The National Trust has a wealth of stunning sites across the West Midlands that are perfect for a day out this summer. From grand historic houses to sprawling gardens and parklands, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 of the best.
Hagley Hall
Hagley Hall, a magnificent 18th-century Palladian mansion set in 350 acres of parkland, is a must-visit. The hall is still a family home, but visitors can explore the state rooms and the beautiful grounds, which include a lake, follies, and a deer park. According to the National Trust, the site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Lyttelton family, who have lived there for centuries.
Kinwarton Dovecote
Kinwarton Dovecote is a unique 14th-century circular dovecote located near Alcester. It is one of the few surviving medieval dovecotes in the country, with over 500 nesting boxes. The site is a peaceful spot for a short visit, surrounded by countryside. The National Trust notes that it was originally built to provide pigeons for the lord of the manor's table.
Baddesley Clinton
Baddesley Clinton is a moated medieval manor house in Warwickshire. The house is filled with period furniture and has a fascinating history, including being a hiding place for Catholic priests during the Reformation. The surrounding gardens and lake make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The National Trust says the house has been home to the Ferrers family for over 500 years.
Packwood House
Packwood House is a Tudor house with a famous garden, including the Yew Garden, which is said to represent the Sermon on the Mount. The house itself is filled with tapestries, furniture, and paintings. The National Trust highlights the garden as one of the finest in the region, with over 100 yew trees.
Charlecote Park
Charlecote Park is a grand Elizabethan house surrounded by a deer park. The house is filled with Victorian furnishings and has a beautiful formal garden. The park is home to a herd of fallow deer, and the River Avon runs through the grounds. According to the National Trust, the house has been in the Lucy family for over 900 years.
Coughton Court
Coughton Court is a Tudor house with a dramatic history, including involvement in the Gunpowder Plot. The house features a magnificent gatehouse and beautiful gardens, including a bog garden and a rose garden. The National Trust notes that the Throckmorton family has lived there since 1409.
Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Wightwick Manor is a Victorian half-timbered house with a stunning collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. The gardens are equally impressive, with a formal garden, a woodland walk, and a kitchen garden. The National Trust says the house was built in the late 19th century and is a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Croome
Croome is a landscape park and house designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The park is one of the first Brown created, and the house is a fine example of 18th-century architecture. The site includes a church, a temple, and a grotto. The National Trust describes Croome as a 'masterpiece of landscape design'.
Greyfriars House and Garden
Greyfriars House and Garden is a medieval townhouse in Worcester with a beautiful walled garden. The house dates back to the 15th century and features a Great Hall and a Tudor fireplace. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the city centre. The National Trust says the house was saved from demolition in the 1960s.
Hanbury Hall
Hanbury Hall is a William and Mary-style house with a formal garden and a parkland. The house is famous for its painted ceilings and a fine collection of porcelain. The garden includes a parterre, a wilderness, and a bowling green. According to the National Trust, the house was built in the early 18th century for the Vernon family.
These 10 National Trust sites offer a diverse range of experiences, from historic houses to natural landscapes, making them perfect for a summer day out. Whether you are interested in history, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there is something for everyone.
