Tuesday 1 July

The site has been occupied since the 7th century, but the present Grade I-registered gardens were created by John Cory in the late 19th century. His ancestors, who were plant collectors, are responsible for the vast array of unusual plants to be found in the various themed gardens of the estate which includes an extensive arboretum.

Thursday 3 July

Stuart Moore went to Australia in 1962 on a £10 assisted package. He prospered and, after returning to this country, he restored Whitestaunton Manor, Chard, to exceptionally high standards.

The gardens were excavated by Channel 4's Time Team on television. They discovered part of a bath house from the 4th century. Dendrochronology has dated some of the roof timbers to 1438. The house was never “improved”, and the magnificent fireplaces, ceilings and other features have now been restored to their former glory.

Friday 11 July

The gardens were started in 1893 by James Pulham and Sons for the owner, Henry Oakley. After his death in 1940, the garden was filled in and reverted to pasture. The present owners have renovated much of the garden since 2000 and, with grottoes and hidden borders, there is a new vista at every turn.

This is a truly remarkable garden, reconstructed as faithfully as possible to its former glory and is Grade I listed.

Thursday 17 July

More than 200 artists will be demonstrating and displaying their work at “Art in Action” at Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, Oxfordshire. This annual event gives a chance for the public to appreciate and possibly buy a work of beauty which they have seen being created.

Highlights will include an “Art of Asia” marquee and a sculpture village, complemented by the “Queen of the Herbs”, Jekka McVicar, with a show of organic herbs and propagation techniques. Look out, too, for the market tent where designer-makers will be offering their work for sale.

Monday 4 August

Join us for lunch at the King William Inn, nestling in the Polden Hills at Catcott. Then, perhaps, take a leisurely drive in the car over the Wetlands before returning home.

The King William Inn is a 17th century village pub, steeped in history. It was originally a cider house. The bar features an original baker's oven and an ancient well.

Wednesday 6 August

Evesham is a most attractive town, with the River Avon flowing almost through the centre.

We shall have a guided tour of the Almonry Museum and Heritage Centre and also have the opportunity to explore the town, including the attractive Abbey Park.

The Museum and Centre are housed in the medieval home of the Benedictine Almoner. Inside the building you will find a remarkable collection which takes you from the earliest days of the Vale of Evesham, when hippos roamed the swamps, through to the Second World War.

The boat trip is said to be the most scenic in the Midlands. It will take in views of the Evesham Lock, with its unusual keepers cottage, the unique Hampton Ferry – the only rope ferry in the country – and Glovers Island.

Wednesday 13 August

The Westgate Museum contains artefacts particularly relevant to the city. The Great Hall of Winchester Castle includes King Arthur's Round Table (14th century) and Queen Eleanor's Garden. There will be a short talk.

Between the Westgate and the Great Hall, we will be able to see the remains of the original castle walls. It is possible to have a closer look by going down some rather steep and dark stairs but not to actually go inside.

A tour of the Cathedral will cover its main history, art and architecture. There will be a brief visit to the crypt to see the famous Sound II by the sculptor Antony Gormley. We shall also see Jane Austen's grave and memorial and visit the Epiphany Chapel with its Burne-Jones windows.

Tuesday 19 August

Highcliffe Castle was built in the 1830s in the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture for Lord Stuart of Rothesay, using his collection of French medieval stonework and stained glass.

It was built on a site previously occupied by High Cliff, a Georgian mansion designed for the 3rd Earl of Bute, a founder of Kew Gardens, with grounds laid out by Capability Brown. What mostly remains of High Cliff are the two entrance lodges, now being used as a restaurant.

The Earl's fourth son sold most of the estate. In turn, his son, Charles Stuart, resolved that he would repurchase the estate and build his own home there. A distinguished career as a diplomat culminated in a peerage. He became Lord Stuart of Rothesay and soon was in a position to fulfil his ambition.

Much of the carved stonework came from the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter at Jumieges and the Grande Maison des Andeleys, both of which had become derelict after the French Revolution. Some of the stained glass in the castle, from France and other European countries, dates back to the 12th century.

Restoration of the grounds has re-established historic paths and the vista to the Needles, all dating back to Capability Brown's day.

Historical and art exhibitions are on display in the galleries of the Castle Heritage Centre.

Wednesday 10 September

Our leader for this afternoon walk through historic Bridgwater will be Christopher Sidaway, a Council member of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society and an authority on the history of Bridgwater.

The walk, lasting about two hours, will start in King Square, the centre of the 13th century castle, and will take in the castle wall remains, the “Concrete House”, Blake Museum and St Mary's Church. It will end at the Old Vicarage.

Thursday 18 September

“Torrington 1646” is about the last major battle of the English Civil War. Visitors take this “entertaining walk through time” to meet Master Ambrose (Town Crier and Master of Weapons), Nell Lovett (spinner of yarns), Master Roland (purveyor of rat stew) and other characters who tell the tale of the days when the war came to Great Torrington.

Highlights of the visit include a tour of exhibits and a reconstruction of the town as it was on the night of the battle. Other attractions include displays of weaponry, the chance to try on costumes and armour; and a visit to the physic garden, with the opportunity to learn about the plants that were used to treat many of the ailments of the time.

Monday 22 September

Somerset Art Week, the largest visual arts event in the county, takes place this year from 13 to 28 September. Open studios, special events and exhibitions will be held throughout the county to give people a unique opportunity to meet artists and see their work.

We shall be taking the coach to the Mendip area to visit studios and exhibitions in and around Glastonbury, Street, Wells and Wedmore.

Judging by our past trips to West Somerset and South Somerset in 2004 and 2006, it will be an exciting tour for anyone who enjoys original arts and crafts.

Friday 26 September

Cadhay is approached by an avenue of lime trees and stands in an extensive garden with herbaceous borders and yew hedges, with excellent views over the original medieval fish ponds.

The main part of the house was built in 1550 by John Haydon who married a Cadhay heiress. He retained the Great Hall, with its fine timber roof. A long gallery, a feature of late 16th century house-building, was added by his nephew, Robert. The unique courtyard contains early 17th century statues of four sovereigns – Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth.

After the house fell into state of disrepair, the new owner, Peere Williams, restored the house in the style of his time – the 1730s. He plastered up most of the Tudor hearths and panelled a number of the rooms.

In 1910, Cadhay was bought by Dampier Whetham who uncovered the old Tudor hearths and put the house into sound structural condition. He let the house to the William-Powletts who bought the property in 1935 and have occupied it since.