Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns where our best-kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality.
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns where our best-kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality.
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Some of the beautiful etchings from his Liber Studiorum are<br />
on display, several of them responding to troubled years when<br />
England was under threat of invasion, along with beautifully<br />
crafted models of ships, variations on those which Turner had.<br />
In Turner’s time, Sandycombe stood on a large plot of land,<br />
bordered by two huge estates. His grounds have now been<br />
built over, as have the estates – so the open views he would<br />
have had are shown by digital technology. The small remains<br />
of the once-large gardens has been beautifully planted. On<br />
the 27 October St Margaret’s Wine are hosting a Whiskey<br />
Tasting at Turner’s House event. Tickets include a selection of<br />
three whiskeys, food, admission to the house, and a tour of the<br />
exhibition, Between the Sheets: Turner’s Nudes.<br />
University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Bristol<br />
Fascinating displays tell the story of plants in several zones. The<br />
evolution collection boasts species dating back 200 million<br />
years. Two medicinal herb gardens – Chinese and <strong>West</strong>ern –<br />
display useful plants. On chilly days, take shelter in the tropical<br />
zone glasshouse, marvel at giant waterlilies, and admire edible<br />
crops such as cocoa, vanilla, sugar cane, banana, pineapple and<br />
ginger. Visit on the 24 November for a special autumn-themed<br />
lecture by Poppy Okotcha; Growing a better world.<br />
Stonor Park, South Oxfordshire<br />
Described by Lord Gibson, former National Trust Chairman, as:<br />
‘Possibly the most beautiful setting for any house in England’,<br />
there’s a lush mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure gardens.<br />
Stroll amid neat box hedges, and seek out the hidden Japanese<br />
retreat. Stonor Park is one of the longest lived-in family<br />
homes in England, owned by the Stonor family for over 850<br />
years. Located near Henley, Stonor is a beautiful place to visit,<br />
especially if you are staying east of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route.<br />
The historic building and sweeping grounds are breathtaking<br />
and inside there is a fascinating family collection of art and<br />
artefacts. Open to visitors between April-September and at<br />
Christmas, (gardens are open April-October), you can view<br />
the work of St. Edmund Campion, created when he was given<br />
refuge there in 1581, and outside sits their oldest resident, a<br />
perfectly preserved prehistoric stone circle.<br />
Visit Stonor House when it has been beautifully decorated<br />
for Christmas and experience a Candle Lit Christmas where,<br />
walking from room to room, you will be able to imagine the<br />
many family members and friends who would have celebrated<br />
this festive season here through the centuries. Delicious<br />
seasonal fare will be served in the Stonor Pantry and the Gift<br />
Shop will be overflowing with goodies for all the family. →<br />
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