Welcome to Cotswold Essence magazine.
WITH recession still in full swing and many people planning to spend their holidays this summer at home, this summer issue of Essence is packed with ideas on interesting ways to relax in the Cotswolds.
If you have never been to Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury, the former nuns’ residence right in the centre of the medieval market town, this year could be the ideal time to pay it a visit. Having started more or less from scratch with a wilderness of several acres surrounding the house, eccentric owners Ian and Barbara Pollard have spent more than 20 years pouring their hearts and souls and considerable flair and expertise into creating a fabulous backdrop to their lovely home.
The formal gardens are now fully mature and bursting with colour in the summer, while the woodlands are an inspiration to anyone wanting ideas for a shaded area of their own garden.
Be aware, however, that the naturist owners, now know universally as the Naked Gardeners, are frequently to be seen, wearing little more than a gardeners’ tool belt.
Another reasonably recent horticultural venture is Snowshill Lavender, acre upon acre of a wide variety of this gorgeous aromatic herb – well worth a visit
to the north of the Cotswolds for a gentle wander through the lavender fields or to pick up some home-grown, superbly-scented bath products.
If horticulture is not to your taste, how about a relaxing day out at Cirencester Park Polo Club to brush up on some of the finer points of polo, or hockey-on horseback to the uninitiated? We have a great reader offer for one of the world’s greatest polo events, the Warwickshire Cup in August.
Take a picnic and your family for just £10 per car and see some of the finest players in the sport today in action.
Whatever your fancy, you are sure to find something to tickle it in this issue of Cotswold Essence, and good luck in our competitions.
