What are Muntjac Deer? Muntjac deer, also known as Mastreani deer and barking deer, (given their repeated loud bark) are exotic looking deer, that can grow up to 52cm at the shoulder and weigh up to 16kg. You can often hear the male buck deer giving a loud bark, the females and kids however, tend to let out squeaks. When … Read More
The importance of an observatory at Grim’s Dyke
W.S. Gilbert bought Grim’s Dyke in August 1890 and, by May 1910, he’d had an observatory built at Grim’s Dyke, complete with the latest telescope. Like many affluent Victorians of that time, he wanted to indulge in his latest passion for star gazing. However, the Victorian’s passion for astronomy also played an important part in the progression of this area … Read More
Honouring the natural seasons at Grim’s Dyke
Here at Grim’s Dyke we like to honour the traditional seasons. No, I’m not talking about the seasonal changes in the weather – but that of the humble but oh so important fruit and vegetable seasons! As any keen gardener will know, vegetables that are grown in your garden plots will have specific seasons. Traditionally, this inevitably led to a … Read More
How to get the most out of a Whisky or Wine festival
Going to your first whisky or wine festival can be a delightful experience, if you know what to expect and are organised. Initially, you’ll want to check the obvious things, such as knowing what time the tasting session are, what your ticket does and doesn’t cover etc. When it comes to enjoying the festival itself, you’ll want to know the … Read More
Harrow Wine Festival
Further to the success of our popular wine tasting evenings and the annual Harrow Whisky festival, the Grim’s Dyke Hotel is delighted to be bringing you our first full wine festival – the Harrow Wine Festival. We’re looking to provide you with a wide range of vineyards – both covering the world perspective and the main English/Welsh wine regions. UK … Read More
Wedding Trends for 2017
Wedding at The Grim’s Dyke: Photo Credit Neil Sampson Photography The Grim’s Dyke hotel is the number one wedding location for the bride who wants the best on her wedding day. We have both the fairy tale location and the beautiful grounds – all of which can be hired out, exclusively for your big day. But planning a wedding involves … Read More
How much was W.S. Gilbert financially worth?
W.S. Gilbert was obviously a man of some considerable wealth. He also illustrated his financial prowess, looking to invest his money into property – ensuring he could leave a lasting legacy for both Lady Gilbert and Nancy McIntosh after his death. It was during, what was considered to be the peak years of the Gilbert & Sullivan collaboration, that W.S. … Read More
Nancy McIntosh: W.S. Gilbert’s unofficially adopted daughter
Sir William and Lady Lucy Gilbert never had children of their own however they took a shine to Sir William’s latest (and last) protégée, Nancy McIntosh. Nancy became their unofficially adopted daughter, living with them at Grim’s Dyke until Lady Gilbert’s death in 1936. Nancy McIntosh was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1866. Her career as a concert singer began with … Read More
Great sporting moments of The British Masters
Originally founded in 1946 and entitled ‘The Dunlop Masters’, The British Masters will be coming to The Grove in Hertfordshire, this year. As we, at the Grim’s Dyke Hotel, are only a short distance away (under ten miles away), we thought we’d celebrate some of the great sporting moments it has seen so far. Great sporting moments of The British Masters The original great … Read More
The British Masters: Great sporting doubles
The British Masters has a history going back 70 years. Originally the Dunlop-Metropolitan Tournament, which then continued as The Dunlop Masters, The British Masters is a prestigious and professional golfing tournament that has had many sponsors – from the original Dunlop, right through to present day Sky Sports. For 2016 The Masters is returning to The Grove in Hertfordshire. It’s the … Read More