Bits and pieces, news, views, reviews and stuff
I really liked this homage to Pinewood Studios.
Lights! Camera! Action! Cue our star of the big screen, Gromit, paying tribute to the pinnacle of British filmmaking, Pinewood Studios. With a pose worthy of the silver screen, this pup is ready to steal the show on any red carpet.
Like a glitter ball.
Get your boogie-fever on, Bristol! Inspired by dazzling disco movies and expertly transformed into a glitzy glitter ball, you’ll feel the beat when this Gromit hits the dance floor.
Love the retro art decor look of this one.
With his roaring 20s art deco style, this glamorous Gromit would make a lavish conversation piece at any one of Gatsby’s glittering parties in West Egg. Gatsby brings a touch of jazz-age elegance and mischief to Bristol.
You could argue that I’ve done this one already, when I posted about the Bristol Balloon Fiesta which takes place at Ashton Court. Yes and no, that was visiting the balloons, this was about having a walk and looking at the mansion house.
A bit of a hike to get to, up in Henleaze this one.
Hold onto your cowbells; the hills have arrived in Bristol! This Alpine-inspired blockbuster of a pooch is covered with a beautiful vista, stunning star-shaped blooms and an Edelweiss flower on his nose.
Hiding on North Street on Bedminster (well in plain sight) is Scone With The Wind.
An homage to ‘Gone with the Wind’, this Gromit is a sweet celebration of the Great British picnic! Complete with scones, cream, jam and cakes, join Scone with the Wind for a bite to eat. Frankly, my dear, do we give a jam?
KAPOW! Meet Nemesis, an evil genius inspired by comic book villains. Imagine the trouble this costumed foe could cause with a diamond to steal and a smart gnome to defeat to complete his dastardly plan.
After enjoying my National Trust membership in 2023, I decided I would rejoin the Trust for 2025.
I have been to Clevedon Court a number of times over the years. It’s only open for six months of the year and only a few times a week. I made a visit there in April of this year.
Clevedon Court
Medieval manor house and 18th-century terraced garden with wide views of the Mendip Hills. Clevedon Court is an outstanding 14th-century manor house. Purchased by Abraham Elton in 1709, this remarkable survivor from the medieval period has been the ancestral home of the Elton family ever since.
Current saving £205.90
One adult £12.00
Parking – Free
Total saving £12.00
Cumulative saving £309.10
Membership cost £91.20
Net cumulative saving £217.90
One interesting aspect of the house was that the Victorian facade which was added in the 1880s was removed in the early 1950s by the National Trust. When the National Trust agreed to take on the house, the Victorian west wing (but not its Elizabethan south front) were demolished as were a plethora of minor 18th- and 19th-century buildings at the rear.
While much of the house is now open to the public, some parts remain private. This is because the Elton family still uses the house, and they continue to stay there.
The gardens are also a highlight and are well worth exploring.
This year I have planned to visit fifty places, however I have already visited Clevedon Court as part of that series of blog posts.
Hiding in plain sight in the cafe courtyard at Ashton Court is Super Ply Guy.
This one-of-a-kind sculpture, designed by Merlin Crossingham, the director of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. This tree-mendous Feathers McGraw is ready to branch into action at a moment’s notice!
After enjoying my National Trust membership in 2023, I decided I would rejoin the Trust for 2025.
I visited Tyntesfield back in February so decided it was time to visit it again on a lovely sunny day in August.
As Tyntesfield is one of the closest National Trust properties to me (and is open nearly all year round) I have been a fair few times to this lovely house and gardens.
Tyntesfield
An ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive garden and parkland, just a stone’s throw from Bristol
Current saving £180.90
One adult £20.00
Parking £5.00
Total saving £25.00
Cumulative saving £297.10
Membership cost £91.20
Net cumulative saving £205.90
Tyntesfield is a spectacular Gothic Revival mansion in Wraxall, North Somerset, built in the late 19th century for the wealthy Gibbs family. This architectural gem showcases a blend of Gothic Revival, Jacobean, and Victorian styles, all set within expansive, beautifully maintained grounds. Now a popular tourist spot owned by the National Trust, Tyntesfield invites visitors to step back in time, explore its stunning interiors and gardens, and uncover the rich history of the family who once lived there.
Having parked in the car park (free for National Trust members) I walked through the National Trust entrance and headed to the house though the grounds. I went the back way to the house, in the main so I could walk in the shade.
I had a great time exploring and walking around the house. The drawing room was closed for cleaning. All the carpets and rugs were up, and all the furniture had been taken out.
When the National Trust took over Tyntesfield, they faced a major challenge: an enormous collection of items. The agreement was that nothing could be added to or removed from the house. This was complicated by the fact that the Gibbs family were avid hoarders, keeping everything—even broken items that had been replaced.
I walked back to the car park through the gardens. I think if it had been cooler, I might have gone for a longer walk in the grounds.
This year I have planned to visit fifty places, however I have already visited Tyntesfield as part of that series of blog posts. I am planning to visit again at least once more at Christmas time, though I also want to go for a longer walk in the ground on day which is not as hot as this one was.