Unmissable events
Exhibition Until October 15 ‘Workhorse: The Clydesdales of Flanders Moss’, The Park Gallery, Callendar House, Falkirk. Photography of the heavy horses on which this area depended from the mid 18th to the late 20th century by Michael Prince (www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org; 01324 506850)
Until January 7, 2018 ‘Small Stories: At Home in a Dolls’ House’ (above), Weston Park Museum, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The new exhibition, on tour from the V&A Museum of Childhood, explores the history of the home with 12 doll’s houses made over 300 years, from country mansions to council estates (0114–278 2647; www.museums-sheffield.org.uk)
Festival August 11–13 Chilli Fiesta, West Dean Gardens, near Chichester, West Sussex. Family-friendly festival with 140 market stalls, cookery demonstrations, garden tours, live Latin music and chilli dishes. Adult tickets from £14.40 (01243 811301; www.westdean.org.uk)
August 11–13 The Llangwm Literary Festival, Cleddau Estuary, Pembrokeshire. Talks and workshops with writers including COUNTRY LIFE contributor Harry Mount and natural navigator Tristan Gooley, plus foraging, storytelling and en plein air painting (07970 812050; www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk)
August 12–28 Edinburgh International Book Festival (below), Charlotte Square Gardens. Some 1,000 writers and thinkers from around the world will take part in debates, workshops, readings and signings for literary fans. See website for programme and prices (0845 373 5888; www.edbookfest.co.uk)
August 12–13 Lymington Seafood Festival, Bath Road Park, Hampshire. A celebration of local heritage, produce and links to the sea in the market town that once boasted Europe’s largest oyster fishery (www. lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk) Country fair August 12–13 Lowther Show, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria. The line-up includes carriage-driving trials, a food and beer festival, a fishing island and a hound show. Adult tickets £18 on the gate (01889 563232; www.lowthershow.co.uk)
Book now September 12 Grown Your Own Cut Flower Patch, Common Farm Flowers, Charlton Musgrove, Somerset. Take a tour of the eco-friendly flower patch, then learn how to lay out and make the most of your own, taking home ‘a garden in a tray’. £135pp including lunch, seeds, compost and pots (01963 32883; www.commonfarmflowers.com)