&OU T A BOU TVISIT:THE OLD
RECTORY GARDENS,
SUDBOROUGH
With its quintessential English
country garden landscape, this
pretty patch of Northamptonshire
will intrigue even the most
seasoned horticulturalists and
botany fans. Open to the public on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Old
Rectory Gardens comprises over two
acres of manicured cottage gardens,
overflowing with rare and unusual
cultivars, plus a collection of heritage
roses. The gardens also host a
series of events and masterclasses
running until the end of September,
including table linen workshops
that teach screen-printing on fabric
and flower-arranging classes,
theoldrectorygardens.co.uk.DISCOVER:
TATE ST IVES
Since its grand reopening two
years ago, the Tate gallery in
Cornwall art mecca St Ives has
been scooping up awards and
acclaim. An innovative extension
doubled the display space, while
new studios for hands-on education
programmes enjoy spectacular
views over the Celtic Sea. With two
exhibitions by acclaimed female
artists scheduled, now’s the time
to visit. From 20 September,
exciting Nigerian contemporary
artist Otobong Nkanga will present
her lauded illustrations, textiles and
photographic work, while Lebanese
designer Huguette Caland displays
colourful abstract paintings (above)
until 1 September, tate.org.uk.EAT: THE FARMERS
ARMS IN WOOLSERY
Ask a twenty-something about a
forgotten social-media platform
called Bebo and they might just
recall what they used before
Instagram. Today, the site’s founder,
Michael Birch, has a new project:
Woolsery, the north Devon village
his grandmother was born in. Until
a few years ago, many of Woolsery’s
historic buildings had fallen into
dereliction and disrepair. With
much local support, the Birches set
out on an ambitious restoration
programme, which so far has
transformed the shuttered village
pub into an elegant country inn
with a charming fish and chip shop
next door. Did somebody say ‘the
new Padstow’?!, woolsery.com.BOOK:Seasonal supper clubs at Blenheim Palace’s The Orangery.On 12 September, chef Mark Hix will host a harvest-themeddinner. Other dates throughout the year, searcys.co.uk.Patrick Hamilton Courtney explores a Devon village with a
new lease of life, a Cornish gallery and handsome gardensPHOTOGRAPHS
(TATE ST IVES) COURTESY OF HUGUETTE CALAND
LIFESTYLE