Even before I moved there 16 years ago i loved the place. I discovered it when I read about it in Burn Trails a booklet if number 11 bus journeys to interesting Birmingham places. I followed these trails on my own, with friends and pupils. Years later I moved nearby and was shocked that my neighbours had never been there. My granddaughters toddling at the time and a trip round the hall and grounds is memorable and probably arrestable. She walked under barriers and for a few moments even managed to jump on one of the beds shouting, 'look grandma.' the staff were very understanding. The bright red apples were tempting and she couldn't understand why I wouldn't let her eat them. So it was helpful that apple day was a few weeks from our first visit. I also won the prize and she was thrilled. I walked past Blakeley hall every few days on my way to and from number 11 bus stop. Last week ny daughter phones and asked if u wanted to go to a wedding fair. I asked when. She said, 'Now' So I caught the number 97 and walked along memory lane. Remembering ny 15 years in the area. The Wedding fair was a new idea. Recycled wedding. Vegan. Healthy. Natural fibres. Cost effective. Words not usually associated with lush, extravagant weddings. A room full of fabric flowers, drinks made from bread, handcrafted items. More displays on the grass. My grandson was happy to crawl about and try recycling the grass. Then we went to a talk in the barn. Appropriate seeing the numerous events I've been to in this area. Last week's talk in what to do with items after the wedding. Selling everything., Remake. I usually cover the bottles in marane, knitting, crocheting ir fabric. More stalls. Long chats with stall holders. A great day to have and make happy memories. And im sure the ghosts of yesteryear looked on. Or maybe the mischievous ones were planning what to do to the wedding party and guests when they returned for the ceremony...
Read moreI came today because I looked online for something fun to do with the kids. This sounded ok so we went there and the activity’s were behond rubbish! I wouldn’t waste your time. I travelled some way and when we got there all there was to so is stick some coloured translucent sheets to a template. We stayed for 2 mins didn’t even make anything. Went and looked around the building but wasn’t allowed in. So I went to the desk and said my kids are very disappointed with the activity’s may we have a refund so I can take them to the wacky or somewhere else that was fun. They wouldn’t give me one looking at me like I was filth. Very unhappy children . Wasted the whole day and...
Read moreAn absolute gem tucked away in leafy unassuming suburb of Birmingham. The house dates back around 400 years since its original building, now taken under the care of the National Trust so maintained to a very high standard and very nicely laid out. Have brought quite a few out of town guests here over the years and all have enjoyed and appreciate the experience offered here. Reasonably priced as an attraction and packed full of historical information for young and old. Parking on site, generally not busy so a relaxed overall experience. Rather limited opening hours make this perhaps a challenge for some people to visit...
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