds before a special treat of lunch in a private dining room.

In the afternoon we will have a full tour of the house in small groups to learn more about the wonderful treasures to be found there.

Chatsworth has been selected several times as the nation’s favourite Country House.

Ticket price £65

Ticket availability to be advised at a later date.

Click here for the Chatsworth website.

Image – Chatsworth © By Tookapic, Used under Licence: Pexels

Wednesday 19^th August 2020 – Weston Park

Weston Park in Shropshire is the former home of the Earls of Bradford. The opulent 17^th century Mansion, housing some wonderful fine art, is set in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds.

The Mansion contains tributes to the 3rd Earl’s love of horses. The Victorian library contains over 3,000 books and has unique Goblin tapestries, specially commissioned for the house.  The stunning dining room houses one of the country’s most impressive collections of paintings including works by renowned artists such as Sir Anthony Van Dyck.

The visit will include travel by coach, coffee on arrival, and time to explore the grounds.  We will then have a two course lunch.

After lunch we will split into 2 groups.  Group 1 will tour “The Mansion and its art work”, while group 2 will have a “Behind the Scenes” tour.

Between the tours we will have tea and cake to revive us. The groups will then swap over for the tours before departure.

Ticket price £56

Ticket availability to be advised at a later date.

Click here for the Weston Park website.

Image – Weston Park © Weston Park website