Travelsleuth's Diary: September Sporting Fixtures
TICKETS: Tickets are on sale from May 1. Apply for advance tickets by mid-August to the Box Office, Burghley Horse Trials, Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4BX; tel: 01933 304744; fax: 01933 270300. For ticket information, call: 01780 7668681. You may buy daily tick- ets, four-day season tickets, and badges for the Grandstand and Membership Enclosure (membership costs around £90). On some days you may be able to buy day tickets at the gate.
DRESS:Smart country outfits; tweeds and Barbours
ACCOMMODATION: The 1,000-year-old George Hotel (71 St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LB; tel: 01780 750750; fax: 01780 750701) is the Travelsleuth's first choice. A historydating back to Saxon King Edred (946-955), comfortable olde-worlde ambiance, and mouthwatering cuisine backed by finely chosen wines have brought this ancient coaching inn fame over the centuries. Charles I stayed in 1641 and 1645, William III in 1696, and the Duke of Cumberland in 1745. The 18th-century novelist Sir Walter Scott was a regular. Dine in the oak-panelled London Room or outside in the picturesque cobbled courtyard . Sink a pint or two of real ale in the old York Bar. Your stay at this ancient hostelry will be memorable. For other local options, contact the Tourist Information Centre, 27 St Mary's Street Stamford, Lincolnshire PE7 2DL; tel/fax: 01780 755611.
Blemheim Horse Trials
DATE: 5-8 September, 2002.
VENUE: Blemheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon, OX20 1PS.
DESCRIPTION: Another in the season's series of British horse trials, this has the benefit of being held in the splendid grounds of the Duke of Marlborough's Blenheim Palace. Enjoy the sporting action - the usual combination of dressage, showjumping and cross-coutry- and also the atmosphere among the county's top families.
FURTHER INFORMATION & TICKETS: You will need a ticket to watch the dressage and showjumping. Contact M Ethington Smith at the Horse Trials Office, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon, OX20 1PS. Tel: 01993 813335 or Box Office 01993 813255; Fax: 01993 813337.
If you are not familiar with this magnificent 18th century palace built as a national thank you to the Duke of Marlborough for defeating the French, I recommend a visit. Entry includes an exhibition devoted to Sir Winston Churchill who was born and lived his early life here, access to the park and palace gardens, and rides on the estate's own train. Adult admission is around £10. To book tickets, tel: 01993 811091; fax: 01993 813527.
GETTING THERE: Blenheim Palace is on the A44 Evesham Road just outside Woodstock, at the start
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