Unmissable events
Exhibition Until June 1 ‘Recent Work by Rodger Mcphail’ (right), Rountree Tryon Galleries, Bury Street, London SW1. Woodcock, grouse, hares and stags all appear in the sporting and wildlife artist’s latest works (www.rountreetryon.com; 020–7839 8083)
Until October 2 Sculpture Exhibition 2017 (below), Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Abstract and figurative works in bronze, resin, stone, metal and ceramic—all of which are for sale—are placed to complement the plant collection of this great garden. Admission included with standard entry (01444 450326; www.bordehill.co.uk)
County show May 18–20 Devon County Show, Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter. Food, farming and entertainment, with livestock, monster-trucks, cookery and candle-making. Adult entry £21 (01392 353700; www.devoncountyshow.co.uk)
Guided tour May 18 The Original Gothic Experience, Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham, Greater London. In June 1764, Horace Walpole awoke from a nightmare and began to write The Castle of Otranto, the first Gothic novel. Understand his inspiration as you tour his home at night. 8pm–10pm, tickets £15. Visit the website to book and for details of other Museums at Night events from May 17 to 20 (http:// museumsatnight.org.uk)
Shooting May 25 Clay Pigeon Shoot, Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, Leicestershire. Four team 100-bird flushes, followed by lunch. £500 per team of four, individual entries at £125 per head. 9.30am start (07836 598202; www.gwct.org.uk)
Walking tour May 20 Discover Historic Clerkenwell, London EC1. Explore Farringdon and Clerkenwell with author and historian Alec Forshaw, visiting landmarks such as Smithfield General Market, St Bart’s Hospital and St John’s Gate. 11am– 1pm, tickets from £7 (020–7253 3500; www.savebritainsheritage.org)
Plant festival May 20–21 Pots & Plants Festival, Gregynog Hall, Newtown, Powys. Buy handcrafted pots and sculptures as well as rare and unusual plants from specialist nurseries in a historic garden setting. 10am–5pm, entry £5 (www. potsandplantsuk.com)
Book now June 17 Hats and headdresses workshop, V. V. Rouleaux, Marylebone Lane, London W1. Learn the tricks of millinery, including ribbon cutting, ruching, wiring feathers and attaching flowers and accessories. 10am–12pm, £85 including materials (020– 7224 5179; www.vvrouleaux.com)
Charlbury Gardens, Oxfordshire OX7 3PP May 21, 2pm–5pm. £5, children free Andrew Lawson is the éminence grise of garden photographers, his wife, Briony, is a sculptor and, together, they have created an exquisite, modern garden at their home, Gothic House. With false perspective, a chequer board and pleached trees, it’s as ingenious as it is restful. A short walk away is the Priory, where a larger but equally characterful garden provides a delightful contrast.