Windsor castle gets a facelift
Dating back to the 11th century and claiming the title of longest occupied palace in Europe, perhaps it’s not surprising Windsor Castle is due an overhaul.
Starting in 2017, the 14th-century undercroft will be opened for the first time, becoming the castle café, with visitors entering through the grand Georgian Entrance Hall.
Due to finish at the end of 2018, the castle will remain open throughout.
www.royalcollection.org.uk
An English country garden
Enjoy Staffordshire has launched a new garden trail and garden-themed short break package to celebrate the Year of the English Garden and the 300th anniversary of Lancelot “Capability” Brown.
The famed landscaper worked on both Trentham Gardens and Weston Park, included in the trail of 20 of the county’s finest gardens along with Biddulph Grange Garden, the Shugborough Estate and more.
The short break package features a choice of 11 hotels plus admission to two top garden attractions, with a stay for two adults costing from £75.
Visit enjoystaffordshire.com/great-gardens to download the trail map as well as two-for-one admission vouchers, or for more information on accommodation packages.
Enjoy a forest feast
The New Forest is holding its first Food and Drink Festival this autumn, from October 31 to November 6, featuring locally produced ingredients and 15 themes.
Headline events will feature celebrity chefs, talks and tastings from chocolate to cider.Get tips on foraging for mushrooms in the ancient woodlands, while Simon Rimmer, from Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, will be creating a vegetarian banquet at Burley Manor.
Or enjoy a taste of the sea with sustainably caught British fish, landed along the often forgotten 40-mile coastline of this National Park.
Prices vary, some events free. thenewforest.co.uk/newforestfoodfest
