• Added: 3rd of October 2008
• Area: Falmouth
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Falmouth TR11 5JZ
01326 252200

cat792k said
Trebah Garden
This is a beautiful sub-tropical garden spread over 26 acres, especially during the summer months. It's relaxing and peaceful and even has it's own area of private beach. There is lots to see for plant enthusiasts, but there are also children's activities, special events, a shop and restaurant where you can get a nice Cornish cream tea after your wander around the garden.

It's not too big and we managed to get around the garden in a couple of hours, but due to the relaxing atmosphere and many locations at which you can sit and watch the world go by, it's easy to lose track of time.

Dogs are welcome in the garden and on the beach as long as they are on the lead, we brought ours along and had no problems at all. They have an outside area of the restaurant where you can sit with dogs and poop bags are given out on arrival, should the need arise.

We found it reasonably priced, and it's even better if you pick up a 'Great Gardens of Cornwall' leaflet from the tourist office in Penzance, as if you visit one garden and get your book stamped you get a discount into the other gardens. We used our discounts for the Eden Project, which is more expensive.

• Added: 26th of August 2008
• Area: Lingfield
• Category: Events and Entertainment

Lingfield RH1 3QN
01737 645843

cat792k said
Edenbridge and Oxted Country Show
As country shows go, this has been the best I've been to all summer and is held annually. We jumped in the car, loaded the dogs in the back and we were there in no time, there was excellent signposting via the A22 route we took. Admission was £14 for adults, which is on the high side for country shows, but once we were inside we realised why. Children under 15 and senior citizens £7, and children under 5 go free!

Some of the many attractions at this years' show included: best of British livestock shows, falconry, hounds and gun dogs, show jumping, dog agility, clay pigeon shooting, vintage car exhibition, 4x4 off road driving, terrier racing, a fabulous horticultural tent and a great food hall. The food hall was perfect to buy freshly made cheeses from that weekend, cured meats and special cuts, best of all it's all sourced locally.

There was all this and more, not to mention the hundreds of trade stands and shops selling everything you can imagine.

There was a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful countryside and no better way to spend a bank holiday weekend.

• Added: 22nd of August 2008
• Area: Chelsea
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

London SW3
0845 260 5000

cat792k said
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
This famous show is well known for it's garden displays and floral arrangements, but also introduces us to the latest trends in design, the newest plants and gardening products. There are even seminars hosted by leading horticulturalists which can be fascinating, make sure to check the line-up ahead of buying tickets if you want to see someone in particular. The displays by the hundreds of exhibitors at the show are spectacular and it's well worth the trip. You can get a variety of tickets to suit every budget, and you may even end up on television as the entire show is covered by the BBC.

It's usually best to arrive early (the show usually opens at 8am) to avoid the crowds, and definitely buy a show guide so you can find out what is happening and see the things that interest you. You can get around the entire show in a day, but it is exhausting work.

There are numerous restaurants operated at the show, although some of the more popular get extremely busy. You can always opt to bring your own picnic to save you from queuing. On the plus side though, you are never far from a champagne or pimms bar which is wonderful especially on a warm sunny day.

The show has a wonderful atmosphere, there is so much to see, just remember to bring a big bag for those all important gardening products that you can buy on your way around.

• Added: 21st of August 2008
• Area: Richmond Upon Thames
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Richmond Upon Thames TW9 3AB
020 8332 5655

cat792k said
A day at Kew Gardens
A wonderful day out for everyone, spread over more than 300 acres there are a multitude of things to see and do. The gardens are spectacular no matter when in the year you decide to visit. The glass houses and ornamental gardens are a must and if you aren't too scared of heights the new Treetop Walkway allows you to get a unique view. If you do suffer a little vertigo be warned that in windy weather the walkway does move slightly which some may find disturbing.

I would recommend planning your visit using the planner on the Kew Gardens website so you can relax and enjoy yourself as you are unlikely to be able to see everything in a single visit. If you are taking children, you can find out all the latest activities on the website and there is even an official guidebook for them (Kids' Kew).

The staff are friendly and helpful and the restaurants and cafes aren't bad either, I love the Victoria Terrace Café with it's selection of teas and cakes.

If you're interested in horticulture, conservation, wildlife, history (Kew Palace) etc, or you just want a great day out Kew Gardens is the place for you. To do it full justice you definitely need to go.