Out & About Summer 2018

This Ole House Shaw House in Newbury is rich in history and West Berkshire Council runs many family activities there throughout the year. To find out more visit www.westberkshireheritage.org/ shaw-house But how about further afield? The National Trust runs and maintains a selection of properties, all within easy reach of Newbury, and there are many other family-run or trust-owned houses: Less than an hour away Basing House (30m): Run by the Hampshire Cultural Trust, Basing House was the largest private house in Tudor England that suffered at the hands of Cromwell during the English Civil War. www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/ basing-house The Vyne NT (35m): Tudor house that has recently undergone extensive renovation works to the roof and sits in magnificently laid-out gardens and alongside a lake. Also stages outdoor theatre events. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne Ashdown House NT (35m): This doll’s house of a building is surrounded by woodland. It was built by William Craven for the love of his life, Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia, in 1662.There is limited access to the house and

only as part of a tour. There is also a lace maker at work and woodland crafts demonstrations. The woodland is open all year round. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ashdown-house Basildon Park NT (35m): 18th- century house with wooded parkland, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon- park Blenheim Palace (45m): Home to the Marlborough family, and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is more than 300 years old. Events take place in the grounds all year round and a tour round the house and explore among the grounds would make for a great day out. www.blenheimpalace.com Mottisfont NT (45m) : Originally a priory, then a haven for the bohemian artists of the early 20th century, Mottisfont offers plenty of space for running around and letting off steam, as well as an extensive programme of family activities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

More than an hour away Bowood House (1h): Set in Capability Brown parkland, Bowood House belongs to the Lansdowne family. In addition to the Georgian house and landscaped gardens, there is a children’s adventure playground that includes a life-size pirate ship. www.bowood.org Beaulieu (1h5m): The house, the grounds, the motor museum and monorail. A trip to Beaulieu really is a full day out and there are many special events over the summer. www.beaulieu.co.uk Stansted Park (1h15m): Stansted is a Grade II-listed Edwardian country house set on a 1,800-acre estate within the South Downs National Park. The house began as a hunting lodge in the 11th century. www.stanstedpark.co.uk/ Longleat House (1h20m): Definitely somewhere for a full day’s visit – there’s the house and grounds, the safari park and the main square, where you can get up close to smaller exotic creatures. www.longleat.co.uk Goodwood House (1h25m): Horses and cars and a grand house to boot. What’s not to like? www.goodwood.com/

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