Here are this year’s events – those at the top are organised by the Folly Fellowship, and those in the second block are events by other organizations that may be of interest. Some hints on ordering mutliple tickets are given here.
The walk will explore the diverse landscape of one of the largest estates in Cambridgeshire and will take in the Chinese Bridge, Wimpole lakes and the recently restored Gothic Folly as well as woodland belts designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. This should be a relatively easy walk covering approximately 3 miles with about 90 mins walking. The Wimpole estate is dog friendly.
Donald Insall Associates have worked on the restoration of the Gothic Folly and the architect who worked on the restoration will give a brief talk about the work carried out. The restoration received a Civic Trust Commendation in 2015, a Georgian Group Award and Europa Nostra Grand Prix Laureate Awards in 2016. Some Donald Insall Associates employees may also join us on the walk. Wimpole Hall and Gardens will also be open on the day. There are three locations to eat at Wimpole and the walk will be timed to allow you to enjoy tea and cake before we go home (cost not included in entrance fee).
Wimpole Hall Estate is run by the National Trust and you will need to pay the National Trust entry charge to the Estate yourself on entry – this is between £12.50 and £18.95 depending upon whether you would like to go into the Hall or Gardens only and if you wish to pay Gift Aid or not.
For more details please contact: Peter Cooke
The Folly Fellowship is planning its first-ever trip to Northern Ireland, a land replete with fine follies. The trip, conducted by minibus, will focus on County Down where we will visit a quaint sea-side resort, four magnificent estates, a lonely tower cared for by the Irish Landmark Trust, a curious mock fort, and some restored mausolea. The highlights include:
Day one:
The Moorish Tower, Castlewellan
Tollymore including Lord Limerick’s Follies, Barbican Gate, Bryansford Gate, Horn Bridge, Ivy Bridge
Bathing House and Eye of Ardglass gazebo, Ardglass
Knockbreda Cemetery Mausolea with tour led by Primrose Wilson,Chair of the Follies Trust,followed by buffet supper in her Belfast flat
Day two:
Helen’s Tower, Clandeboye Estate
Temple of the Winds and Tir na’n Nog mausoleum, Mount Stewart
Temple and Eyecatcher, Castle Ward
All spaces on the minibus have now been taken. If you would still like to attend, please contact the organiser Jonathan Holt at jonathanholt3@gmail.com to discuss the alternative – CAR SHARING, which means either driving or being driven in car, either your own or hired, and following the minibus on the tour. This option is available to only TWELVE people and costs £30 for members or £35 for non-members.
Bull’s Tower, Belchamp Walter Eyecatcher, Middleton arch and a secret Sudbury garden, all on the Essex/Suffolk border. Starting at Bull’s tower Pentlow nr Long Melford, which we hope to clinb, followed by narrow lanes to other follies with lunch at a community pub. Then a tumulus, stone circles, lakes and more, ending up with acream teas with a dragon! Some walking but not too strenuous. Numbers limited to 25. Details: Patrick Todd
A tour in and around Edinburgh looking at the point where art and follies meet. Can art in the landscape ever be a folly? On the Saturday we will see traditional follies in the centre of Edinburgh and then visit a sculpture garden on the outskirts of the city where there are modern follies amongst the landscape art. On Sunday we will visit a ‘poet’s garden’ about one hour by road from Edinburgh – an intriguing and thought provoking garden that is neither a folly or a sculpture garden.
Saturday – in the morning there will be some street walking and you will need to be able to climb Carlton Hill. In the afternoon the sculpture garden is easily accessible. On Sunday there is a walk of about 700 metres from the car park to the garden, although disabled access can be arranged. Both gardens are relatively flat and easy walking.
Transport – for those without cars this can be arranged, either car share or a minibus depending on numbers. There would be an extra charge for a minibus – this will depend on the numbers travelling but is likely to be £25 – £35 for the weekend.
Further details and booking: Peter Godfrey pfgodfrey@gmail.com; 0117 9087375
Talks and events by organizations other than the Folly Fellowship
More chances to see inside Alexander Pope’s intriguing and unique underground grotto. Open on 16th March; 18th May; 8th, 15th and 22nd June all at 10.30am to 12.30pm