Victorian Christmas Celebrations At Beaulieu - 20th December 2014 – 4th January 2015

Giant Christmas Tree

Visit Beaulieu this Festive Season, between 20th December and 4th January 2015, for a glimpse of Christmas Past in a Victorian country house.

See one of the largest outdoor Christmas trees in the New Forest, adorned with seasonal decorations and follow the fairy light path to Palace House, the home of the Montagu family since 1538, which is a place of enchantment at this special time of year.  Children can follow the Christmas Cracker quiz trail and hear how festive traditions have developed over the ages before delving into a  ‘Box of Delights’ to dress up in period costume. In the Lower Drawing Room there will be carol singing and musical entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can talk to characters from Victorian times to discover what life was really like ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ at Christmas time and warm themselves in front of the yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace while enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. The splendid Victorian-style decorations around the house and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Upper Drawing Room will add to the flavour and charm of the season.

Palace House Staff at Christmas

In the National Motor Museum, the Victorian theme continues as visitors can see what driving was really like in those early days. Don’t miss ‘Wheels’, a pod-ride transporting you on a journey through one hundred years of motoring history.

In the World of Top Gear Enormodrome watch exclusive footage as the presenters take you behind the scenes in the Top Gear production zone, enjoy clips from some of the best Top Gear moments and see actual cars from some of the presenters’ most ambitious challenges.

To complete the day, take a ride on the high-level Monorail or hop on the Veteran London Bus to see the Beaulieu sights.

For shopping delights visit the Beaulieu gift shops which offer everything from soft toys and stocking fillers for children, to a wide selection of motor related items, traditional gifts and festive fare.  There is free parking and free entry to the extensive Gift Shop which is conveniently located in the Visitor Reception Hall.

The Beaulieu attraction is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. For further information visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport

The Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport is gearing up, galvanising the glorious grounds and getting set for the 8th annual weekend celebration.

Festival of Transport

Perfect for families, auto aficionados and festival fans the Festival of Transport is a hullabaloo of hot rods, vintage classics, exhibitions, trade stands, competitions and history.

Sunday 24th August will feature the Classic Car Show and Monday 25th August will include not only the Classic Cars but also motorcycles, Minis and VW's, Customs, Hot Rods and Americans, Kit and Sports Cars.

The bank holiday bonanza this year includes vehicle judging lead by former BBC radio presenter Les Clayton. Les, whose apprenticeship at Triumph and subsequent 17 years of specialist commentary will get all the family excited about the vehicular spectacle. Expect plenty to see and do around the grounds.

Event organisers Classic Shows have been running auctions and specialist car shows for almost 30 years and know exactly what gets the ‘petrol head’ in all of us hot under the bonnet. The show will have exhibitors, trade stalls and plenty of knowledgeable amateurs and motoring professionals offering a wealth of information, history and tonics about specialist vehicles.

From young to old the Festival of Transport is a true celebration of motoring history and achievement with plenty of exciting things to see, hear and do to keep all the family entertained.

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events

Festival of Transport: 24th – 25th August
Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £13.50 / Child £6.60 (Age 5-16) /Concession £10.20 / Family £36.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
INFO LINE:     0800 849 6500       

Spring into summer at Beaulieu this May Half Term (24th May – 1st June 2014)

During the May Half Term, 24th May - 1st June, spring into summer at Beaulieu and enjoy all the fantastic features of one of the south’s leading visitor attractions, as well as special activities for all the family.

Giant Chess

Giant Connect 4

Giant Drafts

In the grounds, have a go on some Giant Games! Get tactical with giant sized Noughts and Crosses, checkmate the king on the super-size Chess board and test out your logic skills with larger than life Connect Four. Budding drivers can get in the driving seat on Dipstick’s Driving Circuit, whilst younger visitors can get physical on the Mini Motor PlayTrail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars.

In Beaulieu Abbey, join the costumed monk in a fun game to find out how medieval arches were built and discover how herbs were used in medicines in monastic times.
Visit the National Motor Museum and see over 250 vehicles on display, including Land Speed Record Breakers, F1 racers, classic family cars of the 30s and 40s, plus rare motoring oddities such as a giant orange on wheels. Walk through Jack Tucker’s, a 1930s country garage, and take a ride on Wheels, a fascinating journey through 100 years of motoring.
Don’t miss the first opportunity to see the brand new Motorcycle Story, which takes you on a journey through motorcycling history, showing the developments in technology and the changing trends in fashion, style and sport. The displays cover road safety, British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s and a wide range of racing disciplines.
Also new for 2014, For Britain & For The Hell Of It is a fascinating display featuring the museum’s iconic Land Speed Record cars; Bluebird CN7, Golden Arrow and the Sunbeams 350hp and 1000hp. These stunning vehicles are showcased alongside a stirring audio-visual presentation and a temporary exhibition of alternative Land Speed Record vehicles.

Visit World of Top Gear to see actual vehicles created by presenters Jeremy, Richard and James during some of their most memorable challenges. The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

Visit Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and meet costumed staff who will tell you what life was like in the house during Victorian times. Take a ride on the high-level Monorail or hop onboard the open-topped veteran London bus for a different way to explore the grounds.

Visitors to Beaulieu on the 25th and 26th May can also enjoy Truckmania, an event taking place in the parkland which celebrates all things truck-related. See displays of trucks spanning 100 years, from horse-drawn carriages through to modern, environmentally-friendly lorries, watch the amazing BIGFOOT monster truck crushing cars and watch as truck drivers’ skills are put to the test in Truck Agility.

All-inclusive attraction admission tickets can be bought on the day of your visit, or take advantage of the 10% discount offered on tickets bought in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Beaulieu is open daily, 10am – 5pm. For more information, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Beaulieu Gears Up For Another Weekend Of Truckmania

Big Foot

Tug a truck!

Dalton's Rocky, Hangover and Avengers Trucks

On Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th May, Beaulieu will be super-sizing its offering to visitors with its popular, family-friendly event, Truckmania. This exciting show, which burst onto the scene last year and proved to be a resounding success, is now back for 2014 with even bigger displays and more trucking action.

Custom Trucks

In the picturesque surroundings of the Beaulieu parkland, trucks and lorries of all shapes, sizes and ages will be on display for visitors to get up close to. Vehicles on display will include eco-friendly lorries, themed and specially decorated trucks, plus many commercial and traditional models.

Visitors can vote for their favourite truck in the People’s Choice Award, with the owner of the winning truck receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

World-famous monster truck, BIGFOOT, will be leaving visitors open-mouthed during two mesmerising, action-packed displays each day, featuring power demonstrations, gravity-defying stunts and car-crushing.

A special feature for 2014, the Transformer truck, Optimus Prime, will be appearing at the event. Do not miss seeing this superhero of the truck and film world in all his full-scale, real-life glory.

In the Grand Marquee, an even larger Mini Truck World will be whirring into action with a wide range of remote controlled model trucks. From a construction site to a road network, these RC trucks will recreate everything that full-size trucks do on a daily basis.

TV trucking personality, Mark Dixon, will again be joining the action on both days, talking with event commentator, Kevin Harris, sharing his knowledge of trucks and saying hello to visitors.

Always fun for both participants and spectators alike, the Truck Agility Test sees truck drivers manoeuvring their cab around a number of awkward obstacles, with a Beaulieu Trophy awarded each day to the most skilled driver.

Enjoy free rides on the traditional fairground dodgems and test your strength in the ‘Beaulieu Truck Pull’. Both individual and team participants are welcome, with all those taking part receiving a very special medal.

Truckmania can be enjoyed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction. See the National Motor Museum and its two brand new displays for 2014. For Britain & For The Hell Of It features iconic Land Speed Record cars and celebrates the history of British Land Speed Record breaking with a stirring audio-visual presentation. The Motorcycle Story takes you on a journey through motorcycling history, featuring motorcycles and memorabilia covering a wide range of racing disciplines, road safety and British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s.

Visit World of Top Gear, displaying actual vehicles used in the popular BBC television motoring show, On Screen Cars with genuine vehicles from TV and film, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the gardens.

Beaulieu attraction admission tickets are available to buy on arrival on the day of your visit, or in advance online from www.beaulieushop.co.uk at a special web discount rate.

Free parking is available to visitors in the attraction car parks with the event opening each day from 10am – 6pm.

If you have a truck which you would like to bring along to Truckmania, or if you would like to have a trade stand at the event, please download an entry form from http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events/truckmania or contact the Events Team, by email at events@beaulieu.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 614614.

For more information about Truckmania, please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter, using #truckmania.

How The First World War Affected An Historic Family, A Village And A Canine Companion Who Returned Alone From The Front To Holkham

Arthur Coke

When Holkham opens the doors to its 2014 exhibition it will lift the curtain on many poignant memories of the First World War, including one member of the Coke family whose faithful canine companion sadly returned alone from the front to live out his days on the historic north Norfolk estate.

Arthur Coke, grandfather of the present Earl of Leicester, spent his early service days in the Royal Navy before moving to the Horse Guards and seeing action in Flanders in the first Battle of Ypres which lasted for three months in 1914.

The exhibition will feature some poignant extracts from letters that Arthur wrote at the front and which take the reader from the build up to war, his reaction to war once action starts and his very early realisation that the war in Europe was set to be a static war in the trenches. At the end of 1914 Arthur wanted to see more action and was able to transfer to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Armoured Cars.

Jack The Dog's grave

Four months later the Armoured Cars were in Lemnos, a Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea.  The island was used by the allies as a base to try to capture the Dardanelles Straits. With the cars waiting for action, Arthur volunteered to help man the S S River Clyde which was the first troopship to put men ashore at ‘V’ beach on the Gallipoli peninsula. He was put in charge of five machine guns in the bows.  Battle commenced and was to last for some 13 hours but despite heavy losses the beach landing held. Arthur described this action as: “The greatest day of my life.” He went on to join the battle for Krithia but was killed on May 2 1915 during a particularly fierce offensive by the Turks.

Throughout his time in Gallipoli, Arthur was accompanied by his faithful dog, Jack - an Airedale Terrier. Following Arthur’s death, Jack was brought back to Holkham by Arthur’s fellow officers.  He lived out his days at Holkham and was buried near the orangery in 1918.

The exhibition will feature details of Arthur’s two brothers, Tom and Roger, who were also involved in the First World War and the impact the war had on the family. Personal letters, archives, books, photographs and artefacts will all be on display and the exhibition will also aim to show the impact of the war for the families of over 90 Holkham men who are mentioned on the Roll of Honour.

Viscount Coke said: “The Great War was supposed to be ‘The war to end all wars’, but as Harry Patch, the last surviving soldier known to have fought in the trenches said: “We have learnt nothing from it.” The making of this exhibition has been fascinating. I knew a fair bit about my great-grandfather Arthur’s service and his ultimate death at Gallipoli, but we have unearthed so much more about his brothers’ involvement in the war and that of many other Holkham men and women. I challenge our visitors not to be moved by it.”

Two special features on display in the courtyard at Holkham will demonstrate the creative talent of students at Norwich University of the Arts. The students will design and build a two-thirds scale profile of a Mark V tank and a replica 20 foot section of a trench representing the Somme battlefield. The trench display will also feature a memorial wall on each side and inside it will feature periscopes, a sniper hole and a selection of graphics.

Sarah Steed, business director at Norwich University of the Arts said: “NUA students Andrew Rhodes and Jason Billman are delighted to have been selected to work on the Holkham project. They hope to use their skills as a fine artist and an illustrator to bring the exhibition vividly to life for the families that visit.”

On August 4 there will also be a special day of reflection to commemorate Britain joining World War 1. Further details of the day will be published on the Holkham website in the coming months.

The 2014 exhibition at Holkham Hall will be open to visitors from April 1 to October 31 on a Sunday, Monday or Thursday between 12 and 4pm and normal hall admission charges will apply.  For further details about visiting Holkham please go to the website www.holkham.co.uk

Spring Into Easter at The Treasure House 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. 

Easter bunny at Beaulieu

During the Easter holidays (5 – 21 April), young visitors to Beaulieu can follow an egg-citing trail and collect a sweet treat at the end. At the historic Palace House, youngsters can enjoy Easter-themed face painting as the whole family plays with a variety of traditional Victorian toys and games. Visitors over the Easter weekend may even get to meet the Easter Bunny!

There is plenty of family fun to be had over Easter weekend at Blenheim Palace, with an exciting Easter eggstravaganza of activities taking place. On 18 – 19 April children can enjoy the Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Hunt around the Pleasure Gardens, with clues to be solved and prizes to be won. A particular schedule highlight on 20 – 21 April sees popular children’s characters Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - plus Fireman Sam - making appearances at intervals on each day. This event marks a not-to-be-missed milestone year as Peppa Pig celebrates its 10-year anniversary with ’10 Years of Muddy Puddles’.

The popular Burghley Easter Egg Hunt will once again be taking place in the Gardens of Surprise, (11am - 5pm, last admission 4.30pm) on Sunday 20 April. Follow the treasure hunt around the gardens and solve the riddle to claim your full-sized chocolate egg. Parents are also asked to test their Easter knowledge to try and win a family Season Card, with all participants entered in to the prize draw for a giant chocolate Easter bunny.

Cheer on Woolly Jumper and friends in the Lamb National with a visit Castle Howard. Join in with sheepdog demonstrations from the amazing Bob Hogg's Sheepdog Displays and test your sheep herding skills. There will also be children’s interactive trails around the grounds, face-painting and Molly the Rabbit who will be wandering the grounds with her basket of chocolate eggs.

Chatsworth will be hosting spring celebrations for the whole family throughout the school holidays (12-27 April), including an Easter egg trail through the house and a trail of golden eggs to discover in the garden. Over the Easter weekend (18-21 April) the farmyard and adventure playground will host its annual Easter egg hunts and Easter Eggspress trailer rides, with the Easter Bunny making special appearances throughout the weekend.

This Easter, Harewood House is offering a host of entertainment and activities for the entire family. In the Bird Garden visitors can see flamingos, parrots and owls, sneak a peek into one of the incubators, and feed the penguins. Alternatively, step back to Victorian times ‘Below Stairs’ in the House, discover hidden treasures behind cupboard doors, play dress-up or try themed crafts by creating your own bookmarks.  Step aboard a pirate ship or explore a fairytale castle as imaginations run wild in Harewood’s amazing Adventure Playground.

Visit Hatfield Park Farm to see the various farmyard animals including ducks, geese, turkeys, Hungarian Woolly pigs and cattle - and for the chance to feed the sheep and goats. Take a ride on the magical miniature train, which runs between 11am and 5pm on weekends, bank holidays and all school holidays, and journey amongst the scenic surrounds of Hatfield’s fabulous farm.

Join Holkham Hall for four jam-packed days of 'egg-citing' activities across the Easter weekend (Good Friday 18th April- Easter Monday 21st April).. Well-known children’s author Jackie Morris joins in the fun and will be talking about all the wonderful stories she has written and illustrated. Or a chance to visit the colourful yurt for plenty of storytelling and captivating tales too.

Easter at Leeds Castle

There are a bevy of fun-filled activities for children of all ages at Leeds Castle throughout the Easter Holidays (5-21 April). A family nature trail along the Woodland Walk will offer clues to collect in reward for a small prize, while the Easter weekend (18-21 April) welcomes Just Puppets and their special children’s production (suitable for ages 4 -10 years). Meet Mrs Mouse and friends, and sing and laugh with the characters on their adventures.  Have a go at hobbyhorse jousting, children’s mini battles and knight’s training at ‘Knight School’. A valid entrance ticket to Leeds Castle is required for all activities.

Follow an Easter egg trail, search for missing deer and meet some of the historical characters from World War I at Woburn Abbey and Gardens this Easter (18-21 April).  New exhibition Valiant Hearts: World War I - Woburn and its Stories brings history to life with a group of uniform-clad ‘Tommies’ talking about their frontline fighting experiences.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

England’s Finest
The ten Treasure Houses of England are the finest houses, palaces and castles in England today.

Located in some of the most stunning landscapes across the country, the Treasure Houses are an inspiring visit for all ages and interests, enjoy world-renowned art collections, stately interiors, and find a whole host of exhibitions, all set in beautiful parklands.

Even if you haven’t visited yet, many of the Treasure Houses will already be familiar as they have also provided the backdrop for iconic television series and blockbuster films including Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and Pride & Prejudice.

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses is they offer visitors a living history.  Most are still home to the families that have lived there for generations.

But forget old-fashioned images of historic houses, today’s Treasure Houses offer exciting new experiences for everyone to enjoy. Uncover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow cycle trails or stroll in beautiful gardens, enjoy contemporary sculpture and relax over afternoon tea.

The Treasure Houses change with the seasons, move with the times and always have something unexpected to offer, something new to discover making it a perfect day out.

Treasure Houses are:  Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield, Holkham, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

Treasure Houses Win at Hudson's Heritage Awards 2014 - Holkham Hall Win the Award for BEST FAMILY DAY OUT

WINNER:  Holkham Hall, Norfolk

Holkham Hall

BEST FAMILY DAY OUT

Holkham is one of the great estates of Britain, hidden in the extreme North of Norfolk.  It is in an area of exceptional natural beauty and the estate has been able to encourage a growing tourist market and build strong links with local communities.  Over the last few years, an increasing variety of activities have brought large number’s of young families into the park and innovative exhibitions at all times of year have widened the appeal of the house to younger audiences.

Last year saw the introduction of a new education team, a new woodland play area and tree house, new Discovery and Nature trails and you can now explore the park by bicycle, canoe, kayak or rowing boat or even by water zorbing! They have introduced the ‘wow’ factor to key events in the calendar, with a snowy Forest and Gingerbread Room at Christmas, a giant Chocolate egg to win at Easter, a 3 day May Day cycle festival and spooky tours at Halloween.

The judges recognised that visiting children and adults of all ages, including the local community, had been given new opportunities to engage with the landscape, park, architecture and collections and discover new ways of enjoying this fantastic protected heritage setting.2014 Hudson's Heritage Award Winners

About Hudson's Awards

The Treasure Houses Of England

The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Together they attract in excess of 2.8 million visitors annually.

Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The connoisseur of fine furniture, porcelain and china will find priceless examples of Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Each house is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by beautiful parklands and garden