Country Life rounds up the best things to see, do and book this weekend: visit an outdoor sculpture exhibition in Wiltshire, go horseracing at Cheltenham or book a seafood masterclass in Yorkshire.
Exhibitions
Until February 8 ‘Frozen world’, Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. Striking sculpture in the snowdrop-strewn grounds of the medieval abbey (01249 730459; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock)
Until March 29 ‘Lines in the Ice: Seeking the Northwest Passage’, The British Library, 96, Euston Road, London NW1. Examining the drama, beauty and historical importance of the Arctic through maps, written accounts, photography and more (above right) (01937 546546; www.bl.uk)
Jump racing
January 24 Festival Trials Day, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Gates open 10.30am, first race 12.40pm. Followed by a Brightwells Bloodstock sale. Advance tickets from £12 (0844 5579 3003; www.cheltenham.co.uk)
Point-to-point
January 25 Heythrop at Cocklebarrow, Gloucestershire, plus Jedforest at Friars Haugh, Borders,
Tiverton at Chipley Park, Somerset, and Waveney Harriers at Higham, Suffolk. Check for weather conditions on Talking Point 09068 446061 or at www.pointtopoint.co.uk
Book now
March 12 Yorkshire seafood masterclass, Malton Cookery School, Malton, North Yorkshire. Master core seafood- cookery skills such as descaling and filleting, plus classic dishes, sauces and techniques. £135 (01653 639096; www.maltoncookeryschool.co.uk)
March 16 Vices and Virtues: the capitals of the Ducal Palace, Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, London W1. Sarah Quill, trustee of the Venice in Peril Fund and author of Ruskin’s
Venice: The Stone Revisited gives an illustrated talk on the palace’s extraordinary medieval sculptures. 6.30pm for 7pm, tickets £18 (020– 7736 6891; www.veniceinperil.org)
April 23 An Evening with Gill Meller: The Whole Hog, River Cottage HQ, Axminster, Devon. A cookery demon- stration from the author of the soon-to-be-published Pigs & Pork: River Cottage Handbook No. 14, followed by dinner. 6.30pm–11pm, £75 (01297 630300; www.rivercottage.net)