SUMMER PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS

Wednesday 24 April - Wollerton Hall & Nottingham Castle, Notts.

Wollerton Hall is a stunning Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion set in 500 acres of natural parkland. It is now owned by Nottingham City Council and is home to the Natural History Museum. Collections can be viewed in rooms including The Long Gallery, The Great Hall and Salon. Followed by a visit to Nottingham Castle where there are a range of galleries and exhibitions including The Nottingham Lace Gallery, the Craft Gallery and Museum & Art Gallery.

Cost £38 pp

Wednesday 22 May - Bewdley & Hartlebury Castle, Worcs.

Spending the morning in the attractive Georgian town of Bewdley where the Bewdley Museum has a wide variety of collections including fine art. In the afternoon we visit Hartlebury Castle where a tour of the Hurd Library and the Bishop's Palace is included.

Cost £46 pp

Tuesday 18 June - Ashbourne & Tissington Hall, Derbys.

Arriving at Tissington Hall there will be a tour of the Hall which was built in 1609 with later additions. There are also gardens and St. Mary's Church which can be explored. The afternoon is spent in Ashbourne discovering the more than 200 listed buildings including historic almshouses and coaching inns.

Cost £45 pp

Thursday 25 July - River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames & Ewelme, Oxon.

The River & Rowing Museum is a fascinating museum housed in an award-winning building in a beautiful riverside setting. As well as stories of the river it houses The Piper Gallery exploring the life and career of John Piper, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. We then travel to Ewelme where we will be met by the village archivist at the historic church of St. Mary the Virgin who will tell us the history of the church, its associations with the poet Geoffrey Chaucer and about the Ewelme Trust.

Cost £43 pp

Tuesday 20 August - Droitwich Spa, Worcs. & Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire.

Stopping in Droitwich Spa with time to wander round the town and discover the historic history of this salt town. We then travel to Hampton Court Castle where there are spectacular gardens to view. A guided tour of the Castle is included to discover its chequered and fascinating history.

Cost £40 pp

For full details of these trips and how to book please contact the Secretary at: friendsofleamingtonartgallery@hotmail.co.uk