Holkham Plays Host to Jools Holland

The magnificent setting of Holkham will be the backdrop to one of the most spectacular concerts of the summer, when Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra plays there on Saturday 24th August. 

Jools Holland set play at Holkham Hall, August 2013

The concert stars JOOLS HOLLAND and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring GILSON LAVIS with special guest ROLAND GIFT, the voice of FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS and guest vocalists RUBY TURNER and LOUISE MARSHALL.

Early booking is recommended  for the concert and  ticket price is £37.50 (no concessions)  which are available by calling Holkham  on 01328 713111 or our 24 hour hotline is SEE Tickets on 0844 209 7364.

The show is presented by LIVE Promotions Events Ltd by arrangement with One Fifteen.

Harewood Exhibition Heralds Major Names in Yorkshire

Graham Sutherland, Thorn Structure

In Cloud Country: 29 March to 30 June 2013.

Harewood hosts an exhibition of works on paper celebrating landscape and nature in art.

Major names will grace the State Rooms and the contemporary art space of The Terrace Gallery in the House. British and international contemporary artists such as Agnes Denes, Alex Hartley, Mark Francis, Henrik Håkansson, Gary Hume, Georgie Hopton, Richard Long, Chris Ofili, Julian Opie, Giuseppe Penone, Bridget Riley and Rachel Whiteread will be displayed alongside masters of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Surrealism, Modernism, such as Anni Albers, John Constable, John Sell Cotman, Edgar Degas, Thomas Girtin, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, William Morris and JMW Turner. Works have been loaned from a variety of high-profile lenders such as the British Council Collection, the Hepworth and the Government Art Collection.

Built on themes explored by co-curators Iwona Blazwick, Director of London’s Whitechapel Gallery and Diane Howse, In Cloud Country is a subtle and engaging exploration of how artists make abstraction from nature to explore themes including the surreal, the poetic, the decorative and the political. 

 Key Modernist movements including Bauhaus, Conceptual, Pop and Land Art are all represented. Nature as form, structure or atmosphere, as metaphor or symbol, presents the common thread of inspiration.


Not a retrospective, but a guided tour through the highlights and insights of four centuries of art inspired by nature, the exhibition will be open from 29 March. 

Edgar Degas,
Coastal Landscape at Sunset

The exhibition title is from Sylvia Plath’s poem ‘Two Campers in Cloud Country’ where she notes the indifference of the natural world ‘…where trees and clouds… pay no notice.’

William Turnbull
Black Leaf Form

In Cloud Country jointly curated by Iwona Blazwick and Diane Howse, State Rooms and Terrace Gallery at Harewood House, 29 March to 30 June.  http://www.harewood.org/cloudcountry

Artist Clare Woods’ solo exhibition ‘The Seven Eggs’ showcases three new works inspired by the landscape surrounding Harewood House, opens 6 July to 29 September 2013.  http://www.harewood.org/seveneggs

Objectivity by David Usborne is in the Servants’ Hall until 1 September, shows a unique collection of useful tools that in themselves are considered works of art. www.harewood.org/objectivity

Enjoy an Easter Afternoon Tea

Ten top locations for afternoon tea!

A fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England’s consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in spectacular surrounds and inimitable stately style.

Woburn Abbey - The quintessential English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been started around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends in the Blue Drawing Room at Woburn Abbey. Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess’ Tea Room or at the Estate’s hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).

Burghley House

Burghley House – Have tea in 'Capability' Brown's Orangery restaurant overlooking the topiary in the South Gardens. Homemade scones jam and clotted cream can be enjoyed in the peaceful and romantic Rose Garden. 

Beaulieu – Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea with a wide selection of cakes and pastries all baked in-house in the Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant. Some produce comes from Lord Montagu's own Victorian Kitchen garden; beetroot is transformed into a delicious moist cake and plums made into jam, to eat on scones with lashings of Dorset clotted cream. 

Castle Howard

Castle Howard – Enjoy an afternoon treat at Castle Howard in either the bistro style Courtyard Cafe or the more traditional Fitzroy Room. On offer are seasonal menus prepared by their incredible chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and heavenly homemade cakes.

Hatfield House – Take tea to new and dizzy heights with Hatfield’s Helicopter Discovery Tour where you can escape on an eight mile helicopter pleasure flight over the estate to snatch spectacular aerial views of the stunning architecture of the house, rounded off by a delicious home made cream tea at the house. 

Enjoy afternoon tea at Chatsworth

Chatsworth – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an afternoon tea in the Cavendish Rooms restaurant in the 18th century Stables, designed by the famous architect James Paine. Afternoon teas, comprising homemade dainty sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and a wide choice of teas are available throughout the day, and are pre-bookable online.

Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall or outside in the sunshine on the Terrace overlooking the castle. There is an excellent choice of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes on offer, along with cakes and other sweet treats, all of which can be enjoyed in a rustic farmhouse kitchen style setting featuring oak and wrought iron finishes. 

Harewood House

Harewood House – Taste the delights of afternoon tea in one of Harewood’s renowned cafés. The Grade 1 listed Courtyard Café, edged by colonnades, offers superb al fresco and covered facilities perfect for families, while The Terrace Café - voted one of the best places to have afternoon tea by Gardener’s World Magazine readers in 2010 - offers stunning views over the lake and Capability Brown landscape. Using locally sourced ingredients, much from Harewood's own Walled Garden, both cafes provide a spectacular setting to relax and unwind. 

Holkham Hall – The Holkham Estate has three cafés all offering afternoon tea. As part of a visit to Holkham Hall, you will discover the Stables Café. The Rose Garden Café is in the Ancient House, the oldest domestic building in Holkham Village. Finally there’s the Beach Café just a stone’s throw from the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea. Whichever you opt for you can be sure to find plenty of mouth-watering homemade treats to indulge in.  

Spring Time at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace - Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings only a palace could provide. Tea is served in the palace’s Indian Room, or Champagne Bar, overlooking the beautiful fountains on the Water Terraces for a truly inspired setting. Choose from a delectable selection of menus including a traditional Blenheim Tea, a Churchill Champagne Tea or a luxury Winston Churchill Premier Tea, inspired by the great leader it includes his favourite tipple Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV.

Spring into Easter at Treasure Houses of England

For festive Easter fun and spring time celebrations, head to the Treasure Houses of England for a brilliant bounty of children’s entertainment – not to mention – an exciting Easter egg extravaganza at a multitude of venues.

Daffodils at Beaulieu

Beaulieu has orchestrated an Easter Trail for younger visitors to follow and collect a special sweet treat.  For adrenalised action, budding drivers can get behind the wheels on the Mini Car Driving Circuit and younger children can enjoy Dipstick’s Mini Motor Play Trail complete with climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars. Hop on the high-level Monorail or replica open-topped London bus to see the beautiful sights of Beaulieu.  With the Easter Bunny ensuring all visitors receive a special treat (29 March-1st April) – not to mention BOND IN MOTION and World of Top Gear exhibitions – Beaulieu will make for a memorable and fun-filled family day out this Easter.

To celebrate spring, Harewood is hosting a fantastic fortnight of nature that will ensure a truly inspiring day out as both children and adults alike engage with seasonal event, Eggs, Seeds and Buds (29 March-14 April). A packed programme of craft activities, trails, demonstrations, walks and talks will keep everyone entertained whatever the weather.

Visit Hatfield House as it re-opens on the 30th March along with the Royal Academy of Arts sculptural exhibition in the West Garden.  There’s family fun to be enjoyed in the adventure playground and at Hatfield Park Farm to see the various farmyard animals and possibly even the opportunity to see some live lambing throughout March, April and May and bottle-feed the beautiful new babies.

Spring time at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s Great Easter Egg Challenge (29-30 March) and Easter Weekend Entertainment (31 March-1 April) will spoil visitors with an array of attractions including children’s characters ‘Sid and Scrat’ from ‘Ice Age’, ‘Mike the Knight’ and ‘Little Princess’. In addition, their Active Spring Kids Camp (8-12 April) will feature a variety of activities such as archery and swing building to survival skills, cooking and first aid for 7-16 year olds.

The popular Burghley Easter Egg Hunt will once again be taking place in the Gardens of Surprise on Sunday 31 March, from 11am until 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Follow the Easter treasure hunt around the Garden and solve the Easter riddle to claim your full size chocolate egg. Admittance is free of charge with a gardens only or house and gardens ticket.

Leeds Castle

There’s a family treasure trail through the grounds of Leeds Castle at Easter Bank Holiday with a prize draw to win a collectible British Gold Sovereign.  Spring arts and craft activities will also take place.

Castle Howard’s Easter Fair & Lamb National (29 March-1 April, 10am-4pm daily) returns with an exciting new event – the Lamb National - an extraordinary spectacle of sheep racing and sheepdog displays that guarantees a thrilling and entertaining experience for all involved. Meanwhile, while the Easter Fair presents Molly the Rabbit alongside vintage rides, sweets stalls, face painters and an enchanting Easter trail around the wonderful woodland paths.

New Outdoor Play for Holkham

From the Amazing Alphabets word search to games, crafts, face painting, Victorian cooking and a brilliant Treasure Hunt in the Bygones Museum – Holkham Hall hosts Easter Fun (29 March-1 April, 10am-5pm daily, entry to the hall from 12noon-5pm) – a superb schedule of festive fun for all the family.  Launching for the Easter Holidays is the new Children’s Woodland Adventure Play Area with a tree house in the sky, high level walkways, rope ladders and zip-wire.

Meet some of the famous and not-so famous faces of Woburn Abbey’s past this Easter.  Costumed characters will be spilling the beans and telling tales from Woburn Abbey’s illustrious history (29th March to 1st April).   In the Abbey Gardens the popular Easter Egg Trail will be back again, with some fiendishly tricky puzzles to answer and Easter Bunnies to find hidden around the garden before you win your prize (29th March to 1st April).   The contemporary sculpture exhibition in the gardens will also be adding another perspective to the Gardens experience from 22nd March (ends 31st August).

Chatsworth will be hosting spring celebrations suitable for the whole family throughout the school holidays (29 March -14 April), including an Easter egg trail through the house marking some favourite pieces from the collection, and a trail of golden eggs to discover in the garden. Over the Easter weekend (29 March- 1 April) the farmyard and adventure playground will host its annual Easter Egg hunts and Easter Eggspress trailer rides, and the Easter Bunny will be making appearances throughout the weekend.

What's on at Harewood this Spring

Spring is just around the corner and Harewood House, situated a stone’s throw from Harrogate and Leeds, has a jam-packed event schedule for the whole family to enjoy this May.

Medieval Faire at Harewood

Returning for a second year, Harewood hosts a Medieval Faire on Sun 26th and Mon 27th May. With an anticipated 500 re-enactors, battles, archery, jousting, authentic market, encampments and a real archaeological dig, it’s set to be an action-packed weekend for the whole family. Set in the superb Grounds of Harewood, complete with historic 13th century Castle ruins and a 15th century Church to discover, it’s the North’s most spectacular medieval event. Day tickets are available starting at £15, but with so much to see and do you can make a weekend of it, camp and really engross yourself in the medieval atmosphere with tickets from just £25.

2013 also brings the seventh Kite Festival & Teddy Bears’ Picnic to Harewood on Sat 18th and Sun 19th May. Little ones get free admission if they bring their favourite fluffy friend for the teddy bear kite drop, and to accompany them to the teddy bears’ picnic. Enjoy a Spring day as the skies are filled with an array of colourful kites, bring your own and join in the fun or watch the experts, the Northern Kite Group, across the beautiful vista overlooking the House.

The whole family can get out and about and immerse themselves in all things ‘play’ on Sun 5th and Mon 6th May at A Festival of Play. Embrace your inner child and enjoy high ropes, adrenaline zorbing, freerunning, interactive workshops, storytelling, donkey rides and an exciting fairground to name just a few. LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester are also bringing a thrilling assortment of LEGO activities for young and old alike. Get active and join in, admission is included in standard entry fee (from £10) or free to Harewood members.

The popular Museums at Night returns for another year on the evening of 16th May with ‘Harewood at Twilight’. Experience exclusive House and collection talks, refreshments and food on the picturesque, candlelit Terrace and the noted physiognomist Johann Caspar Lavater (1741-1801) returns for one night only to give instruction in the noble art of Shades in our silhouette portraiture workshop. Museums at Night is a unique event not to be missed, tickets only £5 in advance.

Book for any of May’s events before the end of March and receive 25% off your ticket price, quote ‘EARLY BIRD’ at the Box Office on 0113 218 1000 or visit www.harewood.org/whats-on

Daffodils Delight at Beaulieu

Spring-time at Beaulieu

Pay a visit to Beaulieu on Sunday, 24^th March and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque gardens where, at this time of year, an abundance of beautiful blooms herald the arrival of spring.

The banks of the dry moat surrounding the Montagu family home, Palace House, and the lawns of the adjacent Wilderness Garden, which dates back to the 1770s, are a mass of colour with thousands of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils carpeting the grounds.

Join Victorian gardener, Ruben Moore, on a Spring Flowers tour and view the stunning mass of 15 different varieties of daffodil that flower throughout the early spring, adding a riot of colour to Beaulieu’s extensive gardens.

In the Ornamental Vegetable Kitchen Garden, laid out on the site of the original 1872 Palace House kitchen garden, planting is in progress for the summer’s crop of fruit and vegetables, while in the Victorian Flower Garden, created in recognition of the Victorians’ interest in plants and gardens, the shrubs in the herbaceous border are emerging from their winter slumber.

Experience the peace and tranquillity of the walled Cloisters and herb garden within the ruins of 13^th century Beaulieu Abbey. One of the surviving buildings, the Domus, now houses a film presentation and exhibition of Monastic life, and a series of embroidered wall hangings depict scenes from the Abbey’s history.

The beautiful rooms and treasures of Palace House are also well worth a visit. Built around the Great Gatehouse of the Abbey, the house is now kept in the style of its later Victorian additions. History comes alive as real Victorian characters, the Butler, Footman and Housemaids, give a fascinating insight into life ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ in a Victorian country house.

Whilst at Beaulieu you can also see the National Motor Museum, with its collection of over 250 vehicles from every motoring era, plus World Land Speed Record Breakers and F1 racers. Take a ride on ‘Wheels’, a fascinating journey through 100 years of motoring, and see the museum’s acclaimed exhibition BOND IN MOTION, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise with 50 original vehicles from the films.

And before leaving, why not complete your visit with a delicious afternoon Cream Tea in the Brabazon Restaurant.

Beaulieu is open from 10am – 5pm with plenty of free parking. For more information, visitwww.beaulieu.co.uk or telephone 01590 612345.

Chamber Music Series gets underway at Holkham Hall

The third series of chamber music concerts featuring an international line up of artists gets underway next month at Holkham Hall.

Marble Hall at Holkham

The first concert in the 2013 series takes place on Saturday April 13 at 7pm in the atmospheric venue of the Marble Hall at Holkham and features countertenor Iestyn Davies and Julius Drake on piano.  Their programme includes works by Purcell, Poulenc, Faure and also, in this centenary year of his birth, works by Britten.

Iestyn is one of Great Britain’s most internationally successful singers.  He won first prize in the 2004 London Handel Singing Competition and has gone on to sing major roles in operas around the world.  He is a particular favourite at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City where he stole the show in autumn 2011 in ‘Rodelinda’ alongside Renée Fleming.  He will return to the Metropolitan Opera in the 2013/14 season to sing Bottom in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Julius Drake, a regular performer at Holkham, works with leading artists both in recital and on disc, appearing at major concert venues worldwide.  In recent seasons he has played at the Aldeburgh, Edinburgh and Salzburg festivals as well as the Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Centre, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Philharmonie in Cologne, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Vienna and frequently at London’s Wigmore Hall.

For the first time this year regular concert visitors can take advantage of a new season ticket and enjoy all five concerts in the series for the special price of £110, a saving of £20.

Tickets for the concert on April 13 cost £25 and include a glass of wine in the Saloon during the interval and an opportunity to view some of the other state rooms in the hall.

To book or for further information contact the Holkham ticket office on 01328 713111 or visit www.holkham.co.uk.