MARCH

23

Camellia Show, Chiswick House, London W4 2RP. The fabulous camellias housed in the beautifully restored 19th-century glasshouse include rare and historically important examples including Middlemist’s red — one of only two known to exist in the world. To 2nd April. Tel: 020 8995 0508; www.chgt.org.uk .

Words by the Water, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, Cumberland CA12 5DJ. Festival of words and ideas with lectures, discussions, book launches, workshops and exhibitions taking place in a beautiful setting right on the edge of Derwentwater (pictured). High-profile names who will be there include Melvyn Bragg, John Simpson, Chris Tarrant, Prue Leith, Harriet Harman, Peter Snow, Alan Johnson and Vince Cable. To 12th. Tel: 017687 74411.

28

London Drinker Beer and Cider Festival, Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London WC1H 9AU. With a dedicated area for 150 London craft beers, and a wide range of imported beers, ciders and perries this is an understandably popular event! To 10th. Tel: 020 8452 6965.

29

Crufts Dog Show, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT. World-famous event where thousands of dogs compete for the coveted title of Crufts Best in Show. Attractions include fantastic displays, a Discover Dogs section where you can meet more than 200 different breeds, a Dog Activities ring where you can unleash your dog’s potential, the Scruffts competition for crossbreeds and over 400 trade stands. To 12th. Tel: 0844 338 8000.

14

Cheltenham Festival, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH. The finest horses, jockeys, trainers and owners battle it out for the top racing honours and prize money of £4.1m. The highlight of the Jump season, the Gold Cup, takes place on the last day. To 17th. Further information: www.thefestival.co.uk .

15

Big Bang Fair, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT. The UK’S largest celebration of science, technology, maths and engineering is the opportunity for young people (primarily 7–19) to see how what they learn in the classrooms translates into jobs in later life. Hands-on activities, theatre shows and career advice. To 18th. For free tickets www. thebigbangfair.co.uk .

16

York Literature Festival, various venues, York. Events across the city feature poetry, literature, spoken word, workshops, music, comedy, cinema and theatre — something for everyone. To 30th; further details visit: www.yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk .

18

Exhibition: “Creating the Countryside”, Compton Verney Art Gallery, Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ. Major exhibition that examines our relationship with the countryside through the work of both Old Masters and contemporary artists. To 18th June. Tel: 01926 64500.

The World’s Original Marmalade Awards and Festival, Dalemain Mansion, Penrith, Cumberland CA11 0HB. Popular charity event where amateur and professional competitors from around the world enter their marmalades for judging. On the same weekend other local marmalade-related events are taking place. Penrith Goes Orange features plenty of marmalade, music and Paddington Bear in Penrith town centre, and other events take place at the nearby Rheged Centre. There will be a shuttle bus service for visitors between all three venues. To 19th. Tel: 017684 86450.

24

Ideal Home Exhibition, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX. Iconic exhibition that has helped transform homes for over a century. Ideal interiors, show gardens, fashion, food and drink, the latest gadgets and plenty of shopping opportunities mean that you can come home with everything including the kitchen sink! To 9th April. Tel: 0844 858 6763.

25

Children’s Festival, Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover CT16 1HU. A voyage back in time with Perkin the jester. Meet Roman gladiators, medieval princesses and Victorian toymakers, try a First World War assault course and follow the special chocolate trails. To 28th. Tel: 01304 211067.

English Tourism Week, various venues. A wide variety of local and national events with discounts and special offers available. To 2nd April. Further information: www.visitengland.com .

26

Mothering Sunday