Country Life rounds up the best things to see, do and book this week: visit a gorgeous garden in Oxfordshire, go clay pigeon shooting in Leicestershire or book a hats and headdresses workshop in London.
Exhibition
Until June 1 ‘Recent Work by Rodger McPhail’, Rountree Tryon Galleries, Bury Street, London SW1. Woodcock, grouse, hares and stags all appear in the sporting and wildlife artist’s latest works
(www.rountreetryon.com; 020–7839 8083)
Until October 2 Sculpture Exhibition 2017, Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Abstract and figurative works in bronze, resin, stone, metal and ceramic—all of which are for sale—are placed to complement the plant collection of this great garden. Admission included with standard entry
(01444 450326; www.bordehill.co.uk)
County show
May 18–20 Devon County Show, Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter. Food, farming and entertainment, with livestock, monster-trucks, cookery and candle-making. Adult entry £21
(01392 353700; www.devoncountyshow.co.uk)
Guided tour
May 18 The Original Gothic Experience, Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham, Greater London. In June 1764, Horace Walpole awoke from a nightmare and began to write The Castle of Otranto, the first Gothic novel. Understand his inspiration as you tour his home at night. 8pm–10pm, tickets £15. Visit the website to book and for details of other Museums at Night events from May 17 to 20
(http://museumsatnight.org.uk)
Shooting
May 25 Clay Pigeon Shoot, Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, Leicestershire. Four team 100-bird flushes, followed by lunch. £500 per team of four, individual entries at £125 per head. 9.30am start
(07836 598202; www.gwct.org.uk)
Walking tour
May 20 Discover Historic Clerkenwell, London EC1. Explore Farringdon and Clerkenwell with author and historian Alec Forshaw, visiting landmarks such as Smith-
field General Market, St Bart’s Hospital and St John’s Gate. 11am–1pm, tickets from £7
(020–7253 3500; www.savebritainsheritage.org)
Plant festival
May 20–21 Pots & Plants Festival, Gregynog Hall, Newtown, Powys. Buy handcrafted pots and sculptures as well as rare and unusual plants from specialist nurseries in a historic garden setting. 10am–5pm, entry £5
(www.potsandplantsuk.com)
Book now
June 17 Hats and headdresses workshop, V. V. Rouleaux, Marylebone Lane, London W1. Learn the tricks of millinery, including ribbon cutting, ruching, wiring feathers and attaching flowers and accessories. 10am–12pm, £85 including materials
(020–7224 5179; www.vvrouleaux.com)
Garden
May 21 Charlbury Gardens, Oxfordshire OX7 3PP. Andrew Lawson is the eminence rise of garden photographers, his wife, Briony, is a sculptor and, together, they have created an exquisite, modern garden at their home, Gothic House. With false perpective, a chequer board and pleached trees, it’s as ingenious as it is restful. A short walk away is the Priory, where a larger but equally characterful garden provides a delightful contrast. 2pm-5pm, £5, children free
(www.ngs.org.uk)