Rob Yandell joins GLT readers for a Reader Club trip to the American Museum & Gardens, tucked away just outside Bath, and discovers a compelling and surprising group destination.
Set amid trees and rolling countryside, the American Museum & Gardens feels like an unexpected discovery. Perhaps that’s because I think of America as big, brash and keen to be noticed. Yet I had driven past signs for it before and often wondered what it would be like - something staff told me they hear regularly.
That is one reason it is keen to promote itself to groups – the other because its offer is compelling. Some are already noticing: it was shortlisted for Best Museum or Gallery in this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Awards – no small feat. This Reader Club trip gave a group of readers and myself the chance to sample it, and the location made an instant impression as I approached the Grade I-listed manor.
Showcasing decorative arts on a historic site
The estate at Claverton was mentioned in the Domesday Book and there has been a manor house there since the 14th century. The most recent house was built in the 19th century and its colourful history stretches back to before it was bought for £10,000 in 1958 by two Americans with a bold ambition to showcase American arts and crafts to the British public. Founders Dallas Pratt and John Judkyn did this through recreated period rooms and detailed galleries. The museum opened in 1961 to great acclaim and is full of furniture and decorative arts bought in the USA, shipped to Britain and reassembled.
Pop-up tours change daily and cover subjects such as the Salem Witch Trials or Alexander Hamilton. Alongside the house and gardens, there are one or two exhibitions each year. The next opens this July until January next year and focuses on the art of moving sculpture.
I joined readers on a general tour of the house and our guide, Jill, originally from Washington, D.C., expertly explained the rooms, periods, themes and contents. There are also explainers in each room to answer questions. Groups can opt for specific tours, such as textiles and folk art. The museum is actually quite well-known for its quilts and Jill surprised us when she said quilting had overtaken golf as a pastime in America. Quite a fact.
“I thought it was a very good tour, and it’s definitely a place I would consider taking a group. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it’s been a very enjoyable day and I think it’s something that a lot of people would like and has got something for everyone.”
Janis Stein, Bridge Computing
The house was built in 1820 and is neoclassical in style. Spaces can be small, so tours are split into groups of 12, with up to three staggered tours at any one time. A party must be a minimum size of five to be considered a group.
We started with the Lee Room, a living and dining room from a New Hampshire farmhouse more than 250 years old. We then moved to the contrasting Deming Parlor, an elegant room from Connecticut, and the Shaker room, where we learnt about this religious community and how its design style still influences us today.
Like any fam trip, it was whistle-stop, and I would like to return to spend more time in the American Heritage galleries on the lower level, where you can see influences from Britain, Germany and Spain. Don’t miss Conkey’s Tavern, one of my favourite spaces, originally from Pennsylvania and with an amazing stone fireplace.
After a tour, you can stop by a small shop which sells plants and herbs, or the Gallery Shop for books, collectibles and gifts. There is also a woodland walk, and you should make time for the American Garden Deli. Groups can arrange dedicated spaces and organise breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in advance. Our lunch was tasty and hearty and the views of Limpley Stoke Valley are the perfect accompaniment to whatever is on the menu.
“The day’s been very good, we’ve been well looked after and saw all aspects of the house and gardens. They have answered all the questions that we needed to ask in order to bring our group next year. I’ve enjoyed it and would recommend it.”
Anita Gardner, U3a Basingstoke & Old Basing
Make time for the gardens
A manor house tour in the morning, followed by lunch and then the gardens (or the other way around) feels like an obvious choice. The gardens were expanded in 2018 and guided tours are available. It’s a place where you can see American gardens and landscapes, from Prairie plants to the yellow rose of Texas (made famous by the song, I was told).
There is an intriguing row of sculptures, including works of key people connected to the estate such as Winston Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt. If you have time, explore the arboretum and natural springs, although not everyone would find access easy.
The Mount Vernon Garden is a smaller replica of George Washington’s home in Virginia and boasts an impressive fleur-de-lis made out of 2,500 box plants. But our late-May visit meant we were there mid-season, so some colour and flowers weren’t available, and the afternoon weather wasn’t kind - but we still enjoyed it.
Readers came away realising the American Museum & Gardens makes for a fantastic full-day visit and, with so much else to see nearby, not least Bath, there is plenty to attract groups.
Group benefits
For those with ten or more people in a group you can get discounts on tickets with the GTO and coach driver free, plus there is free coach parking and the drop off is right outside the manor house. Meet and greets on arrival can be arranged and bespoke tour options are also available.
If you are interested in organising a group visit to the American Museum & Gardens you can get in touch the team by calling 01225 460503, email groups@americanmuseum.org or visit www.americanmuseum.org.
