Shropshire's Great Days Out - Dudmaston Hall
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions.
Where is it? Quatt, near Bridgnorth, WV15 6QN.
What is it? Here is a fabulous example of a traditional working estate with a mansion at its heart, which has been, and still is, a home to the same family for over 850 years. Dudmaston Hall can be found at the heart of the 2,800-acre Dudmaston estate.
How much is it? Gift Aid prices for House and Garden are: National Trust members: free, £7.70 for adults, £3.85 children, £19.25 for a family, under-5s free. Garden ticket: National Trust members: free, £6.10 for adults, £3.05 children, £15.25 for a family, under-5s free.
What is there to do? Take an adventure around the fantastic gardens and grounds. A leisurely walk around the The Big Pool will take around 45 minutes but there are plenty of opportunities for games of hide and seek en route. Take your time.
Enjoy a picnic at the end of your walk when you arrive back at the formal gardens of the Hall, where children will love playing in the little summerhouse.
Rolling down the grass bank is popular too, given evidence of previous visits.
Over the summer holidays there will be activity days every Monday and Wednesday for families. On these days there will be trails around the garden and craft activities to have a go at. Also families can enjoy the woodland play area and exploring the garden and dingle.
In the house, visitors can discover Dudmaston's unique collection of modern and contemporary art, which is the legacy of Sir George Labouchere's time as a diplomat around the world.
A new play area was built over the winter for our younger visitors and there is now plenty of space between here and the Orchard for the kids to run around and play games.
Keep a look out for special activities on rainy days, including indoor garden tours and silhouette drawing.
Interesting fact: "I feel as if I have had a number of very good cocktails" - this was how Sir George Labouchere described a visit to a contemporary art gallery at the venue in the 1960s.
Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday, 11.30am to 6pm
Note: The house opens at 2pm and is closed on Mondays.
Verdict: A great, gentle day out for all the family, particularly for children.
Further information: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston or call 01746 780866.
