ONE OF the best-known English country estates in Hampshire is Riversdown House, although people may not be aware of some of the activities taking place there.

Riversdown, a Mediaeval Great Hall built in 1327, has functioned as an English language and culture centre since 1971.

In the last 46 years, 40,000 high-level executives, politicians and diplomats from 65 countries have passed through its doors to improve their English-speaking abilities and knowledge of various aspects of British culture.

This 700-year-old estate, four miles from West Meon, has its own golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and games room, which give some respite from the intensity of total immersion style courses, which range from one week to three months in duration.

Riversdown provides courses in English and foreign languages as well as cultural seminars. Full details at:?www.riversdown.com