Basildon Park is a gorgeous stately home in Berkshire, which is owned by the National Trust. It was used a filming location for the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. Basildon Park was transformed into Netherfield House and one if its room was used in the film's ballroom scene. It was also recently used as a filming location for Dorian Gray, which is out at the moment.
Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire RG8 9NR
Telephone: 0118 984 3040
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-basildonpark.htm
Nearest station: Pangbourne
The best way I have found to enjoy UK Festivals in recent years has been as part of the Workers Beer Company. Charities and Trade Unions that support WBC are asked to provide volunteers to work the bar at various festivals around the UK. You donate your time for free and WBC pays your wages to the charity that you are volunteering for. In return, you get a separate camping area, vouchers for two meals a day (in your camping area) and vouchers for two drinks once you have finished your shift. A win-win situation if you ask me!
You don't get to see every band that plays, but the banter behind the bar is always good fun and you get to see more bands than you would working in your local. See if a charity you support is part of WBC and get invovled!
Avoid trying to stay clean and instead take wipes so you can avoid the showers.
Also She-pee is a must to avoid the awful hover over toilet seats for us ladies - you can buy them online. Brilliant invention.
Devana is the best Indian restaurant I have been to - it is reknowned in my family as the place to go for a mouth watering Peshwari naan!
80 Christchurch Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AZ
0118 987 1803
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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