Attractions in R19?

[Alex L]

I am organising a drive for the 997 register in our area June 18th and would like to combine it with a local attraction.

Any suggestions of places which would be good for a few hours visit?

I was thinking of maybe a National Trust perhaps near Henley, however I think something more car related would be better.

Cunning ideas?

Ta very much

 

[Melv]

Brooklands. Mercedes World. Both nr. Weybridge

Talk to Donna

 

[Alex L]

Thanks for the suggestions Mel - much appreciated - however these are both far too east for my driving routes which go out as far as Swindon and then back north of Reading.

 

[Melv]

45 mins from Reading max!!!!

 

[James_M]

Porsche HQ in Reading? Wouldn't be my first choice admittedly.

Brooklands worth the detour I'd've said. But how about these further west? I have to say I have no experience of either.

http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/html/index.htm

http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/

James

 

[RSGulp]

I was going to suggest The Science Museum's 'Big Object' Store at Wroughton near Swindon. It holds many of the engineering technology pieces which are too big or not on display at the London Science Museum... vehicles, aircraft, etc... Not a lot of people know about it either!!

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/about_us/about_the_museum/science_museum_at_wroughton.aspx

...but unfortunately due to redevelopment it's not open to the public at the moment. Maybe one for the future?

 

[RSGulp]

Shame your drive isn't June 5th - there's the VW Event at Stonor Park near Henley. Still, Stonor might be the NT type property you're looking for.

 

[craig2105]

How about Highclere Castle where they filmed Downton Abbey? Near Newbury apparently and you should be able to thread a route west of Reading that takes in the good roads pretty much all the way.

 

[Alex L]

Great suggestion thanks Craig - sadly they are not open to the public in June according to their website

 

[craig2105]

That's a shame!

OK, how about Stratfield Saye - home of the Duke of Wellington. South of M4 off A33. Never been yet myself, despite living nearby my whole life, but drove past recently and thought I must tick it off. Could be a good option for you. And it has a splendid farm shop.

 

[Alex L]

ORIGINAL: craig2105

That's a shame!

OK, how about Stratfield Saye - home of the Duke of Wellington. South of M4 off A33. Never been yet myself, despite living nearby my whole life, but drove past recently and thought I must tick it off. Could be a good option for you. And it has a splendid farm shop.

You're on a role Craig...

General Opening:
For 2011 opening times are as follows:
Thursday 21st "" Monday 25th April 2011 inclusive
Thursday 14th July "" Monday 8th August 2011 inclusive

ie. no June again

 

[craig2105]

Dammit!

Sorry I'm out of ideas... There appears to be nothing to do in Berkshire apart from visit ruins (Donnington Castle or Silchester Roman ruins). 'Spose you could do a drive-by of the home of the Hamiltons in Bucklebury but that's really clutching at straws...

 

[wibble]

[FONT=Arial"]Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum, Aldershot Military Museum, refreshments at The Aviator (very nice contemporary hotel). You could probably do in one hit! Or nearer home Arborfield REME Museum.

 

[Dodgy Geezer]

Hello Alex,

I am sucker for watermills, and just north of Reading is the Mapledurham watermill on the Thames.
They filmed some scenes of the film The Eagle Has Landed here.
If the sun is shining it is an excellent location with lots of parking and plenty of room for picknicking and you can visit the mill and pick up some flour, you can also visit the chuch and village where again they did some filming.
There is a quiet winding road down to the mill if somewhat narrow at times.
Worth a visit.
Nearby, there is Basildon Park (NT), and Goring is a nice village on the Thames.

Hope this helps

 

[graham.webb]

Another for Basildon Park....used in the filming of Pride & Prejudice. It's National Trust, so there's probably a good tea shop! And of course OPC Reading not far away at the heale M4 junction.