Tag: Outings

Hat Museum and Exhibition

After a leisurely start, we arrive at the PlazaComplex in Stockport for a light lunch of soup, sandwiches and a hot drink. Afterwards, we walk the short distance to the building housing the UK’s only site dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear. We will have a guided tour of the hat making process and time to enjoy the exhibition of headwear through the generations.
Before our return, refreshments should be available at the museum cafe. There are no access issues. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when booking.

The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring Magazine for details. The cost to include travel, lunch, guided tour and gratuities.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or to join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.

Lytham Hall at Christmas

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Wightwick Manor and Gardens

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Wightwick Manor dates back to 1887 and is a notable example of the influence of William Morris. There are many original wallpapers and fabrics and also of interest is the pre Raphaelite art.
The Victorian/Edwardian garden designed by Thomas Mawson has colour throughout the season.

There will be a comfort stop at Knutsford Services en route. We expect to arrive at Wightwick Manor at around noon. There are no general access issues and a buggy will be available at the drop off point.
We will be received and given an introduction to the Manor. Then at leisure we are free to explore this very interesting property. Knowledgeable stewards will be available in most of the rooms.

There is a cafe open front 12 noon where you can purchase hot and cold refreshments for lunch. Or why not take a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens.

Please remember to bring your NT membership card on the day.

The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. Please see SoFA Spring magazine for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events please fill in Contact Form.

Sizergh Castle and Barton Grange Garden Centre

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After a stop at Barton Grange Garden Centre where refreshments may be purchased, we will travel on to beautiful Sizergh Castle, with its rich estates and gardens. The Strickland family has lived at Sizergh for more than 750 years, and it remains their home today.

There is a cafe and shop located in the visitor services building which is located in the car park. Dining can also be found at The Strickland Arms which overlooks the entrance to the historic castle. This is a traditional pub serving hearty , locally sourced dishes. Alternatively you may wish to bring a packed lunch to allow more time in the house and gardens.

Please remember to bring your NT membership card on the day

The coach will pick up at Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Southport and Churchtown. Please see SoFA Spring Magazine for details.

The cost to include travel and gratuities.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events please fill in Contact Form.

Chirk Castle with coffee stop at Rossett Hall Hotel

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Chirk Castle was built by command of Edward 1 to subdue the last Princes of Wales. It was completed in 1310 and the first occupier was Roger Mortimer. Over the next 200 years a succession of noblemen owned the Castle until it was bought by Sir Thomas Myddelton in 1595. The Castle stayed in his family for over 400 years. Further details of the Castle’s long history can be found on the National Trust Website.

There is a large garden and the wider estate to explore. A cafe serves hot food and snacks. Should you wish to bring a packed lunch garden benches are available in the grounds. A voucher for 10% reduction will be available to spend in the gift shop on purchases of £10 or more.

ACCESS – From the ticket office to the Castle is 200 yards up a steep incline. A minibus may be available for transfers. The Castle has two floors plus the Adam’s Tower which are all accessed by stairs. A tramper and wheelchair are available to rent but will need pre- booking.

The coach pick up will be at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. Please see SoFA Spring Magazine for details.

The cost to include travel, coffee at Rossett Hall and gratuities.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.

Visit to Speke Hall on 19th September

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This outing gave all participants a leisurely start to their day, arriving at Speke Hall for midday. On arrival we were given a warm welcome by staff and the buggy was provided for those wishing to take advantage. Lunch was included and many members chose the scouse for which the Speke Hall café is famous.

With the sun shining all day, it was a pleasure to stroll round the gardens and inspect the many varieties of herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden.

The Hall opened at 12.30 so there was plenty of time to explore and refresh our memories about this local property. The room guides have a wide knowledge of the hall and its occupants over the last 400 years and many members commented on their friendliness. We saw how the blinds we funded protect the furnishings from the sun’s rays.

We were also able to visit a special exhibition from The Hardmans’ Photographic Collection. The pre-loved bookshop is a ‘must’ to visit, professionally set out and welcoming. Leaving at 4pm and driven safely by Pat we all had a good day out.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.

Article written by Carol Hitchmough, with thanks.

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