As someone who lives nearby i come to Attingham regularly. This morning however my Mother and I found out about the tours available for the apartment in the East Wing. Behind the "private" signs. We booked in very last minute (only 10mins before the start time) and paid the £5 supplement, and as it turned out we were the only 2 people during our time slot. Our guide Rhianna, who clearly had to jump into action without much warning (sorry Rhianna!) was great - very knowledgeable yet it felt like walking around with a friend, telling us the stories of the residents of the apartment and really bringing history to life (quite recent history as it happens!). It's possible to have 8 people per tour i understand, but it is so poorly advertised that we were the only 2 on our tour, and only 4 on the subsequent tour after us. This is such a lot of lost potential revenue for the National Trust so I am amazed they have chosen not to widely publicise this event. Sadly it seems as though these tours will only be available until approx November this year, after which they will be closed off for good. I would recommend anyone visiting between now and November to book on to the tour (it takes around an hour). It's and extra £5 (cheaper for children i think) for members but absolutely worth it. There is a section of spiral staircase to navigate so worth checking with staff of you have...
Read moreAttingham has never been on my list of places to visit although it's pretty much in the doorstep. However after a visit to a large and well known stately pile in Derbyshire, and recommendations from friends, I thought it'd be interesting to compare the two.
So armed with a newly acquired National Trust membership, off we trotted.
The house itself is not large (in mansion house terms at least) however the rooms that are on display provide a view of a variety of purposes, enough to give a real taste of how the house was used in it's heyday.
The information cards on display at the time of my visit had a strong Christmas element. Not surprising really, and each room was decorated with a (real) Christmas tree to reflect the theme if the room.
The volunteers in each room are friendly, and clearly knowledgeable; obviously keen to impart their knowledge. However, for the shyer visitors, detailed information cards are also available in stands in most of the rooms. For me the summary cards were sufficient, at least for my first visit.
After exiting the house, we were able to take a short stroll which took us to the walled garden. Whilst the garden is to allotments and purposes in hibernation at this time of year, nonetheless it gave me promises of further interesting visits in the summer, and making good use of my new...
Read moreA Serene Scoot around Attingham Park...
Attingham Park, with its sprawling lawns, ancient trees, and picturesque Georgian mansion, offers a tranquil escape for visitors of all abilities. For those on mobility scooters, the park's well-maintained paths and gentle slopes make it easy to navigate and enjoy the stunning scenery.
As you glide around the perimeter, the park's majestic beauty unfolds before you. The grand mansion, with its elegant façade and manicured gardens, is a sight to behold. The tranquil lake, teeming with wildlife, invites you to pause and admire its serene beauty. The ancient trees, their branches reaching towards the sky, provide a canopy of shade on even the warmest days.
After your leisurely stroll, you can recharge at the park's charming café. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a refreshing beverage while taking in the picturesque views. The café's outdoor seating area offers a perfect spot to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you're seeking a leisurely outing or a chance to connect with nature, Attingham Park offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all abilities. The park's accessible paths, stunning scenery, and tranquil ambience make it the ideal destination for a...
Read more