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CALENDAR OF SELECTED EVENTS
JULY-SEPTEMBER
2010
Festivals, Holidays, Country Fairs, Sporting Events,
Theater,
Cultural Gatherings, and Special Performances
Happening
Near
HOME AT FIRST
Lodgings throughout
BRITAIN,
IRELAND,
&
SCANDINAVIA
Information about
HOME AT
FIRST’s travel program to:
LONDON
ENGLAND
SCOTLAND
WALES
IRELAND
SCANDINAVIA
NOTE:
For many of the
LONDON
events listed, Home At First guests at the
Apartments
at St. Katharine’s Marina and at
The Brewery
Apartments
will take public transportation from the Tower Hill
Underground Station,
8-10 minutes walk from St. Katharine’s Marina and 10-12
minutes
walk (or a 5-minute bus ride) from The Brewery.
–ONGOING NOW
THRU SEPTEMBER–
Ongoing through
August 8
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
“A Rare Look Inside Denmark’s Royal Palace”
The rarely open Frederick VIII Palace will be open
to public visitation through August 8. The palace has just
complete renovations in anticipation of the residency of
Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and his Australian wife,
Crown Princess Mary, to begin later this summer.
The
Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen has been the home of the
Danish Royal Family for two hundred years. The palace is
comprised of four palatial mansions facing one another
around Amalienborg Palace Square. Each palace is named for a
Danish king who resided inside. Although all four palaces
appear identical from the outside, their interiors are
distinctly different from one another, as their resident
families decorate as they please. Although the rococo
architecture of the palace complex dates from its completion
date of 1760, regular renovations have changed interior
styles over the decades.
Two of the other four palaces (those titled
“Christian VII” and “Christian VIII”) are occasionally open
to the public. The “Christian IX” palace is the residence of
Denmark’s current monarchs, Queen Margrethe II and Prince
Consort Henrik.
The Frederick
VIII Palace is expected to become the residence of
DENMARK’s next
monarchs, and has been outfitted with that in mind. Ten
modern Danish artists have redone some of the palace’s
stately rooms. The three-month opening permits the public to
see the renovated palace their next king and queen will soon
call home.
LOCATION: Frederick VIII Palace is
the northeastern palace of the four at Amalienborg. (The
current Royal Family’s residence is the southeastern palace:
Christian IX.)
GETTING THERE: from Home At
First’s nearest
COPENHAGEN
lodgings at
NYHAVN,
walk (or cycle using Copenhagen’s free City Bikes) three
blocks north to the Amalienborg Palace.
ADMISSION:
DKK40/adults, children under 15: free.
OPEN:
Tu, Th, Fr, Sa, Su: 10AM-5PM; We: 10AM-9PM. Closed Mo.
MORE INFO:
AMALIENBORG PALACE OPENING
Ongoing daily to
August 8 - daily from 10AM-5:50PM
LONDON
“Henry Moore — Giant of 20th Century Sculpture”
Special exhibition examining the hugely
influential British sculptor, whose life (1898-1986) and art
defined 20th century sculpture. Moore was an
artist-intellectual whose theories of the nature of art
revolutionized sculpture. The exhibition includes 150+
sculpted works in stone, wood, and bronze, and several of
Moore’s drawings from the Tate’s permanent collection plus
many rarely-exhibited works on loan from private collections
and museums around the world.
LOCATION: Tate Britain Museum, Millbank, London, SW1P
4RG.
ADMISSION: Free to the main museum, but extra charge
to attend this special exhibition: £12.50/adults,
£11/seniors/students 12-18.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
guests walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground
Station, then take the District or Circle Line west 10 stops
to Victoria, then change to the southbound Victoria Line and
go 1 stop to Pimlico station. Walk east 8 minutes to the
Tate Britain Museum on Millbank Street along the Thames
River. Total transit & walking time: 30-40 minutes.
Alternatively, walk to
the Tower Pier (by Tower of London) and board a westbound
Thames Clipper commuter service boat (operating frequency:
every 20 minutes from 6AM-1AM) for the 9-minute river
sailing to Bankside Pier. Change at Bankside for the Thames
Clipper Tate-to-Tate service to Millbank Pier, a 20-minute
sailing (operating every 40 minutes, 10AM-5PM). The Thames
Clippers, like the Underground, London Transport buses, and
Docklands Light Rail, is covered by your Oyster Card London
transportation pass.
MORE INFO, see:
TATE BRITAIN
Ongoing during August and
September
LONDON
“Buckingham Palace Open to the
Public”
During these two
months when the Royal Family is at their Scotland residence
(Balmoral Castle) and elsewhere, significant portions of
their London residence, Buckingham Palace, are open to the
public, for a fee. Guided tours tramp through the Royal
Mews—the palace stables—and through nineteen state
rooms—decorated with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and
Canaletto, and fine English and French furniture—elegant
spaces used to receive and entertain guests on British state
and ceremonial occasions. See what it means to “live like a
king” (or the Queen).
LOCATION:
Buckingham Palace is in London’s West End at the
intersection of Green Park, Hyde Park, and St. James’s Park.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
guests take the Underground to Green Park station or St.
James’s Park station, then walk through the park south or
west respectively to Buckingham Palace. Total journey time:
30 minutes door-to-door.
ADMISSION:
£17/adults, £15.50/seniors & college students, £9.75/kids
5-16, £45/family (up to 3 children). Children under 5: free.
OPEN:
9:45AM-6PM daily August - through September (last entrance:
3:45PM).
MORE INFO:
BUCKINGHAM PALACE OPEN TO VIEW
Ongoing from
Mid-August through September
SWEDEN
“Swedish
Traditions: Crayfish Parties & Sour Herring”
As
summer winds down the Swedes break out two traditional
foods. Watch for these during the second half of August
throughout Sweden. You may (or may not) wish to join in.
•
CRAYFISH
PARTIES:
once celebrated only by the aristocracy, outdoor crayfish
parties now draw everyone to picnic tables by paper lantern
light. The crayfish (like small lobsters) are consumed cold
with strong cheese, beer, and schnapps.
•
SOUR
HERRING (SÜRSTRÖMMING):
Last spring’s (or last year’s) catch of Baltic small herring
has been festering salted in tin cans until the cans
themselves swell from the fermented fish. Dedicated
connoisseurs of sour herring anticipate the late-August
“premiere” of this year’s rotting crop. Most often in
thin-bread sandwiches with butter, onions, and potato
slices. Note: open the herring cans outdoors under water or
risk ruining the indoor atmosphere with an unforgettable
putrefying fish smell.
WHERE:
These food traditions are practiced throughout
SWEDEN.
Ongoing, daily
at different times
LONDON
London Theatre:
“What’s On This Summer?”
• “The Railway
Children”: classic Edith Nesbit
1905 children’s story of three
children facing
life on their own after their father has
been falsely imprisoned. Cleverly staged with a real
steam
locomotive on the now-unused tracks and platforms of
the former Eurostar terminal,
platforms 20-24 at
Waterloo International Station, near Waterloo tube.
Rating: Family.
• “Phantom of the
Opera”: long
running Gothic musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre,
Haymarket near Piccadilly Circus tube. Rating: Family.
• “The Mousetrap”:
Agatha Christie’s record-running mystery at St. Martin’s
Theatre,
Covent Garden. Leicester Square tube. Rating: Family.
•
“The 39 Steps”:
silly, enduring thriller at Criterion Theatre, Jermyn St., near
Piccadilly
Circus tube. Rating: Family.
• Shakespeare on
Stage — at The Old Vic Theatre, The
Cut, east of Waterloo tube
station, west of
Southwark
tube.
• “As You Like It”,
a magical comedy about love, wonder, gender,
nature, and
confusion. Shakespeare at his most fun. Runs
through August 11.
• “The Tempest”,
Shakespeare’s last play, a tragi-comedy about love,
magic, gender,
nature, and confusion. Shakespeare
at his near-best. Runs through August 11.
•
Two Tudors on Stage at Shakespeare’s Globe:
“Henry VIII” and
“Anne Boleyn” are staged at Shakespeare’s Globe
Theatre,
New Globe Walk, South Bank, by the Tate Modern museum
of art.
Through August 21.
Tube: Mansion House or
Southwark.
• “Wicked”:
musical prequel about the witches of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Apollo Victoria
Theatre. Victoria tube. Rating: Family.
• “The Lion
King”: blockbuster with spectacular staging at the Lyceum Theatre,
21 Wellington St. at the Strand. Temple tube (closed Sundays). Rating: Family.
• “Les Miserables”:
Victor Hugo’s story about the tragedies of life and indomitable human
spirit
continues its long run (since 1985) to continuous critical
acclaim. Queen’s Theatre,
Shaftesbury Ave., Soho, between Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross Road.
Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus Tube. Musical. Rating: older teens & adults.
• “Oliver”:
The
rollicking musical version of Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist is back, and bigger
than
ever. Seeing it in London can only make it better, too. At
the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Covent Garden, Temple, Embankment or Charing Cross tube. Rating: Family.
• “Billy Elliot, the
Musical”: Musical adaptation of
the movie about a sensitive
boy from
a British mining town who wants to be a dancer.
The story is something of a parable about
post-industrial society, only sweeter and lighter. Elton John’s
music is perfect. At the Victoria
Palace Theatre, Victoria Street opposite Victoria
Station. Victoria tube, then cross Victoria St.
Rating: tweeners
and up (due to
swearing).
ADMISSION: Full-priced tickets from£5-£50.
TICKETS: Order your tickets in advance on-line via
LONDON TOWN.
Pick them up at the theatre on the day of
performance. Discount tickets available!
GETTING THERE: From
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill or London
Bridge Underground Station, then take the District, Circle,
or Jubilee Line west.
• Covent Garden and South Bank Theatres: Within 10
minutes are most of the tube stops
convenient for Covent Garden and South Bank theatres (Mansion House, Temple,
Embankment, Southwark, Waterloo, Charing Cross, Leicester
Square, Piccadilly Circus).
• For West End theatres in Soho: From Tower Hill tube
take the District Line 6 stops & 10 minutes
to Embankment
station. From London Bridge tube take the Jubilee Line west
to Waterloo. At
Embankment or Waterloo, change to the
Northern Line (direction Edgeware) and travel north to
Leicester (“Lester”) Square or to Tottenham Court Road.
• For West End theatres near Piccadilly Circus or
Oxford Circus: From Tower Hill tube take the
District
Line west 6 stops and 10 minutes to Embankment. From London
Bridge tube take the
Jubilee Line west to Waterloo. At
Embankment or Waterloo change to the Bakerloo Line north
to
Piccadilly Circus or to Oxford Circus.
• For theatres near Waterloo station: From Tower Hill
tube take the District Line 6 stops and 10
minutes west to
Embankment station, then change to the Northern Line south
one stop to
Waterloo. From London Bridge tube take the
Jubilee Line west one stop to Southwark tube or
two stops to
Waterloo tube.
• Total transit & walking time from Tower Hill or
London Bridge Underground Stations to almost
any theatre in
London’s six principal theatre regions (Barbican, South
Bank, Covent Garden,
Soho, Oxford Circus, Sloane Square):
less than 30 minutes.
Ongoing – on weekdays
only
LONDON
The Bank of England Museum: “The £ in Your Pocket”
One of the fun, free, funky museums of London. It
doesn’t sound like it would be, but this museum is great fun
for kids of all ages. Ongoing April 17 through October:
special exhibition of “The Pound in Your Pocket” – the story
of British money and, specifically, of monetary inflation.
Doesn’t sound like a subject your kids would enjoy, right?
The museum—using jigsaw puzzles, balloons, gold bars, old
coins, and touch-screen computers—sees to it that they will!
LOCATION: Bank of England Museum, Threadneedle
Street, London EC2R 8AH.
GETTING THERE: From
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground
Station, then take the District or Circle Line west 1 stop &
2 minutes to Monument station, then walk 5 minutes through
the maze of tunnels following signs for Bank station. Emerge
from Bank Underground, walk across the street to the Royal
Exchange, with its colonnaded portico, and walk up
Threadneedle Street one-half block. Cross Threadneedle
Street at Bartholomew Lane. Walk up Bartholomew Lane on the
left (west) side of the street. The Bank of England Museum
entrance is mid-way up the block, and poorly marked on the
left side. Total transit & walking time: less than 20
minutes.
ADMISSION: Free!
OPEN: Mo-Fr 10AM-5PM.
MORE INFO, see:
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
Ongoing, evenings from 9:30PM-10:05PM
LONDON
The Tower of London’s “Ceremony of the Keys”
700-year-old ceremony of the locking of the main
gate of the
Tower of London
carried out each evening by the
Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower accompanied by an
escort of guards. Passes are essential and must be obtained
in advance upon written application. Tickets for this
ancient
ceremony are available to the public, free of charge.
Applications should be made in writing to:
Ceremony of
the Keys Office
Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB Great Britain
Do so at least two months in advance (three months
for June-August). List number and names of those wishing to
attend, date requested & acceptable alternatives, and
enclose a self-addressed envelope, together with a minimum
of two (prepaid) International Reply Coupons (buy these at
your post office). No phone, e-mail, or fax orders will be
accepted.
LOCATION: The Tower of London main (western)
entrance.
ADMISSION: free!
GETTING THERE: walk 10 minutes traffic-free from
HOME
AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments
at St. Katharine’s Marina or 12 minutes from Home At First’s
apartments at The Brewery.
MORE INFO, see:
CEREMONY OF THE KEYS
Ongoing daily
LONDON
The Tower of London: “Prisoners of the Tower”
Home At First’s London guests can’t
miss visiting
their famous neighbors who were incarcerated and may
have met their violent and often gruesome ends at the
Tower of London. This special exhibition focuses on the
best-known prisoners, including explorer Sir Walter Raleigh,
Queen Anne Boleyn,
Queen Catherine Howard, Lady (&
Queen for a few days) Jane Grey, Nazi leader Rudolph Hess,
and terrorist traitor Guy Fawkes, among others.
LOCATION: The Tower of London is just west of the
Tower
Bridge between the River Thames and Tower Hill
Underground Station north of the river.
ADMISSION: £17/adult, £14.50/seniors & students (16 &
up), £9.50/child (5-15), £47/family (up to 2 adults & 3
kids)
OPEN: Tu-Sa: 9AM-5:30PM; Su-Mo: 10AM-5:30PM
GETTING THERE: walk 10 minutes traffic-free from
HOME
AT FIRST’S LONDON apartments
at St. Katharine’s Marina or 12 minutes from Home At First’s
apartments at The Brewery.
MORE INFO, see:
TOWER OF LONDON
Ongoing, daily from 10AM-6PM
LONDON
Five New Galleries at the Museum of London
London’s best museum has just completed a 2-year
renovation with the gala opening of five new galleries with
permanent exhibitions to make a total of nine, covering the
history of London chronologically from prehistory through
Roman times, the medieval period, the Civil War, Great Fire
and Bubonic Plague of the 17th century, the expansion of
London during the growth of the Empire, up to the modern
age.
LOCATION: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London
EC2Y 5HN.
ADMISSION: Free.
GETTING THERE: From
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground
Station. Take the Circle Line north 9 minutes to Barbican
station, then walk 9 minutes to the museum.
Total transit &
walking time: 23-28 minutes.
MORE INFO, see:
MUSEUM OF LONDON
Ongoing daily at 11AM & 2PM
CANTERBURY
“Guided Walking Tours of Canterbury”
One of England’s most historic towns — still
graced
with its medieval walls, half-timbered houses, narrow lanes,
and great cathedral—Canterbury may be easily explored on
foot, and best explored with a knowledgeable guide.
Canterbury Guild of Green Badge Guides offers 90-minute
walks departing from Canterbury Visitor Information Centre
opposite Canterbury’s landmark gothic cathedral.
LOCATION: Canterbury is approximately 90 minutes SE
of
London by train.
TICKETS: £6/adult, £5.50/students, £4.25/kids under
12, £16/family (up to 2 kids). No advanced booking is
required.
GETTING THERE: Trains operate approximately 4 times
hourly. Departures are from both Charing Cross and Victoria
stations in London. For guests at
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
apartments both stations are easily reached by tube from
Tower Hill Underground Station: take any westbound District
or Circle Line train to Embankment or Victoria). Walk from
Canterbury station into town less than ten minutes.
MORE INFO, see:
CANTERBURY WALKS
Ongoing daily from 10AM
COTSWOLDS
“Events at Medieval Warwick Castle”
England’s greatest show castle offers a variety of
events:
•
Kingmaker’s Medieval Banquet:
July 30, August 20.
•
Jousting at Warwick Castle: July 24 – September 5.
Experience medieval life as the
preparations for the
colorful tournament commence: the Earl and Countess, the
Jailer, the
Armorer, the Knights, the Bowmen, the Soldiers,
the
Falcons, and the Dragon.
• Castle Interiors (daily): Explore the grandly
furnished public halls, state rooms, and private
apartments
of Warwick Castle.
• The
Castle Grounds (daily): Explore the conservatory &
peacock garden, the original Norman
castle mound, the
Victorian rose garden, the River Avon and its island
menagerie.
• The Trebuchet & Ballista and the Artillery Fort
(daily): Warwick’s own massive catapult is
modeled on
the medieval siege machines that once flung rocks, manure,
and dead pigs
across castle walls. Warwick’s Artillery Fort
shows how cannons were used to protect the castle
at the end
of the Middle Ages.
• Warwick Dungeon (daily): Warwick’s newest
attraction recreates the medieval dungeon from
the time the
Great Plague ravaged Warwick in 1345. The haunting,
live-action experience is
not for the faint hearted. An
additional charge applies.
• The Pageant Playground & Princess Tower (daily):
great fun for the youngest members of the
family.
LOCATION: in Warwick, about 45 minutes NE of Home At
First’s Northern Cotswolds cottages in an around Chipping
Campden. (Hint: you may want to combine a visit to
Warwick Castle with a visit to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon,
Shakespeare’s home town.)
GETTING THERE: From
HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages, drive north on the B4632 to Stratford,
then follow the A439 north to the A46 and the A429 into
Warwick. Watch for signs for the castle.
OPEN
DAILY: 10AM-6PM.
CASTLE ADMISSION: £17.95/adult, £13.95/seniors,
£12.95/students, £11.95/child 4-16, £55/family (2 adults
plus up to 2 kids).
CASTLE
+ DUNGEON ADMISSION: £25.45/adult, £19.45/seniors,
£20.45/students, £17.50/child, £80/family.
PARKING: Car lot parking from £4-£6.
MORE INFO, see:
WARWICK CASTLE
Ongoing Daily
YORK
CITY
“Yorkwalks”
Guided walks through interesting parts of the
medieval walled city of York offer exercise, culture, and
entertainment. Standard walks offered at 10:30AM and 2:15PM
daily from the menu of “Roman York”, “Secret York”,
“Essential York”, and the popular “Snickleways” tours of
York’s narrow back alleys. At evenings and other times
Yorkwalks offer rare opportunities to see parts of York
never open to the public, like their “Inaccessible & Hidden
York: Graveyard, Coffin, & Crypt Tour”, “Historic Inns and
Pubs Tour”, and “Choccy & Sweetie Tour”. Who wouldn’t want
to wear sensible shoes on their next visit to Olde Yorke?
LOCATION: Museum Garden Gates, Museum Street, York.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST NORTH YORKSHIRE
guests drive 30-60 minutes to York. Park outside the city
gates (MEDIEVAL
CENTRAL YORK
has very little parking) and
walk or take a shuttle bus into the old city.
ADMISSION: £5.50/adults, £5/students, £3.50/kids
5-15.
Supplement charged for any tours requiring entrance to York
Minster.
MORE INFO & COMPLETE SCHEDULE:
YORKWALK
– JULY 2010 –
Saturday July 24 2010 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS
“Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a
traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional
English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire
Railway (GWR) special train departs Toddington station at
7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for
Cheltenham. The train returns to Toddington at about 9PM.
The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and
cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and
Track Cider. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the
US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Toddington station is in Toddington
village, just east of the B4632, 10 miles north of
Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to
BOOK ON-LINE.
Otherwise, phone the GWR during operating hours with your
credit card information: +44
(0)1242 621405.
Last day to book: Monday, July 19.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish &
chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from
Tetbury, home to
HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages. From
HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes
south.
MORE INFO, see:
GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM
Saturday-Sunday July 24-25 2009 Daily 11AM–5PM
SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS
“Medieval Jousting Weekend at Berkeley Castle”
Historic Berkeley Castle hosts Britain’s
most spectacular medieval festival, The Berkeley Skirmish,
featuring jousting, falconry, archery and battles, and
medieval music. Explore the castle and mingle with knights,
jesters, minstrels, lords, ladies and lepers. Berkeley
Castle is no show castle operated like a theme park, but a
private residence that has been the home of the Berkeley
family since Norman times (since 1117). Its appearance
remains largely unaltered since medieval times.
LOCATION: Berkeley Castle is about 30 minutes drive
west of
HOME AT FIRST’S COTTAGES IN THE SOUTHERN
COTSWOLDS at Tetbury.
GETTING THERE: from Home At First’s cottages in Tetbury,
South Cotswolds, take the A4135 west to the B4066 to the A38
at Dursley, then the A38 south about ¾ mile to the B4066
leading west (left) for Berkeley. In less than a mile you
reach the entrance for Berkeley Castle on the left as you
enter the town of Berkeley.
From
HOME AT FIRST’S COTTAGES IN THE NORTHERN
COTSWOLDS, drive the A44 NW to
the A46 near Evesham. Take the A46 SW to Junction 9 of the
M5 near Tewkesbury. South on the M5 motorway and exit onto
the A38 south at Junction 13. Take the A38 south past
Dursley, then the B4066 west 1 mile to Berkeley Castle
entrance just before entering the town of Berkeley.
ADMISSION
(includes access to Berkeley
Castle):
• At the gate:
£14/adult, £7/child 5-14, £38/family (up to 2adults+2 kids).
• In Advance:
£12/adult, £5/child, £30/family.
MORE INFO, see:
BERKELEY SKIRMISH
MORE ABOUT
HOME AT FIRST’S COTSWOLDS
Saturday July 24 2010 12:30-5:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Highland Games”
Traditional Saturday afternoon Highland Games held
in the land of clans MacGregor, McLaren, MacNab, Stewart,
and Campbell at a beautiful setting on the west end of Loch
Earn. Heavyweight events
including hammer throwing,
caber tossing, shot-putt, weight over the bar, tug-o-war as
well as track and field events, and a grueling hill race.
Traditional highland dancing and bagpiping will occur
throughout the afternoon along with fun events for children
and adults. Expect concessions for candy, cake, clothing,
and crafts. Food and bar concessions, too.
LOCATION: Games Park, Lochearnhead village.
GETTING THERE: Lochearnhead is in the middle of
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND.
Local guests should take the A84 or A85 to their
intersection at Lochearnhead village, and follow signs to
the Games Park by Loch Earn.
ADMISSION: £5/adults, children free.
MORE INFO, see:
LOCHEARNHEAD HIGHLAND GAMES
MORE ABOUT:
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
Saturday-Sunday July 24-25 2010 12N-4PM each day
LAKE WINDERMERE, LAKE DISTRICT
“Windermere Air Show”
Summer aerial festival at the Glebe on Lake
Windermere at Bowness. Events include performances by the
Yak precision team, the last of the AVRO Vulcan bombers, a
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, &
C-47 Dakota), and Britain’s Red Arrows military precision
fighter unit, wing walkers on biplanes, plus static displays
of jets, helicopters, and other airplanes on both days.
LOCATION: The Glebe at Bowness-on-Windermere,
Cumbria, NW England.
ADMISSION: Purchase of £10 air show program permits 2
adults entry for 2 days (children free).
GETTING THERE: the pier at Bowness is just across the
lake 5 minutes) by ferry from the pier at Near Sawrey,
itself only 5-minute drive from
HOME AT FIRST’S LAKE DISTRICT
lodgings between Sawrey and Hawkshead. On the eastern shore
of the lake, drive less than ½ mile to the T-intersection
with the A592. Turn left on the A592. After something more
than ¼ mile, take the first left turn onto Glebe Road.
Follow Glebe Road the short distance to the site of the air
show. Parking: £5-£6.
MORE INFO, see:
WINDERMERE AIRSHOW
MORE ABOUT
THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
Sunday July 25 2010 7–9PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Balquhidder Summer Concert”
Weekly Sunday evening classical music concert
at Balquhidder Church, a beautiful Highlands setting in the
home of Rob Roy MacGregor. 25th season of this popular
summer concert series in the center of metropolitan
Balquhidder.
TONIGHT: Song Studio (3 voices + piano).
LOCATION: Balquhidder village is nestled in one of
Nature’s prettiest valleys, flanked by the celebrated Braes
o’ Balquhidder, within the confines of Scotland’s Loch
Lomond & Trossachs National Park. The historic cemetery of
the Balquhidder Church includes the gravesite of noted
Scottish patriot/rascal Rob Roy MacGregor.
GETTING THERE: some
HOME AT FIRST CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests can easily walk to Balquhidder Church. Others must
drive 3-25 minutes from their Central Scotland cottages.
ADMISSION: £8/adult, £6/seniors/students, children
under 15 free.
MORE INFO, see:
BALQUIDDER CONCERTS.
MORE ABOUT:
THE BALQUHIDDER GLEN.
Sunday July 25 to Tuesday August 3 2010
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
“Mary from Dungloe Festival”
Annual festival of traditional Irish culture in
the small town of Dungloe in western County Donegal. Events
differ each day and include such attractions as a golf
tourney, duck racing, a gala ball, bingo, and a soapbox
derby. The internationally recognized high point of the
festival is the crowning of this year’s “Mary of Dungloe” on
Sunday August 1. The best day for visitors is likely Friday,
July 31, with street corner entertainment, dancing, live
music, and Irish crafts on display.
LOCATION: Dungloe is about 60 miles NW of Donegal
town near the rugged northwestern coast of Ireland.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
lodgings in/around Donegal, take the scenic N56 about 90
minutes northwest to Dungloe.
ADMISSION: to some events. Free to the street
entertainment.
MORE INFO, see:
MARY FROM DUNGLOE
Weds-Sat July 28-31 2010 10AM–10PM
DEVONSHIRE
“Chulmleigh Old Fair”
Ancient west country fair held each year since
1253. Fair, sheep show, flower show. Different events each
day, e.g.: Wednesday is country market day; Saturday
features fancy dress and street entertainment.
LOCATION: Chulmleigh is just east of the A377, about
45 minutes north of
HOME AT FIRST’S COTTAGES IN DEVONSHIRE.
GETTING THERE: Take the A386 north from Yelverton to the
A3072 east. Take the A3072 east to the A377 at Copplestone.
Take the A377 NW to Leigh Cross, then the B3096 (Leigh Road)
east 1 mile to Chulmleigh village.
ADMISSION: most events are free!
MORE INFO, see:
CHULMLEIGH OLD FAIR
MORE INFO ABOUT TRAVEL TO
DEVONSHIRE
Friday-Sunday July 30 - August 1 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
”Scariff Harbour Festival”
Annual open-air, three-day street fair in this
pleasant, hillside town on the west shore of Lough Derg in
eastern County Clare. Expect local arts, crafts, and music
ranging from traditional to jazz.
LOCATION: Scariff, across the middle of Central
Ireland’s largest lake from Garrykennedy, Co. Tipperary.
GETTING THERE: Home At First
CENTRAL IRELAND
residents drive the R352 15 minutes north from Killaloe at
the bottom of the lake, or 50 minutes south of Portumna at
the top of Lough Derg.
ADMISSION: All events free except for one
concert.
MORE INFO, see:
SCARIFF HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Friday-Sunday July 30 - August 1 2010
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
”Ballyshannon Folk Festival”
Ballyshannon’s 33rd Folk Festival showcases
traditional Irish music in venues and on the streets
throughout the town.
LOCATION: Ballyshannon, County Donegal,
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST DONEGAL
area guests drive south on the N17 from Donegal town about
20 minutes to Ballyshannon.
HOME AT FIRST SLIGO
area guests drive north on the N17 about 30 minutes to
Ballyshannon.
ADMISSION: Some performances free!
MORE INFO, see:
BALLYSHANNON FOLK FESTIVAL
Saturday-Sunday July 31–August 1 2010 12N-5PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Callander World Highland Games”
Major two-day weekend Highland Games held at the
base of the Highlands just southeast of Callander.
Traditional Highland Games with strongman events, pipe
bands, Highland dancing, concessions, and lot of fun for
adults and families. A parade from downtown Callander to Ben
Ledi Park opens each day at 12:30PM. Most events occur both
days, but a dog show occurs Saturday only, and the massed
pipe band performance occurs Sunday only.
LOCATION: Ben Ledi Park, Callander, Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE: Callander is the southeastern corner
of
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND.
Local guests should take the A84 south into Callander. Turn
right on the A81 (direction Aberfoyle). Follow the A81
across the River Teith bridge then less than 1 mile to the
entrance to Ben Ledi Park. Turn left into Ben Ledi Park on
the outskirts of Callander.
ADMISSION: £8/adult, £5/seniors/students, .
MORE INFO, see:
CALLANDER HIGHLAND GAMES
MORE ABOUT TRAVEL TO
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
–
AUGUST 2010 –
Ongoing to Tuesday August 3 2010
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
“Mary from Dungloe Festival”
Annual festival of traditional Irish culture in
the small town of Dungloe in western County Donegal. Events
differ each day and include such attractions as a golf
tourney, duck racing, a gala ball, bingo, and a soapbox
derby. The internationally recognized high point of the
festival is the crowning of this year’s “Mary of Dungloe” on
Sunday August 1. The best day for visitors is likely Friday,
July 31, with street corner entertainment, dancing, live
music, and Irish crafts on display.
LOCATION: Dungloe is about 60 miles NW of Donegal
town near the rugged northwestern coast of Ireland.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
lodgings in/around Donegal, take the scenic N56 about 90
minutes northwest to Dungloe.
ADMISSION: to some events. Free to the street
entertainment.
MORE INFO, see:
MARY FROM DUNGLOE
Sunday August 1 2010 7–9PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Balquhidder Summer Concert”
Weekly Sunday evening classical music concert
at Balquhidder Church, a beautiful Highlands setting in the
home of Rob Roy MacGregor. 25th season of this popular
summer concert series in the center of metropolitan
Balquhidder.
TONIGHT: Northern Lights Wind Quintet (flute, oboe,
clarinet, bassoon, and horn) perform 8 classical selections
including Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”.
LOCATION: Balquhidder village is nestled in one of
Nature’s prettiest valleys, flanked by the celebrated Braes
o’ Balquhidder, within the confines of Scotland’s Loch
Lomond & Trossachs National Park. The historic cemetery of
the Balquhidder Church includes the gravesite of noted
Scottish patriot/rascal Rob Roy MacGregor.
GETTING THERE: some
HOME AT FIRST CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests can easily walk to Balquhidder Church. Others must
drive 3-25 minutes from their Central Scotland cottages.
ADMISSION: £8/adult, £6/seniors/students, children
under 15 free.
MORE INFO, see:
BALQUIDDER CONCERTS.
MORE ABOUT:
THE BALQUHIDDER GLEN.
Monday, August 2, 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“North Tipperary Agricultural Show”
The Irish equivalent of a rural American county
fair. Animals (especially horses, cows, and sheep), farm
machinery displays, and lots of competitive events from show
jumping to baked goods to flower arranging to kids costumes
to dogs’ obstacle course racing to the wonderful “most
suitably dressed lady” contest. Expect lots of fun, great
local color, food (& drink, this is Ireland, after all)
stands. If you want to see the rural Irish at play, this is
the place to go. And you won’t see another tourist there!
LOCATION: Nenagh Fair Grounds is on the N52 road just
north of Nenagh town.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND
lodgings in/around Nenagh, take the N52 north from Nenagh
about 1 mile direction Borrisokane. The show grounds are on
the west side of the N52. Parking is on the east side of the
N52.
ADMISSION: €10/adults.
MORE INFO, see:
NORTH TIPP FAIR
Wednesday August 4 2010 10:30AM-5:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Killin Highland Games”
Wednesday afternoon Highland Games held at the
northeastern gateway to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National
Park at a beautiful setting on the west end of Loch Tay. The
games parade leads from Killin’s landmark bridge by the
Falls of the Dochart at 1:30PM to the official greeting in
Breadalbane Park in the town center at 2PM. Expect events
including: piping competitions, dancing competitions,
world strongmen events,
open hill race, children’s races, tossing the caber, fly
fishing demonstration and casting competition, side shows &
amusements. Expect
concessions for candy, cake, clothing, and crafts. Food and
bar concessions, too.
LOCATION: Breadalbane Park, Killin.
GETTING THERE: Killin is the northernmost town of
Home At First’s Central Scotland. Guests staying in Killin
can walk to the games. Other
HOME AT FIRST CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests take the A84/A85 north across Glen Ogle Pass to the
A827 at Lix Toll. Right on the A827 3 miles into Killin.
Follow signs on Main Street once across the Killin bridge.
ADMISSION: £5/adults; seniors & children £3.
MORE INFO, see:
KILLIN HIGHLAND GAMES.
MORE ABOUT TRAVEL TO
CENTRAL SCOTLAND.
Wednesday to
Tuesday August 4-10 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“Feakle International Traditional Music Festival”
The bars, streets, and community hall of
Feakle village host five days of music, song, and dance with
concerts, céili's, workshops, lectures, recitals, singing,
and trad music sessions. Consult
the festival web site for performance type, time, and venue.
LOCATION: Feakle, eastern County Clare due
west of Lough Derg, about 1.5 hours west of Home At First’s
Central Ireland lodgings.
GETTING THERE: Drive south along Lough Derg from Home
At First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND
cottages. Cross the River Shannon at Ballina-Killaloe. Turn
north in Killaloe and follow the western shore of Lough Derg
through Tuamgraney to
Scariff. Turn left (west) in Scariff on the R461 5 miles to
Feakle village.
ADMISSION: some performances free. Others charge up
to €25/adult.
MORE INFO, see:
FEAKLE FESTIVAL
August 6-8, 2010 10:30AM-5:30PM daily
COTSWOLDS
”Jousting at Blenheim Palace”
The palatial home of the Dukes of Marlborough and
the Churchill family—including British Prime Minister
Winston Churchill—is the backdrop for a medieval jousting
tournament. Mounted knights will clash twice each day in the
park and the South Front of the palace during this four-day
tourney. Falconry will also be exhibited.
LOCATION: Blenheim Palace is in the eastern Cotswolds
just SW of Woodstock (and NW of Oxford) just about 25 miles
southeast of
HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages in and near Chipping Campden and about 32 miles
northeast of
HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages in and near Tetbury.
GETTING THERE: From the Northern Cotswolds, drive SE
on the A44 to Woodstock. From the Southern Cotswolds, drive
northeast from Tetbury on the A433 to Cirencester. Then take
the B4425 NE to Burford and the A40 east to
Witney and the A4095 NE to the A44 near Woodstock. From
Woodstock follow the brown signs leading to Blenheim Palace.
ADMISSION: for Jousting & Gardens—£10.30/adults,
£7.70/seniors/students, £5/children 5-16, £26/family.
MORE INFO, see:
JOUSTING AT BLENHEIM PALACE
Friday to
Sunday, August 6-15 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“Kilkenny Arts Festival”
Major arts festival featuring
international artists. For the
37th year the festival will feature theater, jazz, classical
music, literature, visual art, traditional Irish music, and
street performances. Kilkenny is a small city with a large
history, especially in the form of its great Norman castle,
itself the site of several scheduled classical music
performances.
LOCATION: Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, about
1.5–2 hours east of Home At First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND
lodgings.
GETTING THERE: Drive east from Nenagh via
Borrisoleigh, Templemore, Templetuohy, Johnstown, and
Freshford direct to Kilkenny. This delightful cross-country
route is rural and beautiful in an understated Irish
way—more poetry than drama.
MORE INFO, see:
KILKENNY ARTS FEST
Ongoing August 6–28, 2010
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
“Edinburgh Military Tattoo”
This is the show that
puts the bomb in bombast. Like your culture
punctuated by cannonade? Prefer castles and fireworks and
the smell of cordite to opera and ballet? Overlapping the
Edinburgh Festival is the (almost) nightly
outdoor martial noisefest at the
imposing castle at the top of the town. Sold out long ago,
but some few leftover tix may be available at the last
minute. (Home At First helps its guests secure tickets, but
plan to book early!)
LOCATION: Edinburgh Castle.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S EDINBURGH
guests can take the bus or taxi or walk to performances.
Home At First guests from Glasgow can take the train and be
in Edinburgh in an hour.
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests can drive to Stirling or Dunblane and park & ride the
train into central Edinburgh. Don’t drive into Edinburgh
this month!
ADMISSION: Lots of different prices—starting at
£16—depending upon seat, performance time, and date. See web
site for availability (if any) and prices.
MORE INFO, see:
EDINBURGH TATTOO
Saturday August 7 2010 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS
“Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a
traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional
English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire
Railway (GWR) special train departs Toddington station at
7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for
Cheltenham. The train returns to Toddington at about 9PM.
The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and
cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and
Track Cider. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the
US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Toddington station is in Toddington
village, just east of the B4632, 10 miles north of
Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to
BOOK ON-LINE.
Otherwise, phone the GWR during operating hours with your
credit card information:
+44 (0)1242 621405.
Last day to book: Monday, August 2.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish &
chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from
Tetbury, home to
HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages. From
HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes south.
MORE INFO, see:
GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM
Ongoing August 8 – 31, 2010
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
“Edinburgh Fringe Festival”
The other side of the looking glass. Running
almost
concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival (see
below), the Fringe Festival has largely outpaced its older,
more staid counterpart in recent years as an
attention-getter and trend setter that has introduced many
up-and-comers to the world’s of music, dance, theatre, music
and (especially) comedy. Think of it as a 3-week long Mardi
Gras with crass.
LOCATION: Performances in more than 200
locations throughout Edinburgh.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S EDINBURGH
guests can take the bus or taxi or walk to performances.
Home At First guests from Glasgow can take the train and be
in Edinburgh in an hour.
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests can drive to Stirling or Dunblane and park & ride the
train into central Edinburgh. Don’t drive into Edinburgh
this month!
ADMISSION: Over 1,000 performances daily, each priced
separately, some quite inexpensively, others not so. Advance
tickets on sale starting in June. Tickets still available to
many shows on the day of performance.
MORE INFO, see:
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
August 10 & 11 2010 from 9PM
DEVONSHIRE
Plymouth: “British Fireworks Championships”
Plymouth is the setting for three fireworks
displays on each of two consecutive summer nights at 9PM on
Plymouth Hoe (the city’s park-like bluff overlooking
Plymouth harbor).
LOCATION: The city’s bluffs, “Plymouth Hoe”,
overlooking the harbor. Parking garages by Plymouth Hoe are
a 20-25 minute drive south of Home At First’s lodgings in
Devonshire.
GETTING THERE: from
Home At First’s DEVONSHIRE
lodgings: drive south approx. 30-45 minutes on the A386
(Tavistock Rd) to Plymouth city. Follow signs for Plymouth
Ho and the harbour.
ADMISSION: Free! (But pay a couple of pounds for
parking in a convenient municipal garage.)
MORE INFO, see:
BRITISH FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 10-15 2010
STOCKHOLM,
SWEDEN
“Stockholm’s
Culture Festival”
Stockholm’s fourth annual August festival is big
(500 events), varied, accessible, and mostly free. Music of
all kinds, comedy, guided walks (many in English),
children’s events, the world’s longest book table, film,
food, and fun.
LOCATION: Venues throughout Stockholm.
GETTING THERE: walk or take a tram from Home At First’s
STOCKHOLM
lodgings.
ADMISSION: most events free.
OPEN: various times daily.
MORE INFO:
STOCKHOLM CULTURE FEST PROGRAM
Ongoing August 13 – September 5, 2010
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
“Edinburgh International Festival”
Arguably the best long-playing urban cultural
festival in the world. Dance, theatre, music, and opera
performed by internationally ranked artists. Think of it as
a 3-week long Mardi Gras with class.
(Home At First helps its guests secure tickets, but plan to
book early!)
LOCATION: locations throughout Edinburgh.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S EDINBURGH
guests can take the bus or taxi or walk to performances.
Home At First guests from Glasgow can take the train and be
in Edinburgh in an hour.
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests can drive to Stirling or Dunblane and park & ride the
train into central Edinburgh. Don’t drive into Edinburgh
this month!
ADMISSION: Over 120 performances, each priced
separately. Some discounted tickets available from £2.
Reduced price tix available for seniors, students, and
latecomers.
MORE INFO, see:
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL
Friday to
Friday, August 13-20 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“42nd Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival”
Regional Irish country fair featuring old
time vehicles, with a
Sunday parade of vintage cars, engines, horses and
carriages, marching bands, jugglers and clowns, and street
theater. The 42nd annual antiques and fine arts fair
features costume and shop window competitions, candlelight
nights in local pubs, historical walking tours, film nights
and live theater, free daily children’s events, vintage and
modern sports events, photography competition, pub
competitions, donkey derby, barman’s race, live music, and a
fireworks display. Combine with a
visit to the most impressive Birr Castle Gardens.
LOCATION: Birr, County Offaly, about 30
minutes north of Home At First’s Central Ireland lodgings.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND cottages,
drive north from Nenagh on the N52 30 minutes to Birr.
ADMISSION: many events free.
MORE INFO, see:
BIRR VINTAGE WEEK
Saturday August 14 2010 starting at 9:30AM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Atholl & Breadalbane Show & Highland Gathering”
Saturday Highlands show featuring horse and pony
classes, cattle, sheep and Clydesdale horses, heavy weight
Highlands Games events, highland dancing, piping and much
more. Accessible to the disabled.
LOCATION: Wade Park, Aberfeldy, Central Scotland
30-60 minutes east north east of Home At First’s Central
Scotland lodgings.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests should take the A84 north to Lochearnhead, then the
A85 north (direction Crianlarich). Five miles north of
Lochearnhead, turn right on the A827 at Lix Toll. Drive 25
miles through Killin, along Loch Tay, and through Kenmore
and on to Aberfeldy. As you enter Aberfeldy, turn left on
Taybridge Rd (B846) and cross Wade’s Bridge to reach Wade
Park on the north side of the River Tay.
ADMISSION: £7/adult, £3/senior, £2/junior.
MORE INFO, see:
ATHOLL & BREADALBANE GATHERING
Sunday August 15
2010
KENMARE, SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND
“15th Traditional Irish Fair & Festival”
Traditional country fair in the wonderful Irish
town of Kenmare, midway between Glengarriff and Killarney.
Expect a gathering of clans, farm animals, plenty of food,
concession stands, and music.
LOCATION: Kenmare is a vibrant, handsome Irish town
in southern County Kerry 5-45 minutes from Home At First’s
SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND
lodgings in & near Kenmare, Glengarriff, and Bantry in
Counties Kerry and Cork.
GETTING THERE: Home At First’s Kenmare guests need
only drive into town (2-5 minutes). From Bantry and
Glengarriff drive north to Kenmare 30-40 minutes on the N71.
Kenmare is the southern gateway town of the scenic Ring of
Kerry and the Killarney National Park.
ADMISSION: free.
MORE INFO, see:
KENMARE IRISH FAIR
Wednesday-Sunday August 18-22 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
”Terryglass Arts Festival”
Annual four-day festival of visual arts, dance,
theatre, music, poetry, film, storytelling, and performance.
LOCATION: Terryglass village on the northeastern
shore of Lough Derg in North Tipperary.
GETTING THERE: Home At First
CENTRAL IRELAND
guests drive north on the N52 to Borrisokane, then follow
signs 6 miles west to Terryglass village.
ADMISSION: Workshops and performances from €0 to €10
per person. Tickets available at the door.
MORE INFO, see:
TERRYGLASS ARTS FESTIVAL
Friday-Tuesday August 20—24 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“51st Rose Of Tralee Festival”
One of Ireland’s premier festivals. Over
200,000 visitors from throughout the world return year after
year to Tralee in Kerry to enjoy the best in Irish and
international music, parades, fireworks displays, nightly
trad music sessions, and of course the renowned selection of
the prettiest girl from among entries from around the world
as Rose of Tralee.
LOCATION: Tralee is a handsome coastal town in
northern County Kerry approximately 90 minutes north of Home
At First’s
SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND
lodgings in & near Kenmare and 2 hours southwest of Home At
First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND
lodgings.
GETTING THERE FROM CENTRAL IRELAND: Drive southwest
from Nenagh to Limerick (N7), then the N20 and N21 on to
Tralee, gateway town of the scenic Dingle Peninsula.
GETTING THERE FROM SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND: Drive north
from Kenmare on the N71 to Killarney then the N22 and N21
into Tralee.
ADMISSION: some events charge admission; many are
free.
MORE INFO, see:
ROSE OF TRALEE
Saturday August 21 2010 1:30-5PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Kinloch Rannoch Highland Games”
Highland Games in a sensational Scottish
setting, as part of the Festival of Rannoch. The drive alone
is worth the trip. Attractions include heavyweight Highlands
Games events, piping, dancing, children’s races, track and
field, hill
race, concession stands, and tug o’ war. Dancing commences
at 1:30PM. Teas and barbecue available from noon. Disabled
access.
LOCATION: Kinloch Rannoch Village Park, Kinloch
Rannoch, Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE: Kinloch Rannoch is about 35 miles
northeast of Killin.
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests should take the A84 north to Lochearnhead, then the
A85 north (direction Crianlarich). Five miles north of
Lochearnhead, turn right on the A827 at Lix Toll. Drive
through Killin, then follow directions of the scenic route
to Kinloch Rannoch via Glen Lyon and the thatched village of
Fortingall to Tummel Bridge and, finally, to Kinloch Rannoch
on Loch Rannoch. Plan on 90 minutes to drive the scenic 35
miles from Killin. Plan to return more directly via the A827
along Loch Tay from Kenmore.
ADMISSION: £3/adult, £2/seniors & kids; plus
£1/parking.
MORE INFO, see:
KINLOCH RANNOCH GAMES.
Saturday August 21 2010 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS
“Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a
traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional
English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire
Railway (GWR) special train departs Toddington station at
7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for
Cheltenham. The train returns to Toddington at about 9PM.
The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and
cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and
Track Cider. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the
US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Toddington station is in Toddington
village, just east of the B4632, 10 miles north of
Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to
BOOK ON-LINE.
Otherwise, phone the GWR during operating hours with your
credit card information: +44
(0)1242 621405.
Last day to book: Monday, August 16.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish &
chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from
Tetbury, home to
HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages. From
HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes
south.
MORE INFO, see:
GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM
Saturday-Sunday August 21-22 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“The Limerick Agricultural Show”
Central Ireland’s regional
agricultural show and country fair: cattle, horses, ponies,
sheep, show jumping, horticultural, arts and crafts, baked
goods, dog show, trade stands, entertainment, and food &
drink concessions. Come see the rural Irish at play!
LOCATION: Limerick Race Course, Patrickswell,
County Limerick, about 45 minutes south of Home At First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND
lodgings.
GETTING THERE: Drive south to Limerick from Nenagh on
the N7, then south 5 miles on the N20 to Patrickswell.
Combine with a trip to the nearby thatched village of
Adare.
ADMISSION: €10/adult.
MORE INFO, see:
LIMERICK AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Sunday August 22 2010 10AM-5:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Crieff Highland Games”
Traditional Highland Games including cycling,
running, solo-piping, highland dancing, pipe bands,
tug-o-war and heavyweight events (including tossing the
caber). Disabled access. Crieff (pop. 6,000) is a large
market town 20 miles east of Lochearnhead on the edge of the
Highlands.
LOCATION: Market Park, Crieff, Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests should take the A85 east from Lochearnhead 20 miles
to Crieff. In town, turn right on the A822 (Burrell St.).
Drive south 3/8 mi. Watch for signs for the games site.
ADMISSION: £9/adult, £5/seniors & children.
MORE INFO, see:
CRIEFF HIGHLAND GAMES.
Thursday-Sunday August 26—29 2010 from 12:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Blair Castle International Horse Trials & Country Fair”
One of the premier equestrian events in Britain is
located in one of Scotland’s most scenic castle estates.
LOCATION: Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Perthshire,
45-75 minutes east north east of
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
lodgings. From Killin take the
A827 east northeast to the A9, then the A9 north through
Pitlochry 6 miles to Blair Castle on the B8079.
ADMISSION: Tickets: Th-£10, Fr-£10, Sa-£15, Su-£12;
Children under 12 free.
MORE INFO, see:
BLAIR HORSE TRIALS.
Sunday & Monday, August 29—30 2010
LONDON
“Notting Hill Carnival”
A shocking reminder to many Americans that the
British Empire in the Western Hemisphere did not come to an
end at Yorktown in 1781, the West Indian (largely Jamaican)
themed Notting Hill Carnival is London’s biggest, baddest
festival of the summer—and the largest street festival in
Europe. Expect the West Indies culture to take over this
section of west London for two days: music, food, costume,
dance, drink, and spliff. If you are going to London to
discover Londoners, expect to meet West Indians, Asians
(East Indians and Pakistanis), and other immigrant
minorities from former Empire outposts who have made Britain
into a society as diverse as America.
LOCATION: the Notting Hill section of London, just west
of Kensington Gardens and Bayswater, just north of
Kensington.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST LONDON
guests should take the Circle Line tube clockwise to Notting
Hill Gate or Bayswater stations, then follow the crowds, the
noise, and the smells to the festival.
ADMISSION: free.
OPEN: not much happens before 10AM, but a lot happens
thereafter until late in the day.
MORE INFO:
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
–
SEPTEMBER 2010 –
Ongoing
from September 4 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival”
The biggest singles event in Europe and one
of the oldest festivals in Ireland takes place annually in
this little village on the northwestern edge of The Burren
in County Clare, western Central Ireland. Several inspired
local pubs actively encourage a receptive atmosphere among
partner-seekers with music and dancing day and night (from
11AM until late—see the
Published Program)
during the month-long affair.
LOCATION: Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, about 90-120
minutes from
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL IRELAND
lodgings.
ADMISSION: of course. Did you think meeting your ideal
mate could happen without cost?
MORE INFO, see:
MATCHMAKING FEST
Saturday, September 4 2010 9:30AM-5:30PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“The Braemar Gathering”
Traditional Highland Games with numerous uniformed
pipe & drum bands, light & heavy field events, running
(including a hill race), tug o’ war, solo piping,
Highland dancing, and craft and trade stands. Setting is
close to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish
residence. Expect an appearance by the Queen and other
Royals. Disabled access. Braemar is 85 miles east-northeast
of Killin in the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains.
LOCATION: The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife
Memorial Park, Braemar, NE Central Scotland.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests should take the A85 east from Lochearnhead 20 miles
to Crieff. In town, turn left (north) on the A822. Drive
northeast to Dunkeld. From Killin, Home At First guests
should take the A827 east to the A9, then drive south 8
miles to Dunkeld. At Dunkeld, take the A923 12 miles east to
Blairgowrie. In Blairgowrie, turn left (north) on the A93.
Follow the A93 30 miles across the high Glenshee Pass to
Braemar.
ADMISSION: £8-£30/adult, £2/children 5-13.
PARKING: £10/on grounds; free outside of grounds
MORE INFO, see:
BRAEMAR GATHERING.
Saturday September 4 2010 7-9:30PM
COTSWOLDS
“Fish & Chips and Steam”
Enjoy a traditional English evening meal on a
traditional English steam train in the midst of traditional
English countryside. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire
Railway (GWR) special train departs Toddington station at
7PM and cruises through classic Cotswolds scenery for
Cheltenham. The train returns to Toddington at about 9PM.
The train will have a buffet car (diner) serving hot and
cold drinks including local specialty brews: Rail Ale and
Track Cider. Be sure to sign up early (before departing the
US) for this popular event.
LOCATION: Toddington station is in Toddington
village, just east of the B4632, 10 miles north of
Cheltenham and 5 miles south of Broadway.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: Best way is to
BOOK ON-LINE.
Otherwise, phone the GWR during operating hours with your
credit card information: +44
(0)1242 621405.
Last day to book: Monday, August 30.
ADMISSION: £20/person, includes train fare and fish &
chips dinner. Drinks available for sale in the buffet car.
GETTING THERE: Drive about 40 minutes north from
Tetbury, home to
HOME AT FIRST’S SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages. From
HOME AT FIRST’S NORTHERN COTSWOLDS
cottages in and around Chipping Campden, drive 20 minutes
south.
MORE INFO, see:
GWR RWY FISH CHIPS AND STEAM
Sunday September 5 2010 10:30AM-5PM
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
“Blairgowrie Highland Games”
Bagpipes call the opening of Blairgowrie’s
traditional Highland Games at 10:30AM. These games have all
the favorites: heavy events, running (including a 4-mile
hill race), tug o’ war, piping, Highland dancing, and craft
and trade stands. Handicapped accessible.
LOCATION: Bogles Field, Blairgowrie, Central
Scotland, 55 miles east of Killin.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST’S CENTRAL SCOTLAND
guests should take the A85 east from Lochearnhead 20 miles
to Crieff. In town, turn left (north) on the A822. Drive
northeast to Dunkeld. From Killin, Home At First guests
should take the A827 east to the A9, then drive south 8
miles to Dunkeld. At Dunkeld, take the A923 12 miles east to
Blairgowrie. In Blairgowrie, turn right on the A93, then
right again on the B947 (Essendy Rd.) direction Lethendry.
ADMISSION: £6/adult, £4/seniors & children 5 and up.
MORE INFO, see:
BLAIRGOWRIE HIGHLAND GAMES.
Friday-Sunday September 10-12 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“Tulla Traditional Music Festival”
Three days and nights of traditional Irish music
with workshops, sessions, concerts, and céili’s. The best
daytime action occurs Sunday with an 11AM mass in Gaelic
with trad music, a noontime vocal session, and a 12:30PM
recital at the Tulla Courthouse.
LOCATION: Tulla is in
southeastern
County Clare, west of Lough Derg and mid-way between
Killaloe and Ennis.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s cottages in
CENTRAL IRELAND,
drive from Killaloe north on the R352 to Tuamgraney, then
continue on the R352 west toward Ennis. At the R462, turn
north into the town of Tulla.
ADMISSION: Many events free. Some workshops and
concerts may have admission charges.
MORE INFO, see:
TRAD AT TULLA
Saturday & Sunday, September 11—12 2010
LONDON
“The Mayor’s Thames Festival”
London’s grand, historic waterway, the River
Thames, is the focus of an annual two-day festival that
occurs on, alongside, and spanning the river between
Westminster Bridge (by Parliament) and Tower Bridge (by Home
At First’s London apartments at St. Catherine’s Marina and
the Brewery). Open-air dining (including on the traffic-free
Southwark Bridge Saturday from noon to 10PM), music,
dancing, a parade of boats, guided walks, entertainment from
schmaltzy to avante garde welcomes tens of thousands of
strolling guests to both riversides and its road and foot
bridges. The festival culminates with a massive fireworks
display shot from river barges anchored between Blackfriars
Bridge and Waterloo Bridge Sunday evening after dark.
LOCATION: Along the Thames River between Tower Bridge
and Westminster Bridge. Most events to occur on the south
side of the river.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST LONDON
guests need only walk from their apartments to the nearby
riverside, then along the Thames Path (north side) or the
Jubilee Walkway (south side) to see the action.
ADMISSION: Almost every event is free.
MORE INFO, See:
THAMES FESTIVAL.
Saturday-Sunday September 11-12 2010
CENTRAL IRELAND
“Horseracing at the Curragh”
Classic end of season Irish horseracing festival
featuring the classic
Irish Field St. Leger Stakes
race Saturday (1st race: 2:15PM), and the
Renaissance Stakes
major family day at the races Sunday (1st race: 2:15PM). Two
days of lively entertainment
centered
on Ireland’s passion for horses.
LOCATION: The Curragh Racecourse, near Kildare,
County Kildare. Combine with visit to the nearby Japanese
Gardens and the Irish National Stud.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s cottages in
CENTRAL IRELAND,
drive northeast approximately 90 minutes to Kildare on the
N7 (M7). At Kildare, exit the highway and follow signs for
The Curragh.
ADMISSION:
•
Saturday:
€20/adult, €10/senior/youth; child accompanied by paying
adult:
free; family of 2 adults + up to 3 children: €35.
•
Sunday:
€15/adult, €7.50/senior/youth; child accompanied by paying
adult:
free; family of 2 adults + up to 3 children: €25.
MORE INFO, see:
RACING AT THE CURRAGH
Sunday-Monday September 12-13 2010
NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
”Glenties Harvest Festival & Autumn Fair”
Glenties’ Harvest Festival & Autumn Fair is a
traditional event of the season in this beautiful setting in
the interior mountains of County Donegal, with animal sales,
street markets, a carnival, and street entertainment. Parade
on Sunday. Monday is Harvest Fair Day. Combine with a visit
to the nearby beautiful, rugged Donegal coast.
LOCATION: Glenties, County Donegal.
GETTING THERE:
HOME AT FIRST NORTHWESTERN IRELAND
guests drive west from Donegal on the N56 to Mountcharles,
then north on the R262 to Kilrean, the east on the N56 to
Glenties. Journey time: under an hour from Donegal town.
ADMISSION:
Free!
MORE INFO,
see:
GLENTIES AUTUMN FAIR
Saturday & Sunday Sept. 18-19 2010 9:30AM-5PM
LONDON
Open House at The Bank of England & Its Museum
A rare opportunity to tour through one of the
financial pillars of the world, The Bank of England, and its
fun, funky museum: 30 minute tours of the bank plus
open-ended fun for kids of all ages in the bank’s museum.
The bank is open today as part of London’s Open House
Weekend, celebrating noteworthy architecture of the city.
LOCATION: Bank of England Museum, Threadneedle
Street, London EC2R 8AH.
GETTING THERE: From
HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON
apartments walk 5-12 minutes to the Tower Hill Underground
Station, then take the District or Circle Line west 1 stop &
2 minutes to Monument station, then walk 5 minutes through
the maze of tunnels following signs for Bank station. Emerge
from Bank Underground, walk across the street to the Royal
Exchange, with its colonnaded portico, and walk up
Threadneedle Street one-half block. Cross Threadneedle
Street at Bartholomew Lane. Walk up Bartholomew Lane on the
left (west) side of the street. The Bank of England Museum
entrance is mid-way up the block, and poorly marked on the
left side. Total transit & walking time: less than 20
minutes.
ADMISSION: Free!
OPEN: 9:30AM-5PM each day.
MORE INFO, see:
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
Sunday September
19 2010
SKIBBEREEN, CO. CORK, SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND
”West Cork Food Festival”
Culminating day of the annual week-long festival
celebrating the fresh foods of southwestern Ireland:
including agricultural produce and seafood. Today’s all-day
program includes a large open-air market, craft displays,
art shows, celebrity chefs, live traditional Irish music,
and children’s activities.
LOCATION: Skibbereen, western County Cork, and
environs.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s cottages in
SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND,
drive 15-40 miles SE to Skibbereen on the N71. Festival
stands and eating tents are erected on the town’s streets.
ADMISSION: Some events & displays free. Some events
have admission charges. See web site for full program.
MORE INFO, see:
A TASTE OF WEST CORK
Saturday September 25 2010 from 12 noon
WEST CENTRAL IRELAND
”Galway Oyster Fest”
Home of the Guinness World Oyster Championship
with non-stop entertainment that features:
•
Festival Parade
starts on
Eyre Square,
12 noon in central Galway:
bands and
street entertainers; parade of bands, vintage cars, oyster openers, and
visiting
dignitaries; leading to the festival tent at Galway’s Radisson Blu Hotel
for oyster
tasting at 1PM. Free
admission to this public event.
•
Festival Centre
at the Radisson Blue Hotel 1-6PM: Guinness, oysters, smoked
salmon and an excellent seafood lunch are served to 4PM; Guinness World
Oyster Opening Championship at 2PM; Guinness Elegant Lady Competition at
3PM; Irish Music and Dance; 2PM-7PM music and song in the “Guinness
Oyster
Trail Pubs”.
Admission: €75/prs.
LOCATION: Galway city, approximately 90-120 minutes
west of Home At First’s Central Ireland cottages.
GETTING THERE: From Home At First’s
CENTRAL IRELAND
cottages, drive north on the N52 from Nenagh to Borrisokane,
then take the N65 northwest to the N6 near
Loughrea, then follow the N6 west into Galway.
MORE INFO, see:
GALWAY OYSTER FEST
Sunday September 26 2010 from 2-5PM
WEST CENTRAL IRELAND
“Traditional Harvest Day at Bunratty Folk Park”
Traditional 19th century harvest events occur
today from 2-5PM at
Bunratty Folk Park,
Ireland’s supreme open-air museum. Watch the farmers
demonstrating the art of threshing with the vintage
threshing machine. Also see the traditional arts of bread
baking and butter making. The Bunratty village schoolmaster
greets children with their customary sod of turf for the
tiny schoolroom fire. Musicians and Strawboys will be
performing around the Folk
Park during the afternoon. Traditional stories will be told
by Bunratty’s resident storyteller. The village policeman
will see to order in his 19th century uniform.
LOCATION:
Bunratty Folk Park &
Bunratty Castle
are just off the N18, near Shannon Airport and about 12
miles south of Ennis, County Clare.
GETTING THERE:
From Home At First’s cottages in
CENTRAL IRELAND,
drive from Killaloe south on the R463 through O’Briensbridge
and on to Ardnacrusha and the N18 west of Limerick city.
Take the N18 motorway west to the Bunratty exit. This trip
is easily combined with a visit to Quin for the final day of
the Quin Music Festival (see preceding item) and visits to
CRAGGAUNOWEN PRE-HISTORIC SITE,
KNAPPOGUE CASTLE,
as well as a stroll through charming central Ennis town. See
details in Home At First’s “Ireland Activity Guide”.
ADMISSION: Normal Bunratty Folk Park admission rates.
MORE INFO, see:
BUNRATTY HARVEST DAY |
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