Unmissable events
Exhibition March 24–April 11 ‘Found in the Fields’ (right), The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, Dorset. Solo exhibition by painter and printmaker Carry Akroyd, featuring landscapes examining the relationship between wildlife and agriculture and a series of lithographs inspired by the poet John Clare (01935 815261; www. jerramgallery.com)
March 24–June 24 ‘Queen Victoria in Paris’, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co Durham. One of only four UK venues—and the only one in the north of England—to stage this exhibition of watercolours commissioned to commemorate the monarch’s 1855 state visit to Paris. The works are on loan from the Royal Collection (01833 690606; www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk)
Gardens Until March 25 Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent. Some 14,000 new daffodil bulbs are set to bloom in the gardens and master grower Johnny Walkers, winner of 35 RHS gold medals, will be giving talks and tours. Standard admission prices apply (01732 865224; www. hevercastle.co.uk)
Family event March 24–April 15 Dragons & Chocolate, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria. Join the Easter dragonegg hunt, scouring the gardens for clues and chocolate. Afterwards, take time to admire the living Easter egg flower sculpture, explore the ruins and the ‘lost castle’ outdoor adventure playground. Standard admission prices apply (01931 712192; www. lowthercastle.org)
Open day March 30 Middleham Open Day, various venues, North Yorkshire. See behind the scenes of horseracing at 12 open yards. There will also be a parade of the Bedale West of Yore Foxhounds, a jumping demonstration, a Retraining of Racehorses Musical Ride and a Donkey Derby, plus trade stands and stalls. Adult tickets £10 (www. middlehamopenday.co.uk)
Book now May 2 Open House & Gardener’s Q&A, Fetcham Park, Fetcham, Surrey. Explore the Grade Ii*-listed house—with murals by Louis Laguerre—and gardens, which were the final completed work of George London and boast a 300year-old avenue of trees. After, local historian Vivien White will talk about the garden’s history and BBC Radio Kent gardener Jean Griffin will chair a Q&A. 5.30pm–9pm, tickets £25, including a glass of wine (www.perennial.org.uk/events)
May 2 Invitation to View Bridwell Park, Uffculme, Devon. Lord Mountbatten, who has lived at the Georgian house with his family since 1997, will lead a guided tour of the main house, parkland and ancient chapel. From 2pm, tickets £35, including cream tea. Further tours will take place throughout the year (01284 827087; www.invitationtoview.co.uk)