Double up on destinations
The Forest of Dean could be a model for Tolkein’s Middle Earth: an ancient former royal hunting forest whose law-enforcers are called Verderers and Deputy Gavellers; a land cloaked in oak, beech and chestnut, with free-range sheep and roaming wild boar.
Its Forest Showcase – in the grounds of Speech House, a former forest court – is a celebration of local tradition with live music, arts and crafts, chef demos, real ale and cider, along with artisan foods. DETAILS: Speech House is just outside Coleford. Entry costs £5. forestshowcase.org. IF you can’t decide where to spend your holiday, why choose between y your favourite destinations? T Travelbag have 10 nights in H Hong Kong and Bali in N November for just £599pp i including Cathay Pacific f flights from London Now here’s a cracking reason to visit one of Paris’s prettiest quarters. The basilica-crowned hill of MontmartreM has a tradition of rebel artists, actors, singerssi and musicians. And its slopes used to be covered in vineyards too. One remains, making a limited edition of 1,500 bottles – but its harvest is an excuse for tastings s from across France, with regional products such as breads and pastries, foie gras, cheese and organic fruit all in medievalstyle tents. It ends with an open-air ball and fireworks. DETAILS: Eurostar has regular links. Some events ticketed, fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com Gatwick and all transfer flights. Offer includes two nights at the three-star Rambler Oasis in Hong Kong and eight nights at the three-star Ibis Styles Bali Benoa, which also includes breakfast. To take advantage, book before October 30 by calling 0207 001 4112 or visit them at travelbag.co.uk. Kent, the garden of England, is also the home of huge apple orchards – with a climate that particularly suits popular varieties such as Braeburn and Gala. This annual celebration makes a big show out of the huge range of apple types, and orga organises apple-centric fun such as apple on a string eating and apple bobbing – trying to extract a floating apple from a barrel of water using just your teeth. P Plus cider making and apple pies galore. DETAILS:DE The venue is the Brogdale Co Collections, near Faversham, a charity wh whichi hosts the National Fruit Collection. Entry costs £9. www.applefestivalkent.co.uk.