If you’re wondering what to do this weekend in the Cotswolds, here are five recommendations from us to you
There’s always something to do in this grand green corner of England. Here are five recommendations to make this weekend (April 12-13) a little more memorable. In no particular order...
Five: Fancy some history?
• Sudeley Castle’s Richard III Exhibition, Winchcombe
April 2-15
Sudeley Castle, in the small town of Winchcombe, has had a long and interesting history (if those castle walls could speak...). It was once the property of Richard III and later that of Henry VIII, whose sixth and final wife Queen Catherine Parr died and was buried there. It’s now under the ownership of Lady Ashcombe, and much of the historic building is on display to the public.
Sudely is one of seven venues hosting the facial replica of Richard III, whose remains were discovered beneath a car park in Leicester last year. Previously private portions of the property have also recently been opened for visitors, and the wealth of artefacts on display, dating from the Roman Empire up to the present day, provide plenty to look at as you wander round.
The castle is open from 10am until 5pm (with last at admission 4pm).
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults £14.00
Concessions £13.00
Children (5-15 Years) £5.00
Children under 5 Years Free
Family Ticket (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) £35.00
For more information, visit: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/exhibitions/richard-iii-returns-sudeley-castle-gardens
Four: Fancy a film?
• Sunday Cinema Club, Barnsley House near Cirencester
Sunday April 13
There is a regular Sunday Cinema Club at Barnsley House. The private cinema features the latest high-definition projector, is air-conditioned and can accommodate up to thirty people in two-seat pink leather sofas. This Sunday, the Oscar-nominated ‘Philomena’ will be shown to patrons, followed by a two course supper.
‘Philomena’ is based on the 2009 book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith ‘The Lost Child of Philomena Lee’. The story focuses on Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), whose son was taken from her by the Catholic Church for being born out of wedlock. Years later, Philomena has moved on with her life and settled in England, but a chance encounter with Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) inspires them both to track down her long-lost son.
Time: Arrival from 5pm, screening at 5.30pm
Tickets: £32 per person including a two-course supper in The Potager (Barnsley House’ restaurant), cinema screening and popcorn (supper served from 7pm).
Tickets for Sunday Cinema must be booked and prepaid in advance and are non-refundable.
For more information, visit: www.barnsleyhouse.com/offers/cinema/sunday-cinema-club
Three: Fancy wildlife watching?
• Rhino Week at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford
April 5-13
This week has been Rhino Week at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, with rhino-themed talks and activities to highlight the park’s conservation work with Tusk Trust; an organisation set up to help protect African wildlife and halt the decline of one of Africa’s most famous wild residents.
Cotswold Wildlife Park has a number of white rhinos for visitors to see. The name “white” rhino doesn’t actually refer to their colour but to the Afrikaans word “widje,” meaning “wide”, referring to the wide mouth of the rhino. The species has two horns, and the longest can grow up to 150cm - that’s 4.9 ft! They bathe in mud to keep cool and parasite free, and can run up to 25 miles-per-hour.
The species was at serious risk of extinction in the early 1900s when there were only approximately 20 remaining. Numbers have significantly improved in recent years thanks to increased conservation efforts, with 11,600 wild southern white rhinos and 767 individuals in zoos.
More about the rhinos at the park can be found here: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/meet-animals/rhino.htm
Ticket prices for Cotswold Wildlife Park are as follows:
Adult - £14.50
Infant (under 3) - Free
Children (3-16 years inclusive) - £10.00
Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £10.00
From April to October, the park opens 10am to 6pm with last admission at 4.30pm.
Visit: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Two: Like chocolate?
• The Easter Chocolate Trail at Tudor House, Worcester
April 12
If you’re looking for something to do with the family, this might be just the thing. Tudor House in Worcester have organised a ‘chocolate trail’, revealing where Richard Cadbury had his coffee shop in the early 1800s, where chocolate comes from and more. Participants are invited to solve puzzles and follow the chocolate trail to win a prize.
Saturday April 12, 10am – 4pm
Admission is free, but £1 for those wanting to solve puzzles for prizes
For more information, call Judy 01386 553536 / 01905 612309
Or visit: www.tudorhouseworcester.org.uk
One: Fancy a walk?
• Walkers are Welcome, Leominster
April 12-13
This weekend is the launch of Walkers Are Welcome, Leominster, with veteran ramblers and casual strollers alike encouraged to join in. There will be a launch ceremony with entertainment in the town centre, so people looking for an excuse to get outside may well have found one.
Schedule...
Saturday April 12
10. 15 I Spy Walk in Leominster for children up to 10 years old, accompanied by an adult, with prize sponsored by Survive and Thrive. Meet at 10.15 outside Tourist Information Centre.
11.30 Launch ceremony in Corn Square with Farmers Market, entertainment by Jenny Pipes Morris and Wheelbarrow theatre and promotion of Les Lumsden’s new walking book.
12.00 Presentation of Walkers are Welcome certificate to the Mayor. Cafes in the town centre are offering free tea, coffee or squash when food is purchased from 11-5. Look for the Walkers are Welcome sticker.
2.00 ‘Exploring the countryside on our doorstep’ On this easy 5-mile circular route following the River Lugg towards Stoke Prior leader Pete Blench will discuss points of interest in the landscape. Bring a drink for a refreshment stop. Meet at Tourist Information.
Sunday April 13
10.00 A more energetic 9 mile circular walk east of Leominster through fields, woods and orchards to Bache Camp, an iron age hill fort. Bring packed lunch. Meet at Tourist Information at 10.00.
Book your free place on walks at Leominster Tourist Information (01568 616460)
For more information, visit: www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk/news/events
