Win! Two tickets to a glamorous Marilyn Monroe afternoon at Hartwell House – worth £138

Zoe Gater

Competition

Fancy champagne, afternoon tea and a little old-Hollywood glamour? Win two tickets to an exclusive Marilyn Monroe event at Hartwell House.


Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but we reckon champagne, afternoon tea and Marilyn Monroe make a pretty sparkling trio too.

On Friday, 27th November, magnificent Hartwell House will host an exclusive afternoon with acclaimed biographer and journalist Andrew Wilson, celebrating his latest book, I Wanna Be Loved By You – Marilyn Monroe: A Life in 100 Takes. And we have two tickets to give away.

The afternoon begins at 2pm with a welcome glass of champagne, followed by traditional afternoon tea in Hartwell House’s elegant public rooms. Guests will then hear Andrew in conversation with arts journalist Liz Hoggard, before having the chance to put their own questions to him during a live Q&A.

Andrew’s book looks beyond the platinum curls and dazzling smile to explore the woman behind the legend. Through 100 carefully chosen snapshots, he traces the life of Norma Jeane Mortenson, from a turbulent childhood and extraordinary rise to fame to her marriages, friendships, artistic ambitions and the unanswered questions surrounding her tragic death.

Drawing on previously unpublished material, Wilson explores the ambitious, intelligent and vulnerable woman behind one of the world’s most enduring images.

The author has previously written acclaimed biographies of Patricia Highsmith, Sylvia Plath and Alexander McQueen. His debut, Beautiful Shadow: A Life of Patricia Highsmith, was shortlisted for the Whitbread Biography Prize and won both the Edgar Allan Poe Award and Lambda Literary Award.

After the conversation and Q&A, guests can browse copies of the book and have them signed by Andrew.

With Hartwell House’s grand interiors and 94 acres of historic National Trust gardens providing the backdrop, it promises to be a rather fabulous November afternoon.

To book tickets, visit hartwell-house.com or call 01296 747444.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

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Win! Bright Star books

Zoe Gater

Competition

Spark young imaginations with a brilliant three-book collection that brings history to life through the objects that witnessed it.


Looking for a Christmas gift that does more than flash, beep or demand a fresh set of batteries? We’ve teamed up with The Bright Star Bazaar to give one lucky reader the chance to win its fabulous three-book gift collection, worth £34.99.

Created for children aged five to 10 years, The Bright Star Bazaar offers a wonderfully different way into history. Instead of biographies and timelines, extraordinary stories are told through the objects that were there, turning the past into an adventure.

And what charming storytellers they are. The books give these remarkable historical objects their own personalities and voices, making them feel like characters children can get to know and root for. There’s something particularly magical about seeing history through the eyes of an object that was actually there, whether it’s Houdini’s trusty handcuffs, Agatha Christie’s faithful typewriter or Newton’s famous apple.

The collection includes The Magical Manacles, which explores the astonishing life of Harry Houdini through the handcuffs that travelled the world with him; The Tiny Typewriter, narrated by Agatha Christie’s faithful typewriter; and The Golden Apple, told by the little apple forever associated with Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity.

Written by technology entrepreneur and father Aldo de Pape, the series blends history, biography and adventure with captivating illustrations by award-winning illustrator Bianca Tulea. Short, character-led stories are designed to encourage children to read, imagine and discover, without making it feel like a history lesson.

The books offer a particularly timely alternative to screen time, too. The series launches during 2026’s National Year of Reading, as families and educators look for new ways to encourage children to read for pleasure and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

And the idea behind it is simple: give children a story they genuinely want to pick up, fill it with characters they’ll remember, and imagination can do the rest.

One lucky winner will receive The Bright Star Bazaar Gift Collection, containing all three books: The Magical Manacles, The Tiny Typewriter and The Golden Apple, worth £34.99.

For more information, visit brightstarbazaar.com or follow @BrightStarBazaarCo on Instagram.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 23 October 2026.

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Win! Hug Rug flooring goodies worth £175

Zoe Gater

Competition

One lucky winner can enjoy a bundle of heritage highland cow goodies from Hug Rug.


We’ve teamed up with Hug Rug to offer one lucky winner an indoor mat, outdoor mat and runner bundle worth £175 – the perfect trio for giving your home a practical and stylish refresh.

A leading British flooring brand, Hug Rug has been creating innovative, hard-working products for the home for more than 50 years. In 1970, the brand created the first washable rug, changing the way we think about everyday flooring and combining practicality with thoughtful design.

Today, Hug Rug continues to craft all of its products in the UK at its family-run mill in Yorkshire, which has been in operation since 1954. The brand’s longstanding commitment to British manufacturing means every product is made with decades of expertise and craftsmanship behind it.

Designed for every home, Hug Rug’s collections span environmentally conscious doormats, runners, rugs, bath mats and more. Each piece is created to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday spaces, while helping households make more considered choices.

With a focus on reducing plastic waste and supporting greener living, Hug Rug offers a range of thoughtfully designed products that provide long-lasting alternatives for the modern home. From welcoming guests at the front door to adding a finishing touch to hallways, kitchens and bathrooms, there’s a Hug Rug design to suit every space.

For more information, to browse the full collection or to find out more about Hug Rug, visit hugrug.co.uk.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 23 October 2026.

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Where to find more prizes?

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​Win! A luxury wellbeing retreat for two at Norton Grounds

Zoe Gater

Competition

We’re giving one lucky reader and their guest a chance to enjoy a retreat for two in the beautiful barns and cottages at Norton Grounds.


Norton Grounds is a stunning 120-acre estate just outside Chipping Campden, in the heart of the Cotswolds, that blends centuries-old heritage with modern comfort.

The manor house, farm cottages and stunning barns, sit in rolling farmland, with an equestrian centre, peaceful walks, yoga facilities, fragrant gardens, a tranquil pond and an all-weather tipi. Located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Norton Grounds is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil rural escape, a memorable wedding venue, or a distinctive events space in one of England’s most beautiful regions.

Primarily reserved as a luxurious, boutique wedding venue, Norton Grounds provides stylish accommodation and versatile event spaces for private gatherings, retreats and vacations.

This October, the estate are launching Wellness Wednesday’s. From October 7th, a program of well-being events will be available to join every Wednesday, where residents, locals and visitors will be able to book onto an expansive choice of workshops and classes with a restorative focus, designed to enhance the calming experience of a stay on the estate.  

Workshops and classes include a weekly slow flow evening Yoga class with Barney, Restorative, somatic movement and foundation yoga workshops with regular practitioners Shery Louise and Nikki Jackson; a Holistic Pilates day with Ursula Keyter; and a monthly breakfast bounce (Morning coffee rave).

Plus meditative painting workshops, live music and sound ceremonies with Carol Love; wellness lifestyle and healthy eating talks; literary, music & art supper clubs; brunch and beats; as well as floristry, group walks and meditations.

There’s even a chill out Back to Mine music festival planned for next year and residential yoga, women’s health and lifestyle retreats from January with Laura Lotus, Love Food Ibiza and an integrous mix of local and touring facilitators.

One lucky winner will receive two complimentary tickets to attend their choice of event from the Wellness Wednesday programme between now and and 9th December, along with one night’s accommodation for two in one of the lovely self-catering cottages at Norton Grounds (Subject to availability at time of booking) .

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 23 October 2026.

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Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.

For more information and to book any of the programmed events or self-catering cottage accommodation please visit www.nortongrounds.com  

Win! A two-night coastal escape to the Isle of Wight

Zoe Gater

Competition

Escape to the beautiful Isle of Wight with two nights at cliff-top Luccombe Hall Hotel, a sea-facing room with balcony, breakfast each morning and return car ferry travel included.


Fancy swapping everyday life for sea views, coastal walks and a relaxing island escape? One lucky Round & About reader and a guest could win a two-night stay at Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin, one of the Isle of Wight’s most picturesque coastal retreats.

Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the English Channel, Luccombe Hall Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the island’s spectacular coastline while enjoying a peaceful seaside break.

The winner and their guest will stay in a Sea-Facing Room with Balcony, where you can wake up to sweeping views across the water. The prize also includes breakfast each morning, so you can start your days with a leisurely meal before heading out to discover the Island.

And there’s no need to worry about getting there. Luccombe Hall Hotel will arrange and include your return car ferry crossing, making your island escape even easier.

Whether you spend your time exploring Shanklin, strolling along the coast or simply soaking up the sea views from the hotel, this is a chance to enjoy a memorable Isle of Wight break for two.

Please note, the prize is valid for stays during mid and low season, from 27 September 2026 to 28 May 2027.

The prize excludes 23–27 December 2026, the Easter holidays (26 March–9 April 2027) and 1–2 May 2027.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 9 October 2026.

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Where to find more prizes?

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Win! Tracklements feast goodies

Zoe Gater

Competition

You can win a fabulous Tracklements prize, packed with award-winning flavours and eco-friendly treats including the award-winning chutney.


Ready to take your cheeseboard to the next level? We have a fabulous Tracklements prize bundle to give away!

Our winner will receive a slate cheeseboard, Fresh Chilli Jam, Robust Wholegrain Mustard, Caramelised Onion Marmalade, Strong Horseradish Cream, Particularly British Piccalilli, Apple & Cider Brandy Chutney, two beeswax wraps and a Tracklements tea-towel.

Made in Wiltshire since 1970, Tracklements creates more than 40 award-winning chutneys, mustards, relishes and sauces using traditional recipes and plenty of proper flavour.

Its iconic Fresh Chilli Jam has won 10 Great Taste Awards and is naturally vegan and gluten-free – delicious with everything from soft cheese to sandwiches.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 9 October 2026.

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Where to find more prizes?

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Win! A Hape ocean wall puzzle

Zoe Gater

Competition

We have one glow-in-the-dark ocean adventure puzzle from Hape to give away..


Looking for a Christmas gift that keeps little hands busy and sparks a bit of imagination too? One lucky reader can win a Hape Ocean Life Glow-in-the-Dark Puzzle, worth £19.99!

Designed for children aged six and over, this giant 200-piece panorama puzzle takes puzzling under the sea. Once complete, the spectacular 1.5m-long ocean scene glows in the dark, turning a rainy-day activity into bedroom decoration too.

Alongside the puzzle itself, young ocean explorers can discover 10 fun-fact cards featuring fascinating sea creatures, adding an educational element to the fun.

Piecing it together also helps develop concentration, problem-solving, memory and hand-eye coordination – although we suspect the glowing finished picture might be the bit they remember most!

So, whether your budding marine biologist loves whales, fish, turtles or simply anything that looks even more magical when the lights go out, this could make a lovely Christmas surprise.

The prize is supplied by Isaac’s Treasures, which specialises in educational, sustainable and open-ended play.

Fancy winning? Enter below for your chance to take home this underwater puzzling adventure!

Prize: Hape Ocean Life Glow in the Dark Puzzle
RRP: £19.99
Age: 6+
Stockist: Isaac’s Treasures
Website: Isaac’s Treasures

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 9 October 2026.

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Win! A copy of Hockney’s Pictures

Zoe Gater

Competition

Liz Nicholls invites you to dive into almost 60 years of David Hockney’s extraordinary creative life with this beautiful updated book, with one copy to be won…


David Hockney had a gift for making us look at familiar things differently.

A swimming pool. A Yorkshire lane. A vase of flowers. A friend sitting in a chair. Even a view through a window. Under Hockney’s eye, everyday life became something to stop and really see.

Born in Bradford in 1937, Hockney studied at Bradford School of Art before heading to the Royal College of Art in London. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young British artists of his generation, becoming associated with the Pop Art movement while developing a style that was entirely his own.

He was famously curious, refusing to let one medium or artistic convention define him. Painting was at the heart of his career, but he also worked extensively in drawing, printmaking, photography and stage design.

Then there was California. Hockney first visited Los Angeles in the early 1960s and was captivated by its light, space and colour. The experience had a profound effect on his work, inspiring the sun-drenched swimming pools and spare, vivid architecture that became among his most recognisable images.

But California was only one chapter. Hockney repeatedly returned to Yorkshire, creating enormous landscapes that transformed the countryside of his childhood into something almost theatrical. His work became a continuing investigation into perspective, movement, time and the very act of seeing.

He was equally fascinated by technology. Over the years, Hockney experimented with Polaroids, photocopiers, fax machines and digital tools, eventually embracing the iPad as another way to draw and paint. Even in his later years, he retained that sense of curiosity and playfulness that had characterised his work from the beginning.

Hockney died in London on 11 June, aged 88, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work and a legacy that reaches far beyond the traditional art world. His death prompted tributes to an artist whose influence stretched across generations and whose work had become woven into popular culture.

And perhaps that is what makes his pictures so enduring. They don’t simply show us places or people; they encourage us to reconsider how we see them.

Now, you can explore that remarkable career from the comfort of your own sofa.

Hockney’s Pictures, published by Thames & Hudson, charts almost 60 years of extraordinary creativity. The fully updated edition brings together paintings, drawings, watercolours, prints and photography, alongside a new final chapter exploring Hockney’s later work across different media, including his iPad creations.

At 496 pages, with 90 colour and 30 black-and-white illustrations, it is both a substantial retrospective and a beautiful celebration of an artist whose work was, above all, about the joy of looking.

We have one copy of Hockney’s Pictures, worth £35, to give away.

For your chance to own this beautiful tribute to the life and work of David Hockney, enter….

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 9 October 2026.

Your Name

Your Address

Your Email*

Telephone

How did you find us?

Would you like to opt in and receive marketing communications from our competition supplier? If yes, how?

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Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.