EVENTS - outings, talks, holiday

Outings 2026

2025

01 Dec............ Christmas at Beaulieu House

2026

Feb 11..............Benington Lordship (snowdrops) & St Albans Abbey 

Apr 14..............Strawberry Hill & Ham House

May 19.............Mapperton House & Kingston Russell

Jun 03.............Basingstoke Canal & West Green House Garden

July 01.............Iford Manor & Bowood House

Jul 23...............Bourton House Garden & Chastleton House

Sep 03 ............Compton Verney & Hidcote Manor Garden 


Outings are usually by coach from Winchester, and include National Trust Gardens and Houses as well as other properties and places of interest. Refreshments may be included depending on cost, availability and timing. The booklet sent to members includes details and booking forms. Occasionally we will introduce a self-drive visit to somewhere more local.



Talks 2025-26


October 08            Jane Austen – a perspective view - Anna Withers

November 05        Pineapples - Judith Elson

December 03         ZOOM The History of the Orangery - Rowena Willard-Wright (NT)

January 21            ZOOM Holbein to Hirst - A History of British Art - Frank Woodgate

February 04           ZOOM Architecture in Britain and Ireland - Steven Brindle

March 04              AGM followed by Douglas Skeggs, topic tba

April 08                Early Winchester -  Andrew Negus


In-person talks are held at the Middle Brook Centre in Winchester at 2.30pm for an hour. Guests are welcome for a payment of £5. Some winter talks (noted above) are by Zoom, and the link is usually sent out by email two days before.


2026 Holiday


10 - 14 September - Lancashire & the Lake District

Our holiday is titled 'The Historic Houses & Heritage of Lancashire & the Lake District'. We include dinner, bed, breakfast and the coach, as well as entrance to the various places of interest. We are working with Tailored Travel to provide this holiday. Click for details shown on the Tailored Travel website. A further click on the 'Download Brochure' tab will provide a copy of the brochure and Booking Form. Please send your Booking Forms and deposit payment to Ian Valentine (details on Booking Form).