8 National Trust destinations on your doorstep

We are pretty lucky here in the West Midlands, because not only can we stroll around one of our many city centres, we can also head off into the countryside within just a few minutes and see some incredible places. There are so many places just a stone’s throw away where we can learn all about the heritage of our area and they are often full of exhibitions and fun for the whole family. Here are just a few of our favourites in the area…

1. Coughton Court
Set in beautiful gardens, Coughton Court is an English Tudor country house in between Studley and Alcester in Warwickshire. The Grade I listed building offers visitors the chance to enjoy the walks around the area and through the bluebell wood. There are also two historic churches to explore as well as gardens to see all year round. Coughton Court also put on a range of events, including spooky outdoor trails around Halloween and silent night tours around Christmas.

2. Birmingham Back to Backs
This hidden gem in the city centre offers visitors the chance to take a step back into Birmingham’s past and the chance to learn about how locals lived in the city in the 19th century. The carefully restored courtyard of working people’s houses has regular tours where you can experience life and meet characters from the 1840s right up to the 1970s. As it is set in the city centre, it is something you can easily do around shopping and other attractions.

  Credit: Paul Harris

3. Croome Park
Croome in Worcestershire is the perfect place for a family afternoon. The location tells their visitors to expect the unexpected as they explore Croome Court, which has had an incredible restoration after years of it being used for various moments in history. Learn about the heritage of the area, it’s devastating loss and remarkable survival. You can also discover the secrets of the Second World War airbase RAF Defford, get digging and even take the dog for a walk around the area.

4. Wightwick Manor & Gardens
Grade I listed Wightwick Manor, which is located on Wightwick Bank in Wolverhampton, is ideal for those who love Victorian art and design. Set among lawns and hedges from idyllic Old England, the venue often puts on outdoor theatres, specialist talks and the opportunity to explore the manor, which is one of only a few examples of a house built and furnished during the arts and crafts movement between 1880 and 1910.

5. Hanbury Hall
The 18th century stately home, which is set in Hanbury in Worcestershire, offers a range of things to see and do all year round. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the successes and scandals of one of the most prominent families in Worcestershire, as well as a chance to learn about the heritage on their open days and their apple weekend, with activities and crafts to take part in.

Credit: James Dobson

6. Letocetum Roman Site and Museum
Discover what Roman Britain was like at the remains of this incredible settlement. At the destination in Lichfield, you can see the remains of an inn for travellers and the Roman public
baths, with a fascinating sequence of cold, warm and hot rooms. The museum also gives visitors the chance to learn about what life would have been like and displays of interesting finds.

7. Packwood House
The Grade I listed building is an impressive timber-framed Tudor manor house near Lapworth in Warwickshire. Visitors can learn about the incredibly interesting history to the house and the venue also offers events like rag running classes and evening house tours. There is also a café where you can grab a bite to eat and taste local produce after enjoying one of their many beautiful walks.

8. Attingham Park
Attingham Park is a stunning English country home in Shropshire. The venue is currently working on their stables and building a new grand visitor reception. The stables are set to be finished by the end of the year, but there are many events to enjoy in the meantime. The venue often puts on a range of nostalgic exhibitions, as well as storytelling classes and plenty of outdoor fun for your little explorers.

  Credit: John Millar