03 Jun 2013
The latest summer news stories, main events and special offers from Windsor and the Royal Borough include a new pavilion, keeping bees, making chocolates, taking a meadow tea, toddlers splash and play and Royal Ascot.
Windsor Castle new exhibition - Royal Paintbox: Royal Artists Past and Present
For generations, Britain's kings, queens and their families have been inspired to paint, sketch and sculpt. This summer's Windsor Castle exhibition charts the history of royal artists from the 17th century to the present day. It includes works by George III and his children, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and their children, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and by Her Majesty The Queen. Also on display are a group of watercolours by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The Prince, who is Chairman of The Royal Collection Trust, has described how his love of painting was inspired by his early years at Windsor Castle surrounded by great art. The exhibition runs from 22 June 2013 - 24 January 2014.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort launches DUPLO® VALLEY
A pre-school paradise of imagination and play awaits with the opening of a completely new themed land DUPLO® Valley; and a brick by brick restoration of firm family favourite Fairy Tale Brook. This new water play area features a mix of toddler friendly rides, creative wet play areas and spectacular water features. Children aged 2 -12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort comprises over 55 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools, and 80 million LEGO® bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is open until 04 November 2013.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel launches 12 new bedrooms in Windsor
Refurbishment of the Riverside Building gives the hotel 12 brand new bedrooms, finished to the highest standard with stylish décor, flat screen TVs, luxurious bathrooms and modern furnishing. The building is located beside the river and half of its bedrooms have beautiful Thames views.
Acquired by Sarova Hotels in 2011, the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel has enjoyed a programme of investment and refurbishment that accentuates its character and stays true to its original architecture. This includes all public areas, the main building bedrooms and the Blousfield rooms located in the building opposite the main house.
Bel & the Dragon launches 5 new bedrooms in Cookham
Building on a reputation for excellent cuisine, the owners of Cookham's Bel & the Dragon country inn (circa 1417) have opened five sensitively restored bedrooms. The great big beds are finished with White Company linen and the bathrooms feature rainfall showers. Group Head Chef, Ronald Kimbugwe, created the highlight breakfast.
New Virginia Water Pavilion to open in Windsor Great Park
In August, as part of a continuing programme to improve facilities for visitors across the whole of Windsor Great Park, the Virginia Water Pavilion will open in August. The new building will provide visitor information and support, an enhanced refreshment offer with a covered seating area and public conveniences.
Coworth Park launches new Meadow Teas
A summery update on the traditional afternoon tea with pastries and a new, exclusive fragrant hand-blended tea, inspired by flowers that grow on the estate and the view of Coworth Park's wildflower meadow. On Thursday afternoons - or on request - Coworth Park's head of gardens Terri Crow leads an informal garden walk lasting between an hour and two hours, talking through the history and inspiration behind the Lime Avenue, Sunken Garden, Kissing Cages, Ornamental Terraces and the Wildflower Meadow, and sharing Coworth Park's planting philosophy.
Danesfield House Hotel launches new luxury Thames boating option
Enjoy a jaunt down the River Thames on Danesfield's luxury charter motor yacht 'Sheer Waters' indulging in afternoon tea, a lazy picnic lunch or an indulgent champagne cruise. 'Sheer Waters' is moored at Harleyford Marina, five minutes from the hotel, and cruising is available between Maiden Road, Cookham, Marlow, Henley and beyond.
Adam Simmonds launches new tasting menus at Danesfield House
Following his successful appearance on Great British Menu, Danesfield House Hotel has seen a huge demand for Adam Simmond's Restaurant. Adam has now created three exciting new Tasting Menus. The eight course, ten course and vegetarian tasting menus, mean diners can admire a small selection of Adam's finest cuisine in one menu.
Coworth Park chocolatier wins Newcomer of the Year Award 2013
Coworth Park's resident chocolatier, Niels Verweij was recognised as 'Newcomer of the Year' and awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze at the annual Academy of Chocolate Awards 2013. Coworth Park was the only hotel included within the winning list of chocolate makers.
Niels oversees Coworth Park's unique Chocolate Room and hosts interactive Chocolate Kitchen Masterclasses where guests can learn the tricks of the trade directly from the professionals. His winning chocolates included a variety of innovative ingredients - many of his signature flavours use ingredients sourced direct from the estate - and are popular choices for guests selecting petit fours from the Chocolate Board at Coworth Park.
Events
Windsor Castle Regatta - 15 - 16 June 2013
To celebrate the Coronation 60th Anniversary Her Majesty the Queen has given permission for a unique regatta to take place on the river Thames at Windsor Castle over the weekend of 15th & 16th June 2013. Although the first Windsor regatta took place in 1836, this special event will be the first regatta on the Thames at Windsor for forty-four years.
Crews will race side-by-side over a distance of 1,000 metres between Prince Albert and Queen Victoria bridges, with spectators allowed into the normally private grounds of the castle to watch the racing.
The regatta, sponsored by Samsung, offers a programme for women and invitation events on the Saturday, with junior and invitation events on the Sunday. A specially commissioned winner's medal will commemorate this one-off event.
Cartier Queens Cup - 16 June 2013
World-famous, high-goal polo competition The Cartier Queen's Cup attracts leading players from across the globe to Guard's Polo Club. HM The Queen first presented the trophy to the Club in 1960 and historically attends Finals Day.
Annual Order of the Garter Service - 17 June 2013
The oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348. The knights walk to a service in St George's Chapel, wearing their traditional blue velvet robes with red hoods and black velvet hats with white feathers. A fanfare of trumpets announces the main foot procession. Bands of the Household Division play as the procession passes dismounted squadrons of the Household Cavalry, lining the route in their scarlet ceremonial uniforms. The chapel service is relayed via loudspeakers to the crowds followed by an open-carriage procession.
Royal Windsor Racecourse special guest for Ladies Night - 17 June
Royal Windsor Racecourse welcomes X Factor favourite and runner-up Jahmene Douglas on Monday, June 17, 2013. The singer is performing live after racing on Ladies Night in association with Thames Water and WaterAid. Jahmene is due to release his debut album Love Never Fails on July 22nd. The soulful singer will perform cover songs on the night. Popular X Factor contestant Joseph Whelan, will join Jahmene to perform on the evening.
Royal Ascot - 18 - 22 June 2013
Few sporting venues match the 250 year heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style place Royal Ascot at the centre of the British social calendar and, with £4.5 million in prize money as stake, the ultimate stage for the world's best racehorses. Despite popular belief there is no particular Ladies' Day - there is no difference whatsoever between any of the five June days of Royal Ascot - all five are ladies' days
Tickets are on sale online or at the Royal Windsor Information Centre, with prices starting from £20 per person.
Celebration of the Rose at the Savill Garden - 20 - 23 June 2013
Enjoy the heady scent of summer roses at The Savill Garden's award winning, innovative Rose Garden this summer. The first flush of roses will be peaking from mid-June, with 2,500 roses planted within a spectacular palette of colours. The Celebration of the Rose (20-23 June) highlights the collection. Enjoy a Royal Garden Afternoon Tea in a tea tent on The Lawns and the cost is £16 per person (Savill Garden admission is not included).
Eton Dorney hosts Samsung World Rowing Cup II - 21 - 23 June 2013
The Samsung World Rowing Cup at Eton Dorney encompasses World Cup, International and Para-Rowing events. Ticket-buyers will be able to watch some of the heroes of 2012 on every day of action. Sunday is already a sell-out but day tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available. Super-Saturday" features semi-finals or key repechages (from which rowers can get to the finals) in all the boat classes. There are seven finals in the late afternoon/early evening. Spectators can bring a picnic rug and sit on the bank and enjoy the racing for a large section of the course. There will be a Rowing Experience area on site to find out more about this heroic but sociable sport.
Royal Windsor Racecourse Family Fun Day - 30 June 2013
The next Family Fun Day includes appearances from Peppa Pig as well as free family activities. Advance booking is encouraged to take advantage of package deals and discounts like the Family Bundle for only £29 including two adult Grandstand admissions, up to three children and up to five ice cream vouchers.
Summer Open Air Theatre at the Savill Garden
Treasure Island - 26 - 27 July, 7pm performed by Cambridge Touring Theatre. At 5.30pm - there's a children's theatre workshop on The Lawns suitable for 5-10 year olds. Theatre ticket holders picnic in The Savill Garden from 5pm. Booking required.
Sherlock Holmes - The Best Bits! - 25 & 26 August Bank Holiday weekend, 7.30pm performed by The Pantaloons. Theatre ticket holders picnic in The Savill Garden from 5.30pm. Booking required.
Stanley Spencer Gallery: Summer Exhibition 2013
'Perspectives on Love' is an insight into the passionate inner life of Stanley Spencer. His is a name inextricably bound up with the concept of love: of people and his sometimes complicated, unconventional relationships with them, of religion and of Cookham, his home village. Spencer's two marriages are one theme of the show. His devotion to Cookham is another, often used as the setting for imaginative and religious subjects. Many scenes alluding to the Thames have a sacred dimension. For most visitors, Cookham is a place for leisure rather than divine visitations, but for Spencer 'the river was the holy of holies'.
Swan Upping - 16 July 2013
The annual census of the River Thames swan population, this historic ceremony dates from the twelfth century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans. On passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boat with oars raised and salute "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".
Audi International Polo - 28 July 2013
Guards' polo club at Smith's Lawn hosts one of the world's greatest spectator polo days and is a 'must' in the UK social event calendar where English society and royalty mix with Hollywood film stars and global music icons. Team Audi England defends the Coronation Cup against a leading international team in what is generally one of the most memorable matches of the English polo season. With 12 grounds, Smith's Lawn in Windsor Great Park is Europe's largest area dedicated to playing polo.
The End of the Pier Season at Norden Farm - 26 July - 31 August
The Beach at Norden Farm returns this summer and runs from Friday 26 July to Saturday 31 August. The Beach is free to attend and children can explore the den and build sandcastles. From Tuesdays to Fridays, there are beach craft activities at 11am (£5 per child) and free storytelling at 1.15pm.
Summer entertainment for grown-ups includes comedian Russell Kane, a raft of music gigs from blues to sea shanties, and a flotilla of cabaret acts. Classic matinees screened throughout in the theatre and lounge cinema.
Danesfield House Gardens open for the 2013 National Gardens Scheme
Completed in 1901, the Gardens at Danesfield include The Topiary, which dates from that time, and the rampart of an Iron Age Fort. The Gardens will open on four dates in August (01 / 06 / 08 / 13) from 10am - 5pm. Adults - £4.00 and Children - free with all proceeds going to charities chosen by the National Gardens Scheme.
Royal Windsor Racecourse Cheese & Wine Festival - 17 August 2013
This celebration of produce from local dairies and vineyards on the Paddock Lawn is a new addition to the food and wine calendar. The gates, bars and restaurants will open two hours before the start of the first race.
Special Offers
Meet the Bees at Great Fosters hotel
An opportunity to get up close and personal with the Great Fosters bees - these events include a tour of the gardens with Head Gardener Russell Dixon, coffee on arrival, a pre-lunch glass of Champagne and a three course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee with petits fours.
Suits, gloves and boots provided. Resident Bee Keeper Dave explains the art of bee keeping. Each event is strictly limited to 8 guests.
Macdonald Windsor hotel Father's Day Family Jazz Lunch with Whiskey Tasting Table
Treat Dad and the family to a British Sunday Lunch in Caleys restaurant accompanied by the mellow sounds of smooth jazz. Dads get the chance to experience fine whiskeys on the Scottish whiskey table. Children under 12 eat for half price. Tables are available 12pm to 3pm.
Coworth Park launches new Expert Speaker Events
As part of Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park has access to experts in the fields of gastronomy, fashion, wine and lifestyle. Once a month, Coworth Park hosts an informative talk starting at midday with welcome refreshments and the opportunity to meet the speaker, followed by lunch or afternoon tea. Events conclude around 3pm, when guests can enjoy the comfort of the Mansion House, take advantage of special rates at The Spa at Coworth Park, or explore the Coworth Park grounds.
Calendar dates:
Tuesday 4 June - Martin Turner: 'Riedel Glass Master Class'
Tuesday 9 July - Jenny McLaughlin: 'Teatime Stories: Wedgewood, Fine Bone China and the English Tradition of Afternoon'
Tuesday 6 August - Geraldine Howard Aromatherapy Associates: 'Stress & Sleep - how aromatherapy really can help'
Tuesday 25 September - Mike Herrick 'Mt Difficulty: Learn and taste some key wines from Mt Difficulty's range from New Zealand'
The media section on Windsor's website includes more story ideas and a range of copyright freee images.
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For further information please contact:
Jackie Ellis
Tel: 01273 622656
Email: jackie@tourism-angles.co.uk
