Unmissable events
Exhibition June 19–July 14 Elie Lambert solo show (right), Osborne Studio Gallery, Knightsbridge, London SW1. The equestrian painter’s latest works depicting ‘colourful long-legged horses… evidently shod by Louboutin’ are being shown to coincide with Royal Ascot (020–7235 9667; www.osg.uk.com)
June 16–October 27 ‘A Landscape of Objects’, Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset. A sculpture trail highlighting the importance of water in the gardens will be accompanied by artist residencies. Normal admission applies (01460 220231; www. fordeabbey.co.uk)
Festival June 17–18 Dogfest, Arley Hall, Cheshire. Canine extravaganza hosted by Noel Fitzpatrick, with The Great Dog Walk, Supervet Live, have-a-go dog diving, grooming sessions and shopping. The show will also visit Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on June 24–25. Adult tickets from £15, camping also available (0844 581 4917; http://dog-fest.co.uk)
Gardens June 17 Open Garden, Spilsbury Farm, Tisbury, Wiltshire. Discover Tania and Jamie Compton’s sixacre, romantic and naturalistic garden with its winding groves and high grasses. Opening in aid of the Church of St James, Ansty. 3pm– 7pm, entry £5 (01747 871119)
June 17 Asthall’s Grand Day Out, Burford, Oxfordshire. Visit Asthall Manor’s gardens at their summer peak and enjoy a cocktail while browsing the wares of top fashion designers, who will be selling at special prices, or settle down for some food and a puppet show. 10am–7pm, adult entry £5 (www.onformsculpture.co.uk; 01993 824319)
Agricultural show June 22–25 Royal Highland Show, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. See livestock, heavy horses, pole climbing and the Scottish Ice Cream Championships at this showcase of rural life. Gates open at 7.30am, adult tickets from £22 (0131–335 6200; www.royalhighlandshow.org)
History tour June 20 ‘If these walls could talk’, Ston Easton Park, near Bath, Somerset. The hotel’s resident historian will be on hand as you explore the library, saloon and one of England’s earliest surviving print rooms, with their antique furniture and fine art. 2pm, £27.50pp including afternoon tea (01761 241631; www.stoneaston.co.uk)
Book now July 4 Micro Herbs and Edible Flowers course (right), Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire. Learn to grow seasonal shoots, leaves and flowers and how to use them in your favourite dishes at The Raymond Blanc Gardening School. £110, including lunch, plus a propagator and seeds to take home. 8.45am–12.45pm (www.belmond.com; 01844 278881)
Honington village gardens, near Shipston-on-stour, Warwickshire. June 18, 2pm–5.30pm Combined admission (seven gardens) £7, children free As we head into summer, some of the most enjoyable NGS open days are offered by groups of gardens—this is a perfect example. The 17th-century village offers a range of treats, from cottage gardens and a wealth of planting details to spacious acres around Carolean Honington Hall (not open).