NATIONAL TRUST
Shugborough Estate, Stafford What the National Trust says:
Rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including mansion house, servants’ quarters, working farm and walled garden
Join us on a journey into uncharted territory as the Shugborough Estate returns to the care of the National Trust this year. This is just the start of the journey for Shugborough as the programme of conservation and improvements to the whole estate is a long term project that will continue to be carried out over the next ten years.
Home to the Anson family since 1624, a legacy of exploration and innovation, it was once described as ‘a perfect paradise’.
You can explore sweeping parkland, ancient woodland and a landscape peppered with monu- ments, then discover Park Farm, created at the cutting-edge of agricultural reforms.
Hidcote, Chipping Campden What the National Trust says: Experience one of the country’s great gardens here.
Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-uponAvon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It’s a must-see if you’re on holiday in the Cotswolds.
Explore the maze of narrow paved pathways and discover secret gardens, magnificent vistas and plants that burst with colour. Many of the plants found growing in the garden were collected from Johnston’s many plant hunting trips to far away places. It’s the perfect place if you’re in need of gardening inspiration.
Find a quiet spot and sit on one of the ornate benches and watch green woodpeckers search for their lunch or listen to the calls from the buzzards circling overhead. Time it right and you might catch a glimpse of the elusive hummingbird moth.
Meander through the intricate gardens and into the Wilderness. This secluded stretch of tall trees is just right for a picnic.
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses What the National Trust says: This is a high sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking dramatic red sandstone rock houses.
With sweeping views, a wildlife haven in the heath and unique homes carved straight into the rock...Kinver Edge is full of surprises.
The famous Holy Austin Rock Houses are cosily restored to help you soak up the atmosphere of these unusual homes.
Get comfortable by the fire and our volunteers will tell you tales of the people that lived right inside the rock.
Just outside is the heathland of Kinver Edge - a pocket of wilderness, buzzing with insects and heady with the scent of gorse and purple heather. A stroll along the sandstone ridge offers dramatic views across surrounding counties from the ramparts of an imposing Iron Age Hill Fort. Beyond the views miles of walking country awaits, winding through birch and oak woodland and exposed areas of red sandstone geology. Fleece Inn, near Evesham in Worcestershire The Fleece Inn is a half-timbered medieval farmhouse which originally sheltered a farmer and his stock.
The Inn was first licensed in 1848. Fully restored to its former glory, with witches circles and precious pewter collection, it has developed a reputation for traditional folk music, morris dancing and asparagus. Dover’s Hill, near Evesham A natural amphitheatre on a spur of the Cotswolds, with views over the Vale of Evesham
Dover’s Hill was the site of the original English Olympic Games, which began here 400 years ago in 1612. The tradition continues with the annual Cotswold Olimpicks - a fun-packed day for all ages.
Of course, there’s much more to this historical amphitheatre than just fun and games. This mixture of grassland and woodland includes the site of a Roman vineyard and is also home to a variety of birds, insects and wild flowers.
White Peak Estate, including Ilam Park, Dovedale and Hamps and Manifold Valleys
Situated in the spectacular setting of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District, Ilam Park makes an ideal base to explore the other parts of the White Peak area.
White Peak incorporates several key areas that are well worth a visit. These include: Dovedale; the Manifold Valley; Ilam Park; Ecton Mine, Stanton Moor Edge; Miller’s Dale and Ravenstor; and High Wheeldon. Places to visit In Dovedale: Stepping Stones, Milldale, Wolfscote Hill and Biggin Dale
In Manifold Valley: Wetton Mill, Ecton Mine Engine House, Manifold light railway track, the disappearing Rivers Hamps and Manifold, Apes Tor and Beeston Tor
In Ilam Park: the River Manifold and Boil Holes, Hinkley Wood, Italian Garden, tea-room and shop.
Around Monyash House Farm: Monyash Moor and Ferndale Near Stanton Moor Edge: Stanton Moor In Miller’s Dale and Ravenstor: Bellamy’s Bank, Tideswell Dale, River Wye, Monsal Trail and Ravenstor YHA
If it’s open air and rolling countryside you yearn for, escape Brum and head for the hills.
Just 10 miles outside Birmingham are the Clent Hills, offering fantastic panoramic views and miles of footpaths and trails. You’ll find some 18th century follies (mock standing stones) on the summit.
Aim for Nimmings Wood Car Park, Hagley Wood Lane, near Romsley, Worcestershire, B62 0NL. The car park gates open at 8am and close at 5pm in winter, and at 9pm in summer. Ulverscroft Nature Reserve, Leicestershire Part of the ancient forest of Charnwood, Ulverscroft is especially beautiful during the spring bluebell season. Includes heathland and woodland habitats.
Please note: access to Ulverscroft is by permit only from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. Please call 0116 262 9968 for more information and to acquire a permit. Hawksmoor, Staffordshire In the beautiful Churnet valley sits Hawksmoor. The ancient woodland is an excellent place to spot green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and ravens. The wild flowers and archaeology of Gibriddingt Wood are so special that they have attracted artists and photographers for many years.