This is an outing by coach to Kew Gardens and includes entry to the outstanding Henry Moore exhibition, Monumental Nature. 30 works by Moore will be on display across the botanic gardens. 

The cost is £45 per person.

A group discount has been arranged for members, and it may also be possible for individuals to arrange an architecture tour in the morning, at an additional cost of £18.

Members will make their own way to the Barbican.

Our visit to Northampton will include the Shoe Museum, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate, and Delapre Abbey. 

The Shoe Museum has been refurbished in the last few years, and contains fascinating and exotic examples of footwear, with interactive displays giving extra details for those who want more. While it is part of Northampton Museum, which itself has interesting exhibits and art exhibitions, on this occasion we will not have time to visit the rest of the museum.

The house at 78 Derngate, although small, is the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The guided tour will give us all the background information we need, and there will be time for the café and shop.

We then go on to Delapre Abbey nearby, where after a light lunch, we will have a guided tour, giving the history of the Abbey and its restoration. There will be opportunity to spend some time in the grounds, and perhaps even to enjoy the games in the “Battles” room.  

Our first outing of 2026 is to Tate Britain to see the exhibition, Turner & Constable: Rivals and Originals.  The visit will include a lecture beforehand.  As this is in central London those wishing to attend must make their own way to the Tate. 

The price is £41 which includes the lecture and exhibition entrance.  This is reduced to £30 for Art Fund members and to £18 for those with Tate membership.  For booking contact our Visits Co-ordinator.

Kenwood House, Hampstead to see the John Singer Sargent exhibition of American Heroines, as well as the permanent collection which includes works by Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Van Dyck and Vermeer. There will also be opportunities to explore the grounds.

Compton Verney houses special galleries on art from Naples, Northern Europe, Chinese bronzes, Folk Art and Portraits and Miniatures. There is a sculpture trail in the garden featuring Louise Bourgeois and an exhibition by Emma Talbot.

A behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Opera House, prior to our lecture on Game Changers of 19th Century Opera.

As well as the cathedral there will also be a guided Jane Austen Tour to coincide with the 250th anniversary of her birth and free time in the afternoon to explore Winchester.

Art-filled Jacobean-style house, historic buildings and watermill in 98 acres of landscaped grounds filled with statuary. Our visit Includes a brief introduction to the day and the opportunity to explore the house and its treasures and possible garden tour.

There was an outstanding talk prior to the exhibition ‘Drawing the Renaissance’ including drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael and Titian, followed by admission to the exhibition, supported by a very informative multi-media guide.

4, 25 & 27 February 2025

The Tring Tiles date from the 14th century and some are currently on loan from the V&A museum. Our visit included an informal presentation about the history of the tiles followed by the opportunity to browse the display and explore the rest of the museum.

In September we will be going to Petworth House. This is a late 17th century Grade I listed country house with one of the finest National Trust art collections, including works by Van Dyck, Turner and Gainsborough, and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons. There is a ‘Capability’ Brown designed garden.

Our next visit in July 2024 will be to Windsor Castle. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs. We will be able to visit the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, and see Queen Mary’s Doll’s House on its 100th anniversary. We may even see the Changing of the Guard.

This double moated 13th century castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, full of tapestries, fine furniture, antiques and an outstanding collection of Tudor portraits. The Book of Hours Room contains two prayer books which belonged to Anne Boleyn and have her inscription and signature.

The Horniman Museum, named Museum of the Year in 2022, includes amongst other things galleries of musical instruments and worldwide culture.

The Dulwich Picture Gallery, designed by Sir John Soane, is renowned for its collection of Baroque masterpieces and is considered to be the oldest and first public art gallery in London.
Berthe Morisot defied social norms to become one of the Impressionist movement’s most influential figures, and the exhibition will show 30 of her works.

Leighton House was the home of a leading Victorian artist, Frederic, Lord Leighton, and the centre of the Holland Park Artists’ Circle and has recently reopened to wide acclaim.