Unmissable events
Exhibition Until March 31 ‘The Lost Estate’, Yavington Barn, Avington, Hampshire. A magnificent collection of unseen antique furniture, curious objects and artworks chosen by Max Rollitt, all of which will be for sale (01962 791124; www.maxrollitt.com)
March 4–June 4 ‘Anne Purkiss: Sculptors’, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, West Yorkshire. This collection of portraits by the German photographer shows artists at various stages in their careers, all of whom have exhibited at the park over the past 40 years (01924 832631; www.ysp.co.uk)
Lecture March 17 Caerhays Bred Magnolias, Caerhays Castle, Gorran, Cornwall. Learn about the magnolia hybridisation programme and its achievements with owner Charles Williams, then enjoy a ‘behind the bushes’ tour of the gardens, including the 10-acre magnolia planting at Kennel Close. 10am–1pm, tickets from £16, booking essential (www.caerhays.co.uk; 01872 501310)
Antique fair March 3–5 Wilton House Antiques Fair (top), Salisbury, Wiltshire. Some 45 specialist dealers offering furniture, rugs, porcelain, glass, silver, jewellery, bronzes, oils, watercolours, prints and collectables at the Palladian home of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke. 10.30am–5pm, entry £6 (01722 746728; www.wiltonhouse.co.uk)
Weekend away March 11–13 Spring Wine Weekend, Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island, Argyll. A weekend on this 300-acre private island can only be improved by an eight-course tasting menu, from a Michelin-starred chef, paired with exquisite wines. £400pp, including two nights’ accommodation and use of the hotel’s spa and leisure facilities (01631 720371; www.eriska-hotel.co.uk)
Plant fair March 5 Plant and Gardening Fair, Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset. More than 30 stalls selling plants and gardening sundries, plus RHS advice and inspiration for spring gardens. 10am– 4pm, entry £3, including garden admission (01460 220231; www.fordeabbey.co.uk)
Book now March 26 Mother’s Day Lunch, Highgrove, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. You will be met at the Orchard Restaurant with a glass of Champagne, before enjoying a three-course lunch accompanied by music from the resident pianist. £49.95pp (0333 222 4555; www.highgrovegardens.com)
April 1–2 Basic gundog training course, Ty Gwyn Farm, Llandrindod Wells, Radnorshire. The course will teach retrievers, spaniels, HPRS, pointers and setters to be well-behaved companions, whether or not they are working dogs. For animals aged six months to four years. £280, including overnight accommodation and meals (www.tygwynfarm.co.uk; 01597 829298)