MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY The South West Heritage Trust is now offering celebrant-led weddings in the stunning Saxon Longhall at Avalon Archaeology and the 14th-century Abbey Barn at Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury. If you’re considering a celebrant-led celebration that’s unique to you, having taken care of the legal bit beforehand, then one of these impressive structures, steeped in history could be for you. The Saxon Longhall is a lovingly crafted recreation of Somerset’s heritage in the heart of the Avalon Marshes. You can say “I do” at the high table with guests gathered around an open fire, surrounded by hand-crafted furniture and authentic art. It’s a wonderful, memorable space for intimate nuptials. The Abbey Barn on the other hand offers a grand space, packed with rustic charm that can accommodate larger wedding parties. Once part of the Glastonbury Abbey estate, the Abbey Barn is one of the West Country’s finest buildings. Museums operations manager Susie Simmons says, “Our authentic historical venues offer atmospheric settings for celebrant-led weddings and hand-fasting ceremonies; and because celebrant-led weddings aren’t legal ceremonies, they can accommodate a variety of cultures and traditions, tailored to reflect the couple’s values and beliefs.” Bookings are being taken for summer 2025 onwards. Find out more at https://swheritage.org.uk LOVE IS IN THE AIR Five-star, two Michelin-Key The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath has partnered with new local perfumery Parterre to launch overnight sensory escapes and private masterclasses throughout the year. Focusing on botanical scents and using the highest quality oils, Parterre creates fragrances that evoke the countryside and nature at its best, and hotel guests can now cultivate their very own personal perfume as a memento of their time in Bath. Between 6th May and 23rd December, you’ll will be able to book a private perfume masterclass with Parterre, tailored to your own preferences and knowledge level. Designed to be entertaining, fun and informal, the masterclasses can be added on to any stay and will take place in Parterre’s perfumery just steps from the Hotel. You’ll learn about the skilled art of perfumery, the olfactory families, natural ingredients, and the way in which different notes work together to form a balanced and deliciously smelling composition. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have your own creation and personal scent, with a 50ml bottle to take away with you. A Private Perfume Masterclass with Parterre costs £320 for two guests for a two-and-a-half-hour workshop and 50 ml fragrance bottle. For those looking for a more extensive experience, the new Fragrant Escape in partnership with Parterre combines a luxurious overnight stay with the private masterclass. Kicking off your sensory journey, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing botanical cocktail, followed by a four-course dinner in Montagu’s Mews. The next day, you’ll head over to Parterre for an exclusive visit and masterclass, and can choose to finish your stay with a visit to the Spa & Bath House and a GROUND ritual spa treatment, to complete the sensory journey. A Fragrant Escape costs from £1,230 for two people, including overnight stay on a B&B basis, private masterclass and 50 ml fragrance bottle, four-course dinner, and unlimited use of the Spa & Bath House. To book, head over to visit https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk 7 LOCAL NEWS SUMMER SUN Following the success of the Golden Hour late-opening events debuted last summer at Hidcote, the Grade I listed National Trust garden is to host three this year, each with a different theme. This series of after-hours events offers visitors the opportunity to explore the garden in the magical light of early evening, known as the Golden Hour. Wander through Hidcote’s borders and blooms, hand in hand, as the sun sets, enjoying the romantic atmosphere created by the golden light. Each event will feature street food, a fully stocked bar and a variety of activities. Following the first successful evening in May, the next will be 21st June, 6pm-9pm, a Summer Solstice Celebration. Mark the longest day of the year with a magical evening of classical music, a poetry trail, tai chi sessions and the chance to visit Hidcote’s embroidery exhibition. Relax on the great lawn with a book, play boules or try your hand at some painting with easels and supplies provided. On 19th July, also 6pm-9pm, kick off the summer holidays with a fun-packed evening. Explore the garden, enjoy ice cream and tasty treats from food trucks and participate in flamingo-themed games and activities. There’ll be circus skills activities on the lawn as well as complimentary face painting and family crafts. Booking is now open, and tickets are priced at £22 per adult, £11 per child or £55 for a family of two adults and up to three children. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote © Nick Daly
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