Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns where our best-kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality.
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns where our best-kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality.
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Some of the beautiful etchings from his Liber Studiorum are
on display, several of them responding to troubled years when
England was under threat of invasion, along with beautifully
crafted models of ships, variations on those which Turner had.
In Turner’s time, Sandycombe stood on a large plot of land,
bordered by two huge estates. His grounds have now been
built over, as have the estates – so the open views he would
have had are shown by digital technology. The small remains
of the once-large gardens has been beautifully planted. On
the 27 October St Margaret’s Wine are hosting a Whiskey
Tasting at Turner’s House event. Tickets include a selection of
three whiskeys, food, admission to the house, and a tour of the
exhibition, Between the Sheets: Turner’s Nudes.
University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Bristol
Fascinating displays tell the story of plants in several zones. The
evolution collection boasts species dating back 200 million
years. Two medicinal herb gardens – Chinese and Western –
display useful plants. On chilly days, take shelter in the tropical
zone glasshouse, marvel at giant waterlilies, and admire edible
crops such as cocoa, vanilla, sugar cane, banana, pineapple and
ginger. Visit on the 24 November for a special autumn-themed
lecture by Poppy Okotcha; Growing a better world.
Stonor Park, South Oxfordshire
Described by Lord Gibson, former National Trust Chairman, as:
‘Possibly the most beautiful setting for any house in England’,
there’s a lush mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure gardens.
Stroll amid neat box hedges, and seek out the hidden Japanese
retreat. Stonor Park is one of the longest lived-in family
homes in England, owned by the Stonor family for over 850
years. Located near Henley, Stonor is a beautiful place to visit,
especially if you are staying east of the Great West Way route.
The historic building and sweeping grounds are breathtaking
and inside there is a fascinating family collection of art and
artefacts. Open to visitors between April-September and at
Christmas, (gardens are open April-October), you can view
the work of St. Edmund Campion, created when he was given
refuge there in 1581, and outside sits their oldest resident, a
perfectly preserved prehistoric stone circle.
Visit Stonor House when it has been beautifully decorated
for Christmas and experience a Candle Lit Christmas where,
walking from room to room, you will be able to imagine the
many family members and friends who would have celebrated
this festive season here through the centuries. Delicious
seasonal fare will be served in the Stonor Pantry and the Gift
Shop will be overflowing with goodies for all the family. →
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