Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens is far too big and heavy to be carried in hand bag of back pack – but it should most definitely be kept in the car for days out spent exploring Britain’s wonderful heritage sites and museums.
It is a fabulous book, stuffed with all the useful information you are likely to need – opening hours, prices, facilities – and beautifully illustrated.
Apart from the hundreds of listings there are also some fascinating articles. Baroness Young of Hornsey writes about the relationship between the slave trade and country houses whilst Alan Bennett explores Temple Newsam. TV presenter Jules Hudson went in search of events commemorating the outbreak of the First World War. Lawrence and Elizabeth Banks tell the story of their fabulous garden Hergest Croft in Hereforeshire. And want to know more about Highclere Castle – the house behind Downton Abbey- it is in the book! There are also some delicious looking Game recipes included amongst its 432 pages. Hudson’s appear to have thought of everything.
Worth every single penny of its £16.99 price.
Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens. ISBN: 978-0-85101-523-1. £16.99. www.hudsonsheritage.com