Simply French - A Great Day Out For All French Motoring Enthusiasts!

This year Beaulieu will be returning to its French roots, holding its first every Simply French rally on Sunday 8th July in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. This fantastic themed event is set to be a great day out for French car enthusiasts and families alike.

All owners of French vehicles are welcome to drive down to Beaulieu and display their cars in the picturesque Beaulieu parkland. It’s a great opportunity to meet other like-minded enthusiasts, admire their vehicles, as well as enjoying everything the Beaulieu attraction has to offer. All French marques are welcome at the event, from the major manufacturers such as Renault, Peugeot and Citroen, to the lesser known Aixam and Gordini.

The day will feature a cavalcade around the attraction and a display in the Arena of a selection of vehicles chosen from all the rally participants. Visitors to Beaulieu will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite vehicle in the line-up, and at approximately 2.45pm the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced and presented with a special edition Beaulieu Trophy, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Beaulieu attraction.

As France is renowned for its fine cuisine, the Brabazon Restaurant will be taking on a French theme for the day, serving foods inspired by the country.

For entrants arriving on the day in their French vehicle and participating in the event, individual ticket prices are £10 per adult and £5 per child. Camping in the Beaulieu parkland is now available for rally participants on the nights of the 7th and 8th July at £7 per person per night. Pre-booking for camping is essential.

Book advance day or camping tickets at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or telephone 01590 612888, which you can also call for information on group/club entry. For all enquiries regarding French marque-related trade stands, telephone 01590 614614.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your French vehicle is from 9.30am when coffee and croissants will be available.

All other visitors who wish to see the event, but not participate in a French vehicle should enter Beaulieu via the Main Reception at normal attraction admission prices from 10am.

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum and its exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition showcasing 50 original James Bond vehicles, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

Simply French is part of a growing calendar of Simply rallies which has rapidly expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. All Simply rallies are run and organised by Beaulieu and take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. The latest additions to the Simply rallies for 2012 are Simply Japanese on 5thAugust, Simply 4x4 on 12th August and for this year only, a one-off Simply Bond rally on 29th July. For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

This event is sponsored by specialist motor insurance broker Adrian Flux.

Summer Fun For All The Family At Beaulieu 14th July – 2nd September 2012

Come to Beaulieu this summer, between 14th July and 2nd September, and join the Victorian house party in Palace House with music in the Lower Drawing Room, family games outside on the lawns and daily playlets to enjoy. See Veteran and Vintage cars motoring around the grounds, and watch the Victorian cyclist on his Penny Farthing. In the picturesque Beaulieu Abbey Cloisters, learn about the history of falconry and watch special daily flying demonstrations to see some of these amazing birds in flight.

Join the Victorian gardener for a tour of the Kitchen Garden where produce for Palace House is grown. Meet Brother William, the Cistercian monk who strolls the pathways of Beaulieu’s Abbey Cloisters and hear his talks on the folk law of herbs and the life of the monks who lived in the Abbey.

See the National Motor Museum’s exciting one-year-only exhibition, BOND IN MOTION, with 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films. Some of Bond’s most iconic vehicles are on display, including the aquatic Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me, the quirky ‘Little Nellie’ autogyro from You Only Live Twice and the vanishing Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day. There is also film clips and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from some of the most impressive vehicle stunts.

 View the museum’s collection of over 250 vehicles, from Land Speed Record Breakers to F1 racers, and take a ride on ‘Wheels’, a journey through 100 years of motoring history.  New for 2012, On Screen Cars has car stars of the TV and film world, including Mr Bean’s lime green Mini, Harry Potter’s ‘flying’ Ford Anglia and the DeLorean from Back To The Future. Enter the ‘World of Top Gear’ to see genuine cars from the presenters’ most ambitious challenges on the popular BBC motoring show.

Take a ride on the high-level Monorail to get a birds-eye view of the cars as you travel through the roof of the museum, see the sights from the open-topped replica 1912 London Bus or head to the Arena and get in the driving seat on the Go-Karts.*  

Budding young drivers can take to the road on Dipstick’s Driving Circuit** in mini motorised vehicles while younger visitors can enjoy the Mini Motor Play Trail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars. 

Beaulieu is open daily from 10am to 6pm. For further information visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

* A good value extra charge applies to this ride. Please check www.beaulieu.co.uk for Go Kart running dates. ** Height restrictions apply.                 

Simply American 2012 Round Up

A gathering of stunning American vehicles glinted in the sunshine at the inaugural Simply American event held last weekend at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Owners drove through the beautiful New Forest to Beaulieu and displayed their American vehicles in the grounds of the museum, enjoying the all-American atmosphere, the warm weather, and all the delights of the Beaulieu attraction.

Admiring the American cars

All major American marques and models could be spotted in the parkland, from sporty Chevrolet Corvettes and Ford Mustangs to luxury Cadillacs and Buicks. There were even a few American police patrol vehicles!

Event sponsor, Chevrolet, brought along a range of beautiful motors to display, from an eye-catching red Camaro with black racing stripes, and Chevrolet World Touring Car decked out in its racing colours, to one of the manufacturer’s newest products, an electric Volt, winner of the 2012 European Car of the Year. Visitors also tested out their skills on a Scalextric track.

On the Chevrolet stand by the Beaulieu Arena, the American Barndance Band played sets throughout the day, driving home the theme of the event.

American Barndance band

Throughout the day, Beaulieu’s visitors had an opportunity to vote for their favourite American vehicles in the People’s Choice Awards. The winning vehicle was a cream 1950 Mercury led-sled owned by Teri Smith from Christchurch, who had won the Best in Show award at Beaulieu’s Custom and Hot Rod Festival only the week before. Teri was presented with the Simply American People’s Choice Award and a bottle of Beaulieu Bubbly by the attraction’s Managing Director, Russell Bowman.

The runner-up was Paul Parker from Andover, with his 1993 Ruby Red Corvette – a special 40th anniversary edition. Paul, who has owned the vehicle for two years and is a member of the Corvette Owners’ Club, received a Beaulieu Trophy and bottle of Beaulieu Bubbly from Russell.

Visitors were treated to a rare sight of the top 12 stunning American vehicles taking part in a cavalcade around the picturesque parkland with their engines thrumming.

The next Simply American will take place in 2013 and information on this event will be available at www.beaulieuevents.co.uk nearer the time.

Unseen Old Master Drawings Confirmed for Chatsworth

Twelve of the finest Old Master Drawings from the Devonshire Collection, considered the greatest historic family collection after the Royal Collection at Windsor due to its scope and quality, have been confirmed for display in ‘World Class: Masterpieces from the Devonshire Collection’.

For the first time in more than 100 years (see notes to editors) Old Master Drawings from the collection will go on public display at Chatsworth in a new, purpose built Old Master Drawings Cabinet. Selected from more than 3000 works from both Italian and Northern Schools, the exhibition includes many of its greatest works and will run from 1 July to 9 November 2012.

Confirmed for the exhibition:

• Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino, A river in flood, and peasants with axes and other tools

• Brueghel the Elder, View of the Ripa Grande

• Annibale Carracci, A hunchback boy

• Dürer, Madonna and Child

• Leonardo da Vinci, Leda and the Swan (picture and see notes to editors)

• Claude Gellée, called Claude le Lorrain, Landscape with Christ Preaching the Sermon on the Mount

• Jan Gossaert, called Mabuse, Adam and Eve

• Raphael, Seated woman reading with child (picture and see notes to editors)

• Rembrandt, An Actor in His Dressing Room

• Rubens, A Peasant Girl Churning Butter

• Titian, Landscape: a rider-less horse pursued by a serpent

• Van Dyck, Pieter Brueghel the Younger

Visitors will walk through the most lavish, important rooms in the House (the 1st Duke’s State Apartment) to find themselves in a jewel-like collector’s cabinet with the Old Master Drawings on display at eye-level. 

Wall fabric selected by the Duchess with interior designer David Mlinaric will be hung with upper tiers of gilt-framed botanical drawings dating from the 1500s. To complement the drawings, Rembrandt’s ‘King Uzziah’ will hang above a Florentine pietra dura cabinet. A French Boulle marquetry cabinet housing ivories and Limoges enamels, which have been specially conserved, completes the display. The creation of a room with the correct lighting, environment and security will enable the Old Master Drawings to be shared with visitors on a regular basis.

The Old Master Drawings on show from 1 July will start a rolling exhibition drawn from more than 3000 works with each displayed for a limited time before it ‘goes dark’ (into store) for 3-6 years during which time it cannot be displayed.

The drawings were previously kept in albums at Devonshire House in London until the 19th century when the 6th Duke of Devonshire brought many of the family’s finest works of Art to Chatsworth. He removed several hundred from their albums to frame them but the display was dismantled in 1906 to prevent deterioration caused by light and environmental conditions and the drawings were put into storage.

The collection began with the acquisition in the 1680s of 14 landscapes by Guercino by the 1st Duke of Devonshire. The 2nd Duke was the principal collector and most of the drawings have been in the family since the 1720s.

Classic British Hotels Partner Treasure Houses

Quality hotel group Classic British Hotels has become the official accommodation partner for the Treasure Houses of England in 2012.

The group, which represents around 90 quality independent hotels throughout the UK, is renowned for its unique hotels, each with their own distinctive style.

As part of the new three year partnership, Classic British Hotels will be developing an exclusive range of special offers and benefits for Treasure Houses of England visitors which will be available via their dedicated Treasure Houses of England portal on their website, created specially to promote the partnership.

Len Louis, Chief Executive of Classic British Hotels said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside some of the finest palaces, historic houses and castles in the country. Our geographical spread means we have unique hotel accommodation available within easy reach of most of these stunning properties.

“We believe Classic’s individuality and emphasis on quality make it an excellent preferred accommodation provider for Treasure Houses,”

Presenting at Classic British Hotels recent members Forum at Blenheim Palace in May, John Hoy, Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace and the Treasure Houses of England spokesman said “We are delighted to have Classic British Hotels as our official accommodation partner and believe they are an excellent fit with the Treasure Houses of England.”

Classic British Hotels is the UK’s second largest upscale hotel brand with excellent coverage of the UK.  No other major quality hotel group has the leisure coverage in popular locations such as the Lake District, and the Cotswolds.

The majority of the hotels are 4-star and include some of the finest in their location.  Most hotels have been awarded AA Rosettes for their food and even a Michelin Star. Within the membership, you have hotels with excellent leisure clubs, health & beauty spas, and onsite golf courses.

Whilst the organisation is highly structured with all hotels exclusive to Classic, each hotel retains their own individuality and identity.  Classic British Hotels gives customers the assurance that each hotel is run with real passion and care to meet or exceed expectations. 

For further information about Classic British Hotels and all the latest offers, visit: http://treasurehouses.classicbritishhotels.com/

To celebrate the partnership visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk for a chance to win a 2-night break for two, including 3-course dinner and breakfast at a Classic British Hotel of your choice PLUS free VIP visit to the nearest Treasure House. 

“Double, double, toil and trouble” comes to Leeds Castle

From 28 – 30 June, the UK’s most acclaimed open-air theatre company - The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to Leeds Castle with their all male production of Shakespeare’s devastating and gripping thriller ‘Macbeth’.

Bring a picnic and enjoy this open air production performed in the stunning grounds of the castle.…but beware of witches and traitors!

Macbeth’s ghostly apparitions and action-packed sword fights are sure to get the heart racing. This dark tragedy will be performed on the Pavilion Lawn with the atmospheric backdrop of the 900 year old castle.

See Shakespeare’s play performed to the very highest standard at “the loveliest castle in the world” and in the way the Bard first envisioned - with an all-male cast, traditional costume and Elizabethan song and dance.

Mark Puddle, Founder and Creative Director of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men said:

“Macbeth has everything; a tragic love story, a lust for power and a drunken porter as well as fights, ghosts and plenty of blood! Macbeth has always been considered one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. The contrast of a beautiful summer’s evening and Macbeth’s tragic tale is a perfect fit for the famous castles and stately homes that we visit.”

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £12 for children under 16. Please visit leeds-castle.com or call the Leeds Castle box office on 01622 880008 to book (booking fee applies). Gates open at 6pm. Performance starts at 7pm.

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 and only one hour’s drive from London.

Polo Returns To One Of Yorkshire’s Finest Country Houses, Castle Howard, For Fifth Annual Tournament

What could be more quintessentially English during this Jubilee year than enjoying Pimms and a picnic alongside an exciting day of polo, all against the backdrop of one of the finest country houses Yorkshire has to offer?

White Rose Polo Club will be returning for the Castle Howard Cup on Sunday 24 June, sponsored by Paladin Capital. This tournament, which offers an ideal day out for all the family, is popular with spectators who come with cars to line the pitch in the beautiful grounds with a special polo picnic. The action begins at 10.30 as White Rose members compete against one another for a club trophy, before a professional club side takes on team Castle Howard in the afternoon in a battle to be crowned Paladin Capital Castle Howard Cup Champion 2012, one of the region’s most prestigious titles of the polo season. This match features some of the strongest players in the region, including White Rose Polo Coach, Tony Wesche, whose handicap of 2 goals places him in the top echelon of Yorkshire. Also playing will be Argentinian professional, Hugo Suarez, who heads up the ex-racehorse retraining programme for the club.

Each year a VIP marquee overlooks the pitch and offers spectacular views of Castle Howard – the perfect backdrop to the day’s exciting polo. VIP guests experience true indulgence in the form of food served by the Star Inn at Harome, washed down with plenty of Champagne – royal treatment at its finest in the most spectacular surroundings.

The gates open at 10.30am and tickets can be booked by phoning Sarah at White Rose Polo on 01430 875767 or by visiting the website www.whiterosepolo.co.uk

Children experience stately life in Victorian Times

Local school children were transported back to the Victorian era during a visit to Holkham Hall which featured a top hat, a tiara and a feather duster.

Fifteen pupils aged six to 11 from Holkham House at Brancaster CE VA Primary School discovered at first hand what it was like to be part of life in a stately home in Victorian times by taking on various roles from the household.

The children each chose a prop from a selection of items including a shaving brush, top hat, tiara and feather duster.  Viscountess Coke gave a tour of the Hall with the children playing the role of the person who would have used that item.

In the dining room those playing the Earl and Countess of Leicester put on their top hat and tiara for dinner and were served by the footman, butler and lady’s maid.

Flowers from the groundsman decorated the table and the gamekeeper gave his duck to the cook in the kitchen ready for the pot.

Other scenes featured the valet shaving the Earl and the lady’s maid attending to the Countess in the bathroom of the Parrot Bedroom. 

The children also had a tour of Holkham Park to see the deer and collect wood, leaves and twigs for a mini beast project back in the school classroom.  They visited the magnificent Temple in the park to learn about shapes of buildings and the Bygones Museum to see the old laundry and compare the mangle and press with today’s modern equipment.  The day was finished off with a treat of Holkham ice-cream.

Sarah Bocking, head teacher at Brancaster CE VA Primary School, said: “Our school feels that being part of the local community is very important and we like to make links with local people and places wherever and whenever we can. We named the school houses after the three big local estates and were thrilled when Viscountess Coke agreed to come and talk to us about Holkham so that the children in Holkham House could understand about their house and feel part of it.

Since then, Viscountess Coke has been wonderfully supportive towards us.

She kindly organised this visit, choosing activities that ensured the children really learnt from their experience.”

Caravan Club Exhibition, National Motor Museum

An exciting new exhibition celebrating the history of leisure touring caravanning has been launched at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Developed in partnership with The Caravan Club and Bailey of Bristol, the display showcases The Club’s unique and historic collection of memorabilia which has been housed at the museum since 2006. Visitors can discover the story of The Caravan Club, formed in 1907, and learn how the caravan holiday has changed from its beginnings in 1885.

From the flag flown by pioneer horse-drawn caravanners to the novelty items collected by members in the 50s and 60s, the exhibition shows the highlights of The Caravan Club Collection. Many of the objects, ephemera, film footage and photographs in the exhibition are on public display for the very first time. Visitors can also discover new technologies in the caravan industry, including the development of the Bailey Alu-Tech construction system. 

This is the first permanent exhibition to have featured The Caravan Club Collection at the National Motor Museum. The Curator of The Club’s Collection, Angela Cox reports, “The exhibition reveals the wealth of material held in The Caravan Club’s Collection. Many of the items on display have been donated by Club members over the years and the exhibition is a testament to their generosity.”

The Caravan Club’s Director of Marketing, Lawrence Bate, says, “The National Motor Museum is a treasure-trove of motoring history. The Club is delighted that the museum has chosen to showcase the origins of this wonderful leisure pursuit as a permanent fixture, and to be involved with the project. It also, very importantly highlights where things stand today in terms of design, development and touring enjoyment. The Club would like to thank Bailey of Bristol, a key manufacturer of both caravans and Motorhomes, for its crucial input. ”

Stephen Munn, the National Motor Museum’s Commercial Director says:

“Following its recent opening, the Caravan Club exhibition has proved very popular with our visitors, a number of whom are touring in the area. The National Motor Museum is situated within the New Forest National Park which is a favourite holiday destination for caravan goers so the exhibition has a great resonance for many of the attraction’s 350,000 annual visitors.”

Find out more about the exhibition at www.caravanclub.co.uk
and www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk

Olympic Torch is on its way to Treasure Houses of England

Harewood - Tuesday 19 June 2012

On day 32 of its journey around the country, the Torch will be departing from Hull at 07:04am on Tuesday 19 June, and arrives at Harewood at 12:02pm in the afternoon ready to complete the 1-mile route down the drive to the front of the House.  You can line the street in the village and also the top section of the main drive into Harewood to see the Olympic Flame and support your local Torchbearers as they carry it past. Our Torchbearers for this, the Harewood leg of the relay, are Janet Baker, Jonny Johnson and Roy Leinster.  Local schools have been invited to welcome the Torch to Harewood House as it arrives, and Harewood members and visitors are welcome to come on the day to see all the action too.  http://www.harewood.org/whats-on/news/1/887

Chatsworth Delighted to Welcome the Olympic Flame on June 29

The Olympic Flame will travel to Chatsworth on Friday June 29 as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay tour of the region.  The torch will be carried into the garden onto the south lawn for a press photo opportunity against the backdrop of the restored south façade of the house renewed with re-gilded paintwork and sparklingly clean stonework. The torch will then be visible from the parkland as it is carried in front of Bastion Wall on the West Front of the House.

The Duke of Devonshire said: "We are delighted to welcome the Olympic Flame to Chatsworth. The relay is a fantastic way for us to share in the excitement of the Olympics and is a great opportunity to showcase some of the most beautiful landmarks across the country."

http://www.chatsworth.org/whats-on/events/olympic-torch-relay-comes-to-chatsworth

On Tuesday 3 July, day 46 of the Olympic Torch Relay, Burghley will welcome the flame into the park to change hands in front of the Elizabethan mansion, in the presence of Miranda Rock, the granddaughter of former Olympic Hurdler, David Cecil, Lord Burghley, who won a gold medal at the 1928 Games and Lord Coe. http://www.burghley.co.uk/events

The Olympic Torch relay continues on to the glorious Hatfield House, Elizabeth 1^st childhood home on Sunday, July 8 at around 2.15. http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/whats-on/events/

Blenheim Palace welcomes the Olympic flame, on Monday 9th July - sharing in the excitement of the relay and celebrating the achievements of the Torchbearers.  From 1.30 pm there will be free entry to Blenheim Park, Great Court and East Courtyard; this will include free parking.  (Normal pricing through the morning until 1.30pm).  The Torch relay is expected to come through Woodstock Town Gate and into Blenheim Park at around 3.40pm. http://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events.html

19 July : Celebrate the Olympic Flame and watch history being made at Leeds Castle, as the Olympic Torch passes through the estate on its journey around the UK.
http://www.leeds-castle.com

Get Your Pulse Racing at The Father’s Day Classic Car Rally at Harewood: Sun 17th June

What better way to celebrate this special day and take advantage of a great family day out than joining us for the renowned Father’s Day Classic Car Rally and Yorkshire Post Motor Show on Sunday 17th June.   Whether you love the gleam of hundreds of well polished vintage and classic cars, all the arena activities with vehicle concours, competitions and trophies, the thrill of seeing Michael Schumacher’s 1992 Benetton Formula 1 car or be amazed by the incredible stunts of The Bold Dog Lings, the Classic Car Rally at Harewood has something for all the family.
 
The Bold Dog Lings, the UK’s premier motorcycle display team, will showcase their extraordinary freestyle skills in the arena at the show; what man can do in the air with a motorcycle will stun you and you’ll see feats that will take your breath away.  With heart-stopping tricks, 35ft-high jumps and interactive displays, it's no wonder they are Honda's official motorcycle display team.  You'll have the chance to get a closer look at the bikes and meet the riders too; it's a mind-blowing show not to be missed, and you can see them doing what they do best at Harewood in June.
 
As if that wasn’t enough, kindly loaned to Harewood by private collector, Zak Brown, the Formula 1 Benetton Team Ford racing car will be on show, with thanks to local racing team, United Autosports.  See the car that some of the best drivers drove including the world’s former number 1 Michael Schumacher, who achieved his first two podiums by finishing third in this car at the 1992 Mexican and South American Grand Prix, plus this is the car that also saw Nelson Piquet and Martin Brundle at the wheel.  The Yorkshire Post bus will be on site and a great selection of Yorkshire motor dealerships will be showing off their very best.
You can also peruse a great range of stands, perfect for everyone (not just the petrol heads among us!) including a chance to try and buy Harewood’s very own Harewood Gold beer made from our own hops by the local Wharfebank Brewery, enjoy a family fun fair and make the most of all that Harewood has to offer with gorgeous locally sourced food at the family friendly Courtyard Cafe, and the ever so sophisticated Terrace Cafe overlooking the breathtaking landscape.  Or take advantage of the onsite catering facilities at the Show for food on the go.  If you need a break from the activities in the arena, then enjoy the fabulous gardens and grounds and the House for some quiet time to catch your breath between arena stunts. 
 
Tickets to the Classic Car Rally and Motor Show are £10 adults, £9 seniors, £6 child and £30 family (2 adults and up to 3 children (aged 4-16). Children under 4 are free.
Free to members.  Upgrades available to enter the House.  Tickets for this event include entrance to the Grounds.  Gates open at 10am and close at 6pm, last entry 5pm.  Visit www.harewood.org/whats-on/events/ or call the Harewood Box Office on 0113 218 1000 for more information.

Timetable of Arena Events:
10.45 Last Year’s Winning Club
11.15 to 11.45 Parades of Cars
12.30 Bold Dog Lings
1.15 to 3.15 Parades of Cars
3.30 Bold Dog Lings
4.15 Class Winners Concours
4.45 Best in Show

Delight Dad With A Day At Beaulieu

Father’s Day - Sunday 17th June 2012

Treat Dad, this Father’s Day, to a day at Beaulieu with lots for Dad and the whole family to enjoy, including the National Motor Museum’s latest exhibition, BOND IN MOTION. The largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world, it showcases 50 of the best loved and most iconic Bond vehicles - some never before seen in public - in celebration of the 50th year of James Bond films.

The motor vehicle collection in the National Motor Museum remains one of Beaulieu’s most famous attractions with more than 250 on show from the earliest examples of motoring to modern classics plus World Land Speed Record Breakers including Donald Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’.  Don’t miss Wheels - a space-age pod ride taking you on a fascinating journey through 100 years of motoring.

In the Top Gear Enormodrome you can watch an exclusive video presentation from behind-the-scenes at the Top Gear HQ with Jeremy, Richard and James plus the actual vehicles from some of their most ambitious challenges on the TV show over the years.
 
On Screen Cars has a display of TV and film favourites including Del Boy’s Reliant Regal, Mr Bean’s lime green Mini and the flying Ford Anglia, used during the filming of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Another Father’s Day favourite is the Custom & Hot Rod Drive-In with hundreds of stunning Hot Rods and Customs, Classic Americans, Chops and Bobbers sunning themselves in the picturesque grounds of the Beaulieu attraction. You can rock to live music from Carmen Ghia & the Hot Rods and Beach Boys Smile, plus strolling players, Mariachi El Mexicano.  As well as free Dodgem rides, Wow Toys will have a range of toys for children to play with.

If you own a custom car or bike, why not bring it along and join the display. There will be prizes for the best custom vehicle in a number of categories including Best in Show and the People’s Choice Award. Drive-In Day entry, in a Hot-Rod, Custom or American vehicle, is £10 per adult, with free entry for an accompanying child and £5 for any additional children, less if purchased in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk. or by telephone to 01590 612888.

All other visitors to the Sunday show will be charged the standard Beaulieu admission charges.

The Harewood Medieval Faire: Forsooth ... methinks this is Harewood’s Most Spectacular Event Yet 30 June - 1 July 2012

Come hither!! It’s the Middle Ages on a right grand scale at Harewood, verily close to Leeds and a crow’s flight from Harrogate.  A glorious pageant for peasants and noblemen alike!

... Not many locations can provide a Medieval backdrop for an event on such epic proportions: Harewood does just that with the Medieval Faire launching on 30th June.  It’s a date for the diary for all the family with the right ingredients to make this one of the North’s most spectacular events, combining all the excitement and horrible history of this extraordinary period, including jousting and archery, armoury displays, Norman skirmishes and encampments.  Plus there’s overnight camping so you can fully immerse yourself in all things Medieval and get a taste for the real thing. 

 It’s totally authentic at Harewood and, with the event kick starting a 5 year long Medieval celebration, the weekend mixes fun and learning with all the thrills of this magical period.  Medieval isn’t all about armaments and skirmishes, you can experience real life as it was for everyone in the Medieval period, with our archaeological dig of the newly excavated Gawthorpe Hall, enjoy our 12th century All Saints Church with its astounding alabaster tombs, and take a guided tour of our newly opened Harewood Castle to soak up the atmosphere of our Medieval ruins.   Enjoy crafts, cooking, clothing, puppet shows, games, falconry and storytelling.  Join in our family craft activities and make your own shields, crowns, swords, heraldry and beads.  Re-enactors will be on site throughout the event with a range of crafts, cooking and activities to bring the period alive or why not camp in one of our yurts, or sleep under your own canvas, and make the most of the weekend with our Medieval Banquet accompanied by traditional musical performances by the Grinnigogs and Celtaraba.  

• Explore C11th to C15th living history encampments.

• Meet Saxons staging their last stand against William the Conqueror.

• Encounter C12th military monks just as skilled in healing as in fighting.

• Would you have fought for the Yorkists or Lancastrians in the bloody Wars of the Roses?

• Spot the differences between the ‘chain maile’ as you meet knights through the ages.  Even have a go at trying on armour.

• Find out how people lived.  Enjoy the music, song and comedy.  Have a go at medieval dancing.

• Fall over laughing at the wacky comedy.

• Explore the fascinating medieval market.

• Take a tour to Harewood's C12th All Saints Church (which will also host a recreated medieval wedding each day).

• Visit the archaeological dig of the site of the original medieval manor, Gawthorpe Hall, which was demolished as part of a new Capability Brown landscape after the mansion we see today was finished in the C18th.

Tickets are on sale now so take advantage of some early bird price incentives or make the most of your Harewood membership discount, and be part of one of the UK’s most extraordinary Medieval event.  Enjoy a further discount for camping if you book before 31st May. 

Come thee hither and see for yourself!

Sell-out success for jubilee concert raises funds for local hospital charity

The sell-out success of a Jubilee concert in the beautiful setting of Holkham Hall has raised £3,000 for the King's Lynn Hospital League of Friends.

The concert, which was hosted by Viscount and Viscountess Coke, marked the start of Holkham’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations with music performed by a line-up of talented Norfolk musicians, all of whom have received treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The funds raised from the evening will be used by the charity to help purchase equipment and for amenities at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

Performers included the tenor Stephen Miles, pianist Gill Smith, lutenist Peter Trent, the Wensum Chorale and Holborne Recorder Consort, who made a fitting musical launch to three days of Jubilee celebrations at the hall. Music included Britten folk songs, lute solos and madrigals from the reign of Elizabeth I and music from the 1950s onwards in a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II.

Valeria, Viscountess Coke, Lord Coke’s mother, said:  “I am delighted we have been able to raise £3,000 for the charity and I would like thank everyone who worked so hard to make this such a successful and enjoyable evening.” 

HAREWOOD - Father's Day Classic Car Rally with Yorkshire Post Motor Show

Sunday 17 June 2012
10.00 am - 5.00 pm

Bonnets up – polishing cloth to hand! 

Harewood is gearing up to Father’s Day with hundreds of vintage and classic cars to admire and an all-new attraction, the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team...

Introducing the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team...

This year's event will also showcase the show-stopping Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team. With heart-stopping tricks, 35ft-high jumps and interactive displays, it's no wonder they are Honda's official, and the UKs No.1 motorcycle display team. You'll have the chance to get a closer look at the bikes and meet the riders too; it's a mind-blowing show not to be missed, and you can see them doing what they do best here at Harewood this summer!

Treat your father to this special day out, ideal for all the family and enjoy all the fun of the car, with competitions, arena act and trophies galore...

• Over 900 Vintage and Classic Vehicles on display all day
  
• Stunning arena act the Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team   
  
• Stalls with something for all the family!
  
• Family Funfair
  
• Food, drinks, ice creams and more, plus Real Ale from Wharfebank Brewery
  
• Full arena programme throughout the day
  
• Classic & Vintage vehicle concourse, prizes will be awarded for best in show and best kit-car to name a few...
  
• The Yorkshire Post bus and Yorkshire Motor Dealerships showcasing their top of the range cars
  

And much more...

It's a perfect day out for dads, so treat your dad to a fantastic family day at Harewood this Father's Day!

Get 10% off with pre-booked tickets and fast track entry on the day!

In partnership with the Yorkshire Post.

Please note some promotional vouchers/complimentary tickets are not valid on this day, please call or check voucher for details.

Adult:	£10.00
Senior Citizen:	£9.00
Child:	£6.00
Family:	£30.00
Student:	£6.00

PLEASE NOTE: A Family Ticket = 2 adults and up to 3 children (aged 4-16). Children under 4 are free.

 

Harewood Box Office
Our booking office is open between 10.00am and 5.00pm seven days a week and can be contacted on 0113 218 1000
Box Office Terms & Conditions

Tickets for this event include entrance to the Grounds
Free to Harewood Cardholders

Simply American at Beaulieu

Sure to be a showstopper, Simply American is a brand new event kicking off on Sunday 24th June in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. This fabulous themed rally celebrates all things American in the motoring world and is set to be a great day out for both families and motoring enthusiasts alike.

All those who own a vehicle “born in the USA” are invited to motor on down to Beaulieu and live the American dream for a day; joining the colourful display of American vehicles in the parkland, meeting other like-minded enthusiasts and enjoying all the features of the Beaulieu attraction. All American marques are welcome, from everyday American produced cars, to Classic American vehicles, to the true American muscle cars.

Twenty cars chosen from all rally entrants will take part in a cavalcade and display in the Beaulieu Arena, and one of these selected vehicles will be the winner of the coveted People’s Choice Award and Beaulieu Trophy.

As event sponsors, Chevrolet will be showcasing a stunning range of their vehicles at the event, including a beautiful 60th Anniversary Corvette, Camaro, Captiva, new Aveo, Cruze and Volt. They will also be bringing along a Scalextric track for everybody to play on for free.

Adding to the all American atmosphere, musical entertainment will be provided by the American Barndance Band playing sets throughout the day, and visitors can stop for a bite to eat at a number of American-themed food stands in the parkland.

For entrants arriving on the day in their American vehicle and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, individual ticket prices are £10 per adult and £5 per child. Advance tickets are available from www.beaulieushop.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 612888, which you can also call for information on group and club entry. If you buy in advance you will also receive a 10% discount voucher for the Beaulieu Gift Shop.

For all enquiries regarding American marque-related trade stands, telephone 01590 614614. There is still time to take advantage of our early-bird offer – buy one trade stand and get the second one free if bought before 25th May 2012.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your American vehicle is from 9.30am when catering will be available.

All other visitors who wish to see the event, but not participate in an American vehicle should enter Beaulieu via the Main Reception from 10am, at normal attraction admission prices.

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum and its exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition showcasing 50 original James Bond vehicles, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

Simply American is one of the latest additions to a growing calendar of Simply rallies which has rapidly expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. All Simply rallies are run and organised by Beaulieu and take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. Other new additions to the Simply rallies for 2012 include Simply 4x4 on 12th August and for this year only, a one-off Simply Bond rally on 29th July.

For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

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