HERITAGE & GARDENS
Photo Credit: Ian Stobie
Croome is voted as having the nation’s second favourite walk Worcestershire’s top heritage attraction has been named as having the nation’s second favourite walk in an online poll. Croome, south of Worcester, was among 8 places across the country in the vote as part of the National Trust’s Walking Festival. The Festival at Croome, and the walk to one of Croome’s follies which was entered into the competition, was supported by Worcestershire resident Toyah Willcox, the multi-talented singer, performer and writer. “We tend to forget the fabulous countryside we have all around us, and it’s there for us to discover,’ she said whilst on the beautiful walk to Park Seat.” “Croome Park is just absolutely stunning. It’s designed yet you think you’re in natural countryside. You look out across these gentle rolling hills and you see wonderful monuments, follies and statues and the lake in particular is really lovely. You truly feel you own the whole park while you walk around it.” The walk to the Park Seat, which overlooks the parkland towards Croome Court, is featured as a self guided walk at Croome and visitors can experience the scenic route when visiting the ‘Capability’ Brown parkland and house. Croome is open every day from 10am to 5.30pm from February 13 2012. Croome Court is open from 11am to 4.30pm and closed on Tuesdays. For more information about Croome or the walks call 01905 371006 or visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-croome.
Toyah Willcox on the Park Seat walk at Croome.
Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb 5th - 6th May Midland Hill Climb Championship 2nd - 3rd June British Hill Climb Championship 30th June Reg Philips Trophy Meeting 1st July Vintage Meeting co-promoted with the VSCC 28th -29th July Classic Nostalgia 18th - 19th August British Hill Climb Championship 22nd - 23rd Midland Hill Climb Championship
The inspirational Malvern Spring Gardening Show
Set in the heart of the Teme Valley in Worcestershire lies the oldest motor racing venue still operating on its original course. The Shelsley Walsh hill climb which has been run by the Midland Automobile club since 1905 is 1000 yards long and at its steepest part 1:6 sees cars do 140mph into the tightest corner and over 150mph across the finish line.
The inspirational Malvern Spring Gardening Show (10th – 13th May), run in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society and featured on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World programme, is one of the top four gardening shows in the country, boasting 30 acres of perfect plants, garden gadgets and accessories, together with live landscaping demonstrations and celebrity talks.
This year sees the MSA British Hill Climb Championship visit Shelsley Walsh on 2nd/3rd June and again on the 18th/19th August. A number of motorsport anniversaries will be celebrated starting with the 50th of the British Women Racing Drivers Club on 5th/6th May, the 50th of the MGB on the 28th/29th July were everyone is encouraged to dress in period clothing of the 50s and 60s. In August sees Shelsley Walsh celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lotus Elan with a number of historical Lotus racing cars including F1 cars take to the famous hill climb.
Visitors looking for ideas to take home, should head for Malvern’s enchanting show gardens, which include an interactive water garden, an urban oasis by Chris Beardshaw and fifteen charming school gardens this year. New features for 2012 include a Living Landscape Theatre, an Allotment theatre and a Painting With Plants Gallery, all complementing old favourites; The RHS Malvern Floral Marquee, the Country Living Pavilion, delicious food and drink, locally produced crafts and top quality shopping! Book tickets on 01684 584924 or visit: threecounties.co.uk/ springgardening
www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk
www.threecounties.co.uk/springgardening
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