Christmas at the Treasure Houses of England

Expect a fabulous feast of festive entertainment and events this Christmas at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.  Shop in style with magical Christmas markets and discover beautifully and stylishly decorated Treasure Houses for a unique and inspired day out, not to mention the opportunity to pick up some beautifully bespoke presents for your nearest and dearest.

Beaulieu

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all.  Beaulieu’s festive celebrations (21 December – 5 January) will feature carol singing around the Grand Piano in the decorated Palace House complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.  Victorian characters will be on show- to divulge fascinating details on life – upstairs and downstairs at Christmas time.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s will be decorated for a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas (9 November – 13 December) with plenty to see and do, from late night shopping, storytelling, carol singers, Santa’s grotto and more. The renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (15 - 17 November) will also take place showcasing a series of high quality and contemporary creations from over 150 British designer-makers. For festive fun and splendor visit Britain’s Greatest Palace this Christmas.

Burghley House

Burghley House’s Crafts for Christmas - (28 November –1st December) will be the perfect place to pick up some very special presents featuring a wide range of new products and ideas. Graham Pickett Antiques will also be at Burghley in their usual Old Kitchen location with fabulous furniture and divine collectables.

Castle Howard

Enjoy Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit house.  There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts from 23 November to 22 December, plus a late night Carols and Candlelight event on 19 December will include a late night market, Christmas parade and carols in front of the house as dusk falls.

Chatsworth

From 9 Nov until the 23 Dec, Chatsworth will be magically transformed for the Christmas season, with the lower floors of the house decorated in the theme of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  With events such as twilight evenings, Christmas markets and nativities starring real farmyard animals, as well as beautiful festive displays, there is something for everyone at Chatsworth this winter.

Hatfield House

Don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (22 – 24 November) held in Marquees on Palace Green, childhood home of Elizabeth 1 you’ll find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home alongside exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.  Plus drop in to workshops, including creative Christmas decorating using fresh flowers and greenery.

Holkham Hall

Catch awe-inspiring Holkham Hall on two weekends (7/ 8 and 14/15 Dec) and get festive with a traditional Christmas in true Holkham style! See the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated, complete with handmade decorations. Or walk through the snowy winter wonderland, where there’s a chance for children to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Leeds Castle

Christmas is growing at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas from 7 to 24 Dec. Meet real reindeer on the castle island and children will love our new husky sleigh rides. Our first Christmas Market with German style chalets and traditional carousel rides is here from 7 – 22 Dec, open daily from 11am to 6pm with late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 Dec.

Woburn Abbey

Book now for Woburn Abbey’s Luminaries Woburnensis on Saturday 7th December. Explore the magical gardens illuminated after dark and discover the trail ice and fire sculptures. Visit the gift hall to pick out that perfect present and snuggle up with a hot drink to listen to the live band.


www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Motorcycle Ride-In Sunday 14th July2013

People's Choice Winner - Nigel Herring with Stuart Macey

In stark contrast to conditions last year when weeks of heavy rain had put the event in doubt, participants in this year’s Motorcycle Ride-In were assured of clear skies and unbroken sunshine. Fortunately a heat wave and temperatures in the high 80s didn’t deter riders from zipping up their leathers and donning their helmets for a ride through the New Forest en route to Beaulieu to park up and become part of a fantastic display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Over 1,300 bikes took part in the public ride-in and 1,800 bikers were able to enjoy a great day out, meeting other biking enthusiasts and viewing the hundreds of motorbikes of all makes and models on display, from classics to modern and custom. A number of trade stands were selling accessories and clothing.

Beaulieu’s Events Manager Judith Maddox said:”It was a perfect day for bikers to ride into Beaulieu. We know that they like to show off their bikes and this event offers an opportunity to be part of the display and enjoy all of the Beaulieu attraction at the same time.“

In the Beaulieu arena the crowds were wowed by stunt shows from the fearless UK FMX stunt team. The audience could experience the thrill of biking ‘athletes’ as they performed acrobatic stunts at heights up to 40 feet in the air. 

Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite bike in the ‘People’s Choice’ award and this went to Nigel Herring from Didcot, Oxfordshire, with his Suzuki Hayabusa.  Nigel has had his bike from nearly new and spent thirteen years customising it to the gleaming machine it now is, complete with eye catching sparkling emerald green paintwork.

Nigel was presented with a Beaulieu Trophy by UK FMX stunt rider Stuart Macey.

Beaulieu Wins Prestigious National Award

The Beaulieu attraction has been awarded Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at VisitEngland’s prestigious 2013 Awards for Excellence ceremony.

Beaulieu received its award from Sue Gill, Head of Skills & Training at Tourism South East. The VisitEngland citation stated: This attraction exceeds expectation. There are 'attractions' within Beaulieu that could be stand-alone businesses in their own right. Interpretation and presentation are of a very high standard throughout. Staff excel in customer care and their enthusiasm creates a 'special' experience for every visitor. Nothing is 'too much trouble' and their 'can do' attitude comes to the fore. Beaulieu really is a memorable and enjoyable attraction for all.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn, said: “England is world-renowned for the quality of its visitor attractions, which number over 6,000, and with this award Beaulieu is delighted to be recognised as the ‘best of the best’.”

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford, said: “The quality of the 320 applications we received was very high, making the competition for a Gold Award extremely tough. It is therefore a tremendous achievement for Beaulieu to win a Gold Award, the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism which VisitEngland can bestow. They raised the bar for excellence which others can aspire to. I warmly congratulate them.”

Beaulieu was one of the first stately homes to open its doors to visitors in 1952 and in the 60 years since, has developed into an award winning attraction that offers something for all ages and tastes. In addition to the world famous National Motor Museum it features World of Top Gear, Palace House and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey.

To celebrate Beaulieu’s 60th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films in 2012, the attraction played host to BOND IN MOTION. This exclusive, official exhibition of 50 original James Bond vehicles, is the largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world. The exhibition has brought a whole new audience to the attraction and, due to its phenomenal success, its run has been extended to 5th January 2014.

Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information.

New Exhibitions Unveiled At The Treasure Houses Of England For 2013

From artistic masterpieces to fascinating historical exhibitions, The Treasure Houses of England look set to deliver a captivating programme of exciting events this year.

BOND IN MOTION - Beaulieu

Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum is proud to announce that it is extending its hugely popular and critically acclaimed BOND IN MOTION exhibition (until 5 January 2014) - the exclusive official showcase of 50 original James Bond vehicles, including cars, boats, motorbikes and jets.  From the Aston Martin DB5 in Goldeneye to the Phantom III Rolls-Royce in Goldfinger, expect a bevy of incredible vehicles straight from the silver screen celebrating the brilliant Bond franchise in crowd-pleasing style.

Film is celebrated at Blenheim Palace (9 February – 1 April) with its special exhibition: “Lights, Camera, Action” – which is set to give an insider’s guide to the many film and TV productions that have been hosted by the palace. Visitors will be able to see samples, props and costumes of films including Entrapment (20th Century Fox, 1999), Hamlet (Castle Rock, Kenneth Brannagh, 1996) and Bollywood's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Yash Raj films, 2001), to documentaries including BBCs Climbing Britain and ITVs Lewis. From Gulliver’s Travels (2010) to The Young Victoria (2008) and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), discover the key role that that palace has played throughout its extensive career on the big screen, with various activities, talks, tours and workshops, including family-friendly films showings over February Half Term.

Ancestral home to Gold medal winning Olympian David Cecil, Lord Burghley – Burghley House continues to celebrate the Olympic year with a generous gift from Lord Coe – his own 2012 Olympic torch, which joins the original Olympic torch from the 1948 London Games in the Olympic Corridor display that has been especially expanded for the 2013 season. The exhibition to be held within the Treasury Gallery for 2013 focuses on Burghley’s remarkable and beautiful collections of Japanese Lacquer wares.  The special collection was founded in the late 17th century and added to by members of the Cecil family during the following 150 years. 

Chatsworth presents a packed programme of exhibitions, beginning with the brilliant British artist, William Turnbull (10 March-30 June), whose paintings, drawings and sculptures will adorn the North Sketch Gallery and garden; and the Old Master Drawings Cabinet (10 March-31 July), which showcases a series of landscapes by Old Masters such as Rembrandt. Botanical artist and sister of the Duke of Devonshire, Emma Tennant exhibits her watercolours in the New Gallery (24 March-30 June), while the bicentenary of the publication of Pride & Prejudice is celebrated via A Georgian Summer (27 July-29 August) – a special exhibition in the New Gallery and schedule of garden events. In the autumn, Beyond Limits (9 September-27 October), Sotheby’s exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the garden returns for its 8th year, whilst an exhibition of contemporary applied art entitled Modern Makers will be showcased in the New Gallery (18 September- 23 December). 

Duty Calls: Castle Howard in Time of War - While generations of Howard sons went  to fight overseas the impact of war was often more powerfully felt at home.  Between 1815 and 1944 five Howards were killed in action, and for the family war was a time of anxiety as well as bereavement; this was an experience shared with staff and tenants, many of whom are commemorated on war memorials in estate villages. Belgian refugees, enemy prisoners, evacuees, fire, crashed aircraft, and horses commandeered for the front meant that the impact of war was never far away from Castle Howard. From Waterloo to World War II, this exhibition explores the stories of Castle Howard in the time of war. On displayfrom 25 May 2013 to end 2014.

Harewood House displays an extraordinary exhibition of the ordinary.  Art collector, David Usborne’sObjectivity – The Art of Useful Things (16 February-1 September), honours utilitarian items that have a simple beauty  becoming ‘accidental masterpieces’ of modern sculpture.  In Cloud Country (29 March-30 June) is guest curated by Iwona Blazwick of the Whitechapel Gallery and takes inspiration from Harewood’s landscape.  It is a unique anthology that catalogues the work of some of the most acclaimed artists from the 18th-21st centuries, including John Constable, Henry Moore, John Sell Cotman, Giuseppe Penone and Rachel Whiteread who are all united by their intriguing depictions and abstractions of nature.  

Photograph by John Young 1962
Holkham Ballgown Exhibition

Holkham Hall’s ‘Glamour and Gowns’ presents breathtaking ballgowns by society dressmaker and Viscountess Coke’s mother, Belinda Bellville, also co-founder of renowned couture label Bellville Sassoon. The Statue Gallery will see an elegant array of dresses and ball gowns take centre stage alongside drawings, patterns and photographs that chart the fascinating path of couture and Belinda Bellville’s dazzling career over the past fifty years.  The Glamour and Gowns exhibition can be viewed as part of your visit to Holkham Hall which is open every Sunday, Monday and Thursday
(12-4pm) from 25 Mar – 31 Oct.

Woburn Abbey’s Artbeat (29 March-31 August) returns for its fourth year to offer a spellbinding collection of international sculptures set amongst the glorious grounds and gardens of the Abbey, where visitors can wander the trail to appreciate over 60 outstanding works of inimitable art.

Hatfield House

Hatfield House alongside the Royal Academy of Arts will be staging an exhibition of sculptural works by the academicians of the RA in 2013.  Specific pieces will be set throughout the West Garden and North Front against the backdrop of the historic Jacobean house.


The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today.

For more information please click here: www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Beaulieu Is Pleased To Announce Its Events Calendar For 2013

FEBRUARY
16th – 24th February Fun Half-term activities  
T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk

APRIL
29th March  –14th April Easter Extravaganza - Hare-brained Easter Trail and egg-citing treats. T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk

28th April  Boatjumble (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction) 1000 stands of jumble, new & used boats Watersports and much more!
Tickets: 01590 612888 events@beaulieu.co.uk 

MAY 
4th – 6th May Shipwrightry at Buckler’s Hard (Provisional dates- please check our website) Demonstrations of 18th century shipbuilding T: 01590 616203
 
5th May Simply Ford  (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
A gathering of Fords of all ages and models, open to clubs & individuals.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

6th May Bank Holiday Monday May Day Cavalcade
A display of vehicles owned by Friends of the National Motor Museum Trust.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

12th May Simply French (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
A gathering of all French cars of all ages and models, open to clubs & individuals.
T: 01590 614641events@beaulieu.co.uk

18th & 19th May Spring Autojumble and Sodbury Sortout  (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
1000 stands of motoring parts, literature and accessories, plus 150 cars for sale. Sunday only: Sodbury Sortout.
Tickets: 01590 612888 events@beaulieu.co.uk
 
23rd May – 23rd August  Surrey Sculpture Society
Exhibition of artwork on display in the grounds, all available for purchase.
T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk
 
25th May – 2nd June May Half Term Activities
T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk

25th - 27th May NEW EVENT! Truck Mania
(Provisional dates- please check our website)Truck displays and activities.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

26th May Lancia Motor Club Rally
(Provisional dates- please check our website)
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

JUNE
9th June National Mini Cooper Register Rally
1,000+ cars, Displays, trade stands, Concours.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

16th June Custom & Hot Rod Festival including Custom Motorcycle Show
(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
Hundreds of Hot-Rod, Custom & American cars & bikes, trade stands & live music.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

23rd June NEW EVENT! Simply Sports
(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
A gathering of all sports cars, of all makes, models and ages, open to clubs and individuals.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

30th June Simply Italian (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
A gathering of Italian vehicles of all ages and models, open to clubs & individuals
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

JULY
7th July Austin 750 Rally
Up to 300 750s on display.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

9th & 10th July Shakespeare in Beaulieu Abbey Cloister
(Provisional dates- please check our website)Open-air  performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by The Castle Theatre Co
Tickets: 01590 612888 events@beaulieu.co.uk

JULY
13th July – 1st September Summer Fun
Holiday activities including falconry, games on Palace House lawns, go karts, etc.
T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk

14th July Motorcycle Ride-In Day(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)Public motorcycle ride-in, trade stands and stunt displays.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

20th July Beaulieu Village Fete
Held in the grounds of Palace House.
T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk

21st July The German Show
(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)A show for all German marques, including VW and BMW.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

28th July NEW EVENT! Simply Vauxhall(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
A gathering of all Vauxhalls, of all models and ages, open to clubs and individuals.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk
AUGUST

4th August Simply Japanese(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
A gathering of Japanese cars of all ages and models, open to clubs and individuals.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

10th August Marie Curie Cancer
Walk A twilight walk around the Beaulieu Estate, in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

11th August Graham Walker Memorial Run
Annual get together for pre-1930 veteran and vintage bikes.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

11th August Simply 4x4 (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)A gathering of 4x4 vehicles of all ages and models, open to clubs and individuals.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

16th – 18th August T4 Rally
200 T4 vehicles on display within the Beaulieu grounds.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

25th August Simply Classics(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)Drive-in & display of club & owners’ classic cars
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

26thAugust Bank Holiday Monday Supercar Showdown
Over 50 high performance supercars will be on display and revving up on the Demonstration Run.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk
SEPTEMBER

7th & 8th September International Autojumble(Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
The biggest Autojumble in Europe with over 2000 stands, plus Bonhams Auction.
Tickets: 01590 612888 events@beaulieu.co.uk

27th - 29th September Holiday & Park Homes Show
See the latest static holiday homes.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

OCTOBER
26th October – 3rd November Halloween Hauntings
Half Term spooky activities for all
T: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk
 
26th October Fireworks Spectacular (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)
Celebrate Halloween with a fireworks display set to music.
Tickets: 01590 612888 events@beaulieu.co.uk

NOVEMBER
10th November Simply Smart (Event tickets include entry into the Beaulieu attraction)A gathering of Smart cars of all ages and models, open to clubs and individuals.
T: 01590 614614 events@beaulieu.co.uk

15th November Countryside Education Trust Christmas Fair  
Dozens of stands selling gifts, festive foods & refreshments 10.00am – 2.30pm Palace House
T: 01590 612401
 
DECEMBER
14th December – 5th January 2014 Victorian Christmas at BeaulieuExperience the magic of Christmas past in Palace House
Tel: 01590 612345 info@beaulieu.co.uk

For more information please visit http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events