OUTINGS UPDATE EARLY MAY 2021 From Alan Boyd

The results of the survey ‘Members attitude to restarting Club operations’ indicated that we are a long way from having a mandate for using coaches. Hence, it is ‘own transport’ at the moment, but the logistics of synchronising multiple Members to pre-book entry, travel and congregate at the destination at the same time are legion, so they are not viable. So here are suggestions for visits you could consider making under your own steam WEST GREEN HOUSE GARDEN near Hartley Whitney. Privately owned, but only £1 entrance fee for NT Members. House closed at moment, but large area of excellent formal gardens with extensive range of flowers plants and bushes, some wooded areas with winding paths, greenhouses and a lake with island. Need to book both timed entry and to reserve car park £4 (since off-road spaces are very limited). tel 01252 844611 CLAREMONT LANDSCAPED GARDENS (NT) Portsmouth Road, Esher. Tel: 01372 467806 Once a playground for the wealthy and influential, 18th Cent Landscaped gardens, surrounding a small lake. Open to visitors and members. Pre-book on NT website prior to visit. RHS GARDENS WISLEY, Wisley Lane, Woking, Tel: 01483 224234 Open to visitors and members. Pre-book time slot prior to visit POLESDEN LACY (NT), Great Bookham, near Dorking Tel: 01372 452048. House closed at present. 30 acres of grounds, rose Garden and winter Garden and a1400 acres estate (including stables café) open. Open to visitors and members. Pre-book on NT website, prior to visit. WAVERLEY ABBEY, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Tel: 0370 3331181 French monks settled here in 1128. Open during daylight hours. Small car park. Near Abbey. Entry FREE. PAINSHILL PARK, Portsmouth Road, Cobham tel01932868113 Regarded as one of the foremost and finest examples of the English Landscape Movement. Created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton as a living painting, walk around and discover dramatic follies, calming waters and simply stunning views. open to visitors. Visitors pre-book day ticket, large car park. THE VYNE (NT), Sherbourne St John, nr Basingstoke. House closed at present. Extensive grounds and walks, large lakes and weir. Large lawns in front of house. Café open. Pre-book NT website prior to visit. tel 01256 883858 HAMPTON COURT GARDENS, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey, Tel: 0203 1666507. (Events team no.r is the only contact available).Gardens only available at present at stated times. Open to visitors. Pre-book Ticket and time slot. WINKWORTH ARBORETUM (NT), Hascome Road, Godalming, Tel: 01483 208477 Huge grounds featuring innumerable types of trees, with examples from all over the world. Extensive winding paths at high level with viewing platform, and also leading downdown to large lake and boathouse. Open to members and visitors. Pre-book on NT website prior to visit. HOMEWOOD PARK, Guildford Road, Lyne, Chertsey Pleasant parkland with good paths surrounding Botley Manor Mansion. no prebooking. VIRGINIA WATER, London Road, Virginia Water Lake and woodlands (Various car parks. Pay by card only) THE SCULPTURE PARK Churt, Nr Farnham tel 01428 605453 Britain’s largest and most atmospheric sculpture exhibition . Over 300 artists exhibit modern and contemporary sculptures here in a setting of dense woodland, and small lakes, with exhibits between the trees and on the lakes Book online for timed entry. OTHER NT SITES further afield are Cliveden, West Wycombe. Ham House, Petworth, Mottisfont, Gray Court, Hughenden, Nymans, Hinton Ampere and Basildon Park. All require pre-booking on NT website prior to visit.