Tag Archives: Country parks

Warwickshire’s Country Parks’ Big Jubilee Picnic

Warwickshire’s Country Parks are joining in this year with the ‘Big Lunch’ celebrations by hosting a family picnic day on Sunday 3 June at both Kingsbury Water Park North Warwickshire and at Ryton Pools Country Park near Rugby.

Starting from midday, the idea is for visitors to come along to the country park with family and friends, a picnic blanket and picnic lunch, and enjoy some quality time in the sunshine!

There will be a children’s fancy dress competition at 4pm with a theme of ‘Kings and Queens’ so parents who gets their kids dressed up can win a prize of a £10 voucher.

At Kingsbury, Echills Wood Railway will be running trains all over the bank holiday weekend, and the donkeys and boats will be on site, subject to weather.

In addition children can complete the ‘Summer Spotter’ sheets to see if they can spot different things around the park. At Ryton Pools youngsters can take a ‘Springwatch Trail’ following clues to crack the code and complete a Springwatch challenge. Trail and Spotter sheets are available from the Visitor Centres.

The fourth annual Big Lunch event falls on the same weekend as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Anyone who would like to celebrate and commemorate the Queen’s 60 year reign who is not already going to a street party, can come and join us at the parks. No barbecues are allowed on site.

Cllr Helen Walton, Warwickshire County Council’s spokesperson for Country Parks, said: “Some 10 million people came out in sunny 1977 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee so we hope a large number of people will take part in our very first ‘Big Picnic’ in 2012.

“We hope to see a patchwork quilt of blankets out on our events fields on Sunday 3 June. The Big Lunch is all about community, friendship and fun, so bring along your outdoor games, share out the sausage rolls and make new friends.”

The Big Jubilee Lunch will be a part of the main programme of events over the central weekend of Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.  During this special week Warwickshire’s Country Parks service has a whole host of events on in the parks to celebrate.

Here is just a flavour of what’s on:

Monday 4th June – Green Man Masks at Pooley Country Park

Tuesday 5th June – Outdoor Art at Pooley Country Park

Wednesday 6th June – Green Men at Kingsbury Water Park

Wednesday 6th June – Small mammals up close at Ryton Pools Country Park

Wednesday 6th June – Ladybird hats at Pooley Country Park

Wednesday 6th June – Toddler Trundle at Ryton Pools Country Park

Thursday 7th June – Beetle Mania at Kingsbury Water Park

Thursday 7th June – Jellyfish windsocks at Ryton Pools Country Park

Thursday 7th June – Bugs on Sticks at Pooley Country Park

Friday 8th June – Summer Swimmers at Kingsbury Water Park

Friday 8th June – Fishy underwater world at Ryton Pools Country Park

All events are bookable, for more information and prices please visit the website and download the events booklet at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks or call on 01827 872660.

Diamond dozen experiences around Coventry & Warwickshire

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Diamond dozen experiences around Coventry & Warwickshire

Coventry & Warwickshire are at the heart of England and the very heart of royal history and romance. Little wonder we’re celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in genuine style. Come on a memorable royal break or tour, join jousting and feasting – even pop the ‘diamond question’. The Big Ticket also links great destinations at great prices. Our Diamond Jubilee dozen experiences give a taster of what’s in store.

1.       Best diamond breaks

Be pampered like royalty on a sumptuous Diamond Jubilee break at some of England’s top – and quirkiest – accommodation. Maybe begin the Jubilee Weekend in style at 4-star Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster: the Neo-Gothic mansion’s Jubilee Friday Night Club features Royal Afternoon Tea, three-course table d’hote dinner, accommodation and full traditional breakfast, plus use of the swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi (from £199 per couple, 1 June).

Four-star Lea Marston Hotel, near Coleshill, will welcome you with a gorgeous box of chocolates, Royal Afternoon Tea, a chance to relax in the stunning health club and scrumptious full English breakfast next morning (from £44 pppn, 31 May-10 June). Or how about an exquisite two-night Jubilee Spa Break for Two at 4-star Ardencote Manor, Claverdon: relax with an indulgent Jubilee Spa Ritual massage and manicure, as well as all the delights of traditional country manor house living (£189 per person, 1-30 June).

Even get away from it all at Landmark Trust’s The Bath House. Hidden in woodland near Stratford-upon-Avon and eccentrically decorated with shells, the former bathing venue for 18th-century fashionistas sleeps two – the perfect Jubilee Weekend Break escape (£921, 5 nights from 1 June).

2.       Best royal tour

British monarchs have been famous for going on royal progress around the land and Warwickshire, at the heart of England, has been in the thick of aristocratic activity. Create your own three-day progress around Royal Warwickshire, touring Warwick and Kenilworth Castles to discover tales of romance and rebellion; Royal Leamington Spa, Charlecote Park, Ragley Hall and Coughton Court for princely architecture and plots. There’s plenty of fine dining along the way!

3.       Best royal cavalcades

Whatever your transport around Warwickshire’s royal hotspots, take a look at the way monarchs hit the road. As part of a Jubilee week of exciting family activities, the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, is hosting a Royal Cars exhibition, including a 1983 Land Rover 110 station wagon used on the Queen’s private estates at Sandringham and Balmoral (Her Majesty learned to drive in 1945). Royalty on the Road at Coventry Transport Museum brings together a fascinating range of vehicles from superb Daimler limousines to the Austin Metro given to Diana Spencer by Prince Charles. (Royal Cars, 2-10 June; Royalty on the Road, to 10 June.)

4.       Best for royal child’s play

Who wants to be king or queen? There’s no need to wave magic wands, simply bring the kids to Compton Verney art gallery for some right royal half-term fun. They can make their own crowns and pose as a Tudor monarch – find oodles of inspiration in the gallery’s portrait collection of royalty and nobles – while children under five can also join storytellers and share the Diamond Jubilee adventures of puppets Connie and Verne. (A royal likeness, 2-8 June; A royal visit: storytelling for under 5’s, 4-8 June.)

5.       Best Big Lunches

The Queen specifically requested that the Big Lunch be part of national festivities and local communities are rising to the occasion on 3 June with street parties and picnics, from Warwick to Ryton Pools Country Park and Kingsbury Water Park – where children can also let off steam with lots of holiday activities. Enjoy a giant picnic and games at the National Trust’s Packwood House or Baddesley Clinton. Or fill a tasty hamper with Warwickshire’s famously mouthwatering local produce and tap toes to live music al fresco at Charlecote Park (National Trust) where Shakespeare allegedly poached deer for dinner.

6.       Best diamond garden party

Gather on the South Terrace at the National Trust’s Upton House, near Banbury, as sounds of 1930s gramophone records waft across the airwaves – a truly genteel Diamond Jubilee Garden Party. Sip your Champagne or cocktails and maybe feel inspired to drop into one of the art workshops that run throughout the day. Some 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake may be consumed at a typical garden party at Buckingham Palace, but nothing matches the temptations of Upton’s traditional sweet shop for those between-meal moments. (Diamond Jubilee Garden Party, 4 June.)

7.       Best diamond afternoon teas

Surprise the love of your life with an Eden Diamond Afternoon Tea. Book ahead at the Eden Hotel Collection’s 3-star Mallory Court Hotel, Royal Leamington Spa, or 4-star The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, and alongside traditional afternoon fare with Champagne you can have a diamond served up – perfect if you’ve an anniversary around Jubilee time, or want to pop the question. Discuss your requirements in advance with the General Manager to have a bespoke piece of jewellery commissioned (price on enquiry). Less glittery but still glorious, both hotels also offer special Jubilee teas without the diamonds (Mallory Court, 4 June; The Arden Hotel, 5 June).

Alternatively, at The Bluebell, Henley-in-Arden, you can  savour a ‘Red, White and Bluebell’ vintage afternoon tea featuring fine finger sandwiches (including Coronation Chicken), ‘Queen of Hearts’ strawberry tarts and ‘Crown’ cookies to take away (1 May-9 June). The 500-year-old inn shares the same butcher (Aubrey Allen) as the Queen and believes, when it comes to food, British is best and local is better.  You’ll also spot some patriotic ‘Royal Rovers’ by artist Alison Fennell, who is exhibiting work here in May and June.

8.       Best for ’50s footwork

Get your dancing shoes on for an authentic 1950s Jailhouse Jive night out to celebrate the Jubilee, at the historic Old Courts, Warwick. Show off your moves to rock ’n roll and jive music by local band Phoenix, or grab the opportunity to learn to jive with experts from Planet Dance. In slightly more sedate mood, step around Leamington Spa on an entertaining 1950s town tour to see Jubilee themed windows and hear about 1950s shopping, leisure and the celebrated Leamington Lights. (Jailhouse Jive, Warwick, 2 June; 1950s town tour, Leamington Spa, 3 June.)

9.       Best for a Jubilee joust

Relive the thrill and pageantry of a royal joust at Warwick Castle, amid clashing lances, thundering hooves, racing hearts and cheers. You’ll also meet a host of historic characters around the towers, ramparts and grounds of Britain’s ultimate medieval fortress. From the scheming of Richard Neville, the Kingmaker, to the secrets of a Victorian Royal Weekend Party, Warwick holds the key to countless regal dramas through the ages. (Diamond Jubilee and Royal Jousting, 2-10 June.)

10.   Best for royal time travel

Follow in the historic steps of the first Queen Elizabeth at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden (English Heritage) and get ready to rub shoulders with royalty. Brush up your regal manner then join Time Travellers Go… Royal for absorbing games and crafts fit for a king or queen. Do remember your courtly airs and graces when you bump into noble characters from days gone by. (Time Travellers Go… Royal, 3-5 June.)

11.   Best double Jubilee

While the Queen celebrates Diamond, Coventry Cathedral marks its Golden Jubilee throughout 2012 with a rich programme of events that highlights its cherished place in the community as a centre of worship and cultural activity. The Queen came for the cathedral’s consecration in 1962 and Princess Anne will attend a special service on 25 May. Check the calendar for concerts and recitals, and come and enjoy the nation’s favourite 20th-century building.

12.   Best for Liz and Phil

Calling all couples named Liz and Phil! Several attractions, hotels and restaurants are making ‘Free Elizabeth and Philip’ offers to crown the Jubilee Weekend. You’ll need ID and it’s probably too late to change your names, but lucky Liz’s and Phil’s should check out the free admission to the Tudor World museum at The Falstaff Experience, a fantastic day’s motoring from The Open Road Classic Car Hire, complimentary Champagne at 5-star White-Sails guesthouse in Stratford-upon-Avon, and much more.

Bumper year for country park visitor numbers

Warwickshire’s Country Parks have enjoyed a record breaking year with more people enjoying the parks than ever before.

Visitor numbers, at Kingsbury Water Park were up 8.6 per cent on last year, with record breaking visitor numbers in April, August and October meaning shorts, T-shirts and ice-creams flavour of the month in the ‘Indian summer’ sunshine! The New Year was also off to a great start thanks to the fine early Spring weather.

Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Communities, said: “It is fantastic to see our country parks doing so well and it is testament to our hard working staff, volunteers and partners who work so hard to keep the sites so clean and welcoming and offering terrific value.”

Country Parks Manager Paula Cheesman added: “The economic downturn and the rise of the ‘staycation’ has meant that people are looking for great value local days out for the family – and Warwickshire’s country parks are the perfect place to visit.

“The new Lake View play area installed at Kingsbury last July has been a huge hit, alongside a great events programme providing activities for all ages during the school holidays.”

The country parks service continues to develop, and in response to our visitor surveys we have introduced pedal boat hire at Kingsbury this season, a new toilet block/tea kiosk at Hartshill Hayes is currently under construction, and an exciting new play area is coming to Ryton Pools Country Park later this year.

Green spaces can play a vital role in our health and well-being and access to a park or green space can have wide-ranging benefits through exercise, fresh air, informal sport. access to nature or just somewhere to relax and unwind.

Warwickshire’s country parks comprise over 1,500 acres of the finest countryside offering something for everyone.  For more details log on to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks, visit the Facebook page, or pick up a free events booklet from our Visitor Centres at Kingsbury, Pooley or Ryton.

 

New developments at Warwickshire’s country parks

As the Spring season kicks off Warwickshire’s Country Parks are delighted to announce that visitors will see some exciting new developments across our parks service in 2012.

From March 31, Kingsbury Water Park welcomes Captain Splash and the Pedal Boat Company who will be based at Mitchells Pool, next to Far Leys play area (which can be accessed on foot or on Sundays via a short train ride on Echill’s Wood Railway) offering pedal boat hire during weekends, school holidays and bank holidays from 10am – 6pm (subject to weather).

At Hartshill Hayes Country Park work will be starting on constructing the new toilet block which will contain our ranger office and a refreshment kiosk for visitors.  Work is due to start at Easter and will be followed by improvements to the courtyard area and an outdoor shelter for visitors to picnic out of the elements.

At Pooley Country Park, the wharf area is rented out to Drayton Narrowboat Hire Ltd.  The dedicated and passionate narrowboat owners – Alan Tingey, Andrew Baylis and Tony Cowley – are taking narrowboat holidays and narrowboat rental to a new level of luxury & comfort desired by today’s discerning customer. Drayton Narrowboat Hire Ltd will soon be operating day hires from Pooley Wharf and bringing boating opportunities to Pooley visitors with this exciting new enterprise.

Cllr Helen Walton, Warwickshire County Council’s spokesperson for the Communities Group, said “All of these much needed improvements have come about thanks largely to the continued support of visitors coming to Warwickshire’s Country Parks, meaning that we are able to attract new and exciting local businesses to work with us to provide additional facilities and services.”

Country Parks continue to be a major attraction in the region and with big events such as the Jubilee and the Olympics in 2012, it is hoped that tourists visiting the area will take time out to enjoy the many activities on offer over the summer at some of Warwickshire’s best loved green spaces.

For more information on Country Parks visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks or the Warwickshire Country Parks page on Facebook.

 

Pooley Country Park gets the thumbs up

Pooley Country Park in North Warwickshire has received a resounding vote of approval from visitors.

An annual visitor survey has revealed that more than 90 per cent of visitors to Pooley Country Park had an enjoyable time.

In total 264 people responded to the detailed survey, designed to help Warwickshire County Council’s Country Parks team deliver the best possible service.

And across a range of factors, from park cleanliness, to quality of service from staff, to facilities for children, the survey respondents ranked the park at an average of more than 9 out of 10 in all cases.

The most popular reason for visiting the park was to allow children to play, and this was closely followed by walking, dog walking, enjoying the weather, picnic, cycling and general exercise.

In general visitor numbers are up seven per cent on the previous year, and those visiting the park are staying longer.

Pooley Country Park continues to go through a major regeneration, and Cllr Tilly May, Warwickshire County Council’s division member for Polesworth, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people are enjoying the facilities at Pooley.

“The country park is hugely popular, but is a bit of a ‘best kept secret’ with 77% of those taking part in the survey stating they are ‘return visitors. The aim of the regeneration project is not only to enhance the park for our existing users, but to encourage many more people to come along and discover the delights on offer.

“We now have the lovely Gold Leaf art installation, providing a fantastic focal point, but the regeneration goes far further, including a new spiral path up the mound that provides views across four counties – Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire – a new Poetry Trail linking Pooley to Polesworth village, the colourful mining wheel mounted near the centre, a new entrance and improvements to the car park, and the opening up of a path through Pooley Wharf.”

The regeneration work is still ongoing and is due to complete in early 2012.

As part of the community work around the project artist, John Commane, from Escape Community Arts worked with children from Stoneydelph Primary on handmade tiles. The children worked with the artist to make the tiles, decorate them, and then they were taken off to be fired before being bound in cases to display at Pooley in the classroom.

Cllr May said: “The children came up with some very imaginative designs based on their visit to the Country Park and the natural environment. This is what the regeneration project is about – the whole community.

“This arts project is about the regeneration of Pooley through use of the arts.  We can see all around us evidence of nature regenerating the workings, with the trees colonising the spoil and pools forming as a result of the land collapsing deep underground. Our project has been to build on the work nature is doing for us and add interest to the park.

“We were always clear that we wanted something different and thought provoking and something that would act as a focal point for the park. In particular, we want to draw visitors’ attention from the motorway and of course to encourage people, when they get to the park, to explore the pools and the nature reserve.”

The Gold Leaf project was officially unveiled by Cllr May, artists Mathew and Louise Scullion and Years 3 and 4 youngsters from nearby Stonydelph Primary School, at the end of September.

It was commissioned as part of the regeneration of Pooley Country Park being delivered by the Warwickshire County Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The artwork, funded through the HCA’s National Coalfields Programme as part of its investment into the wider regeneration of Pooley, was chosen following extensive consultation with local people to help revitalise and create a strong identity for the area’s regeneration.

Paula Cheesman, Warwickshire County Council’s Country Parks Visitor Development Manager, added: “The unveiling of the golden tower was the culmination of a huge amount of work with park visitors, the local community and the artists to create a lasting landmark for the park. The artwork is the centrepiece of the regeneration project which is essential for the long-term future success of Pooley Country Park.”

The artwork was chosen from a range of concepts presented to a steering group. The ‘golden tower of leaves’ was selected as it is an idea with depth and relevance to the formation of the park. The Birch leaf is synonymous with Pooley, as Birch trees were one of the first species to recolonise the disturbed ground following the closure of the colliery.

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/pooleycountrypark

Special places, great value and fun for all the family in 2012

Everything is set for another year of great value events for Warwickshire County Council’s Country Parks service.

Country Parks has published a new bumper 58 page booklet which gives details of over 100 events taking place across all the parks over 2012 – and the new guide can still fit into your back pocket!

So whether you are interesting in volunteering, Geocaching, walks, learning to fish, making kites or den building, everyone is certain to find something suitable for all the family to enjoy. As always there will be some new events for the new year, and plenty of old favourites to keep the kids entertained over all the school holidays to come. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited on some events.

The new booklet is completely free of charge and is available to download from the Country Parks website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks You can also pick up a copy from all Warwickshire’s Country Parks visitor information centres, Tourist Information Centres, libraries and some local shops/hotels.

Country Parks Manager Paula Cheesman, said: “Once again we are ready and able to provide an action packed calendar of events to keep our visitors coming back for more. We hope this packed programme will encourage old and new visitors alike to enjoy our Country Parks in 2012.”