And now for something (slightly) different for the August Bank Holiday

06/08/2008

Given that our summer weather hasn't been quite as dry as we might have liked so far, here are a few ideas that could transform a wet time stuck inside a car into a treat for all generations ...

 

 

Stately Bank Holiday treat

 

Food lovers looking for a stately August Bank Holiday weekend treat should head for the spires of Tudor mansion Burghley House in Lincolnshire.

 

Staged against the backdrop of one of England’s finest Elizabethan houses, the first ever Burghley Fine Food Market promises quality produce for sale, a chance to meet food producers and an opportunity for youngsters to sample cookery fun. The Stable Courtyard provides the stately setting for the free event on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August for a relaxed but bustling market atmosphere. A seated café area and children’s cookery theatre complete the foodie-themed weekend line-up.

 

More information: 01780 752451 or www.burghley.co.uk

 

 

Vikings and rampaging Royalists in Hidden England

 

Thundering horses and musket battles will transform ‘Hidden England’ into a treasure trove of living history over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Straddling Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire ‘Hidden England’ brings together five stunning historic houses along with partner attractions, hotels and places to eat.

 

Two of the properties will recreate history with spectacular re-enactments on 24th-25th August. At Rockingham Castle Vikings bring battles, horses and a Living History Camp, while Belvoir Castle witnesses one of the largest military re-enactments in Britain courtesy of The Sealed Knot. After 360 years, Royalist Rob-Carrier Gervase Lucas and his marauding “Cormorants” return to their Civil War stronghold, complete with cannon and musket battles.

More information: www.hiddenengland.org

 

 

Cosmopolitan break in East Yorkshire

 

A package of breaks to ‘refresh the senses’ is providing a taste of 'Cosmopolitan Countryside' amidst the rolling landscapes of East Yorkshire. Just launched by Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, the packages celebrate a growing breed of cosmopolitan gastro pubs, restaurants and places to stay, and offer added-value experiences - ranging from an exclusive day at one of England’s finest racecourses to an inspirational art course in a relaxing retreat.
More details: www.realyorkshire.co.uk

 

 

Swinging Sixties Bank Holiday Weekend

 

Let your heart skip a beat and go back to the 1960s with the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. Five steam trains will be running intensive services each day between 11am and 6pm on Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August. With fashions, vehicles and of course the steam train. Normal train fares will apply between 11am and 6pm. Live music on the Saturday with Anthony Daniels and Crepes & Drapes on the Sunday; admission £5, each night. Groovy sounds, far out fashions, real ale bar and vintage vehicles.

More information: 01472 604657 or visit www.enjoycleethorpes.com

 

 

Carnival capers

 

Carnival capers bring a festival atmosphere to Burghley House in Lincolnshire this summer. New for 2008, the Elizabethan mansion’s Gardens of Surprise plays host to the Festival of Surprises, a series of events free to visitors with a House and Gardens or Gardens only ticket. Saturday 19th July will see the circus come to town for Circus Skills for Kids with demonstrations and hands on action for kids, big and small, while Saturday 16th August brings a real carnival atmosphere with a Family Carnival complete with jugglers, music and something for all the family to enjoy. Season ticket holders and Friends of Burghley are also admitted free to these events.

More details: www.burghley.co.uk

 

 

Fab fun for free in Lincoln

 

Take a world tour around Lincoln this summer as part of the city's popular Waterfront Festival. This year’s celebrations on the 19th & 20th July are themed as 'A Cultural Tour' featuring entertainment and activities based on Lincoln's twin towns: Neustadt an der Weinstrasse in Germany; Port Lincoln, Australia; Tangshan, China; and Rodomsko, Poland. Each year, the Waterfront Festival offers fabulous free, exciting and innovative events including street theatre, live music, street dance, water shows and a firework show as part of the Saturday night spectacular.

 

More information: 01522 873800 or www.lincoln.gov.uk/waterfrontfestival.