Step inside Herefordshire’s finest rural retreats (From Redditch Advertiser)

Step inside Herefordshire’s finest rural retreats

8:00am Thursday 11th March 2010

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Three of Herefordshire’s top tourist attractions are fully throwing open their doors this week.

Berrington Hall, Brockhampton Estate and Croft Castle and Parkland are launching their new season on Saturday 6 March.

Visitors have been enjoying the beautiful parkland at all three sites over the winter months, but the houses at the heart have been closed for conservation and cleaning work.

Berrington Hall, near Leominster, and Croft Castle and Parkland, near Yarpole, are both leading the way in allowing visitors to enjoy a more interactive visit.

Both sites have introduced atmosphere rooms which help to bring to life their intriguing stories and hidden histories.

Barriers have been removed in certain rooms allowing visitors to fully explore the interiors and items on display.

At Berrington visitors experience the remarkable difference between the striking grandeur of the ‘upstairs’ rooms and the humble plainness of the servants’ quarters.

Upstairs the Corner Bedroom and Dressing Room is dressed for the celebration of 1891 when the then owners, Lord and Lady Rodney, returned from their honeymoon.

Visitors are invited to imagine the young Lady Rodney rushing to get changed to meet the tenants cheering outside the windows. They will also see her wedding dress, read that day’s newspaper and view the photographs.

In Lady Rodney’s bedroom, visitors can sit down at her dressing table and smell her perfumes as well as read her letters and postcards and discover what happened to the marriage in the end.

Beneath the house, in the servants’ quarters, the Butler’s Bedroom is presented as though he’s just stepped out of the room, with his personal possessions, a glowing fire and a cup of tea.

Later in March, a new atmosphere room will be open which will convey the devastating emotion following the deaths of the three Cawley sons during World War I.

At Croft Castle, visitors will experience conflicting emotions – from a relaxed, social atmosphere to a dark and sombre sense of mourning.

In the Saloon the scene is set in 1777. Visitors can sit down in front of the fire, play cards or read some poetry or a funny novel. There is also the chance to discover how to flirt with a handheld-fan and to learn to dance.

In the Ambassadors Room it is 1818 and visitors learn of the sad news of the death of Sir Richard Croft.

Discover how his, and two other deaths, changed the course of British history forever by reading newspapers of the time and sensing the restful and respectful atmosphere of the room. Visitors can also leave a comment on the writing slope by quill pen.

Outside, youngsters can run off steam on the new castle themed play area, which is ideally located opposite the tea-room.

The serene and picturesque Brockhampton Estate offers a relaxing rural day out - just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Worcester and Hereford.

At Lower Brockhampton, visitors will experience the Medieval atmosphere of a stunning timber framed moated manor house and can learn more about this unique property on one of our interactive guided tours. The house, originally built in 1380, will be undergoing vital restoration during the summer in front of visitors, giving a rare insight into just how a house made of mud and wood has survived intact for 630 years.

Outside families can explore our new and improved nature trails, feed the birds at the bird hide or spot the local wildlife on our nature cameras set up in the Family Room.

Jo Mason, Communications Officer for the National Trust in the West Midlands, said: “We have a wealth of stunning properties all across Herefordshire just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

“There’s something for all of the family to discover – so make sure you come and see us soon.”

The Weir Garden, near Hereford, is also open and currently boasting spectacular displays of snowdrops.

For further information on any of the sites, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/westmidlands.

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