hanbury hall

Recently paid our third visit to Hanbury Hall on our National Trust passes.It was a bitterly cold day but sunny and we quickly headed indoors to do a tour of the rooms.We have been twice before as I have said but each time we have seen new things and our impression this time was of the excellent information that the guides were able to give us. Especially some of the ladies who must have been quite cold standing, even though there is some low heating. One lady explained to my wife about some wonderful china in a cabinet and how it was actually English china but had been sent to China to be painted. All the figures depicted had Chinese faces principally because the Chinese artists had never seen an English face. We spent quite a long time with one lady discussing a painting of what we thought were two little girls. We were soon corrected and told that they were in fact boys. I then made a comment about there being something strange about the size of the figures and the lady explained that they were painted by not one but several people. One artist first painting a body but then others adding the head and hands. Apparently this was quite a normal thing to do? Most interesting and we left that room feeling that we had learned something new. What nice ladies!Afterwards we walked around the gardens but it was too cold to stay very long. My wife went and sat in a sheltered spot while I went off to find the vegetable garden where I bought a jar of Hanbury honey, left by an honesty box for payment.Hanbury Hall is much busier in the summer on a warm day but the advantage of a quiet day was our chance to be able to talk to the guides without feel we were being pushed along.

A National Trust property in the center of Worcestershire set in an extensive park with lovely walks ( watch out for sheep poo) and an old icehouse. The 18th century house is not one of the largest but is interesting mainly because of the extraordinary murals on the staircase by Thornhil, he who did the ones at St Pauls Cathedral.Also the formal garden which has been created over the last 15 years by the head gardener ( a very good speaker for meetings incidentally). Best time tio visit is in the spring at daffodil time when the formal garden is at its best.The restaurant produced the best lemon meringue pie that I have ever eaten in the whole of my life,There is alittle buggy to take you up to the house if you are in anyway disabled.Alan Eames.

You can choose a guided tour or self-guided freeflow, there is plenty of information and guides in the rooms who are happy to talk about the history and scandalous stories of the residents. The Gardens have been recently restored to the original plans. There are also great circular walks around the estate and up to Hanbury church on the hilltop site of an iron-age fort. A small café provides sustenance, there are more food offerings at busier times of te year.

Only a short drive off the M5 - a very pleasant few hours. Friendly informative staff in the house, interesting gardens and we took a very muddy walk to the church where there were some fine views. (Great diversion for Nat Trust members)

Visited both to view the house and for a walk around the estate. This is a lovely NT property. Ask if during the house opening hours there are any introductory talks going on. We waited at the house entrance in the pagoda shaped building to listen to a very interesting talk on the house and inhabitants, this made the visit come alive. The tea rooms serve very good food and when the house is open there is one also on the upper floors. At certain times of day the tables may not be cleared very quickly, but many NT properties have stands provided to return your used trays and crocks.

Delightful National Trust property not far from Droitwich Spa. Wonderful grounds (on a warmer day!) and house interesting. Opted to do the Hanbury Circular Walk (2 hrs) which took you through fields and along the canal. Really nice but so muddy at this time of year so again, better for a warmer day. At end of walk back for afternoon tea in the cafe there. Scone, jam & cream £2.95 each - appeared tough when cutting but once the extras were added, they were delightful! Americans coffee £1.90 each so just under £10 for the two of us. Cafe could have been a little cleaner - tables not always cleared promptly etc but it was all ok and would return.

Very enjoyable walks in the gardens, interesting tour of the house, plenty of space for kids to run around

Visited as a lunch break on a drive from the West Country to the East Midlands. Easy to get to from the M5. On a February afternoon there were not many people about, although the cafe was busy. Very interesting gardens which will be spending come spring. The house wasn't fully open and no information leaflets but very helpful guides in every room. Will be going again when the gardens are in bloom.

A nice house. Very pretty from the outside. The inside is ok but not fantastic. Nice gardens. The sunken garden is very interesting. Good parking and the cafe looked popular but we did not partake.

If you are looking for a typical country house this has always been a must. There are some amazing stories about the family, the eccentric cat owner, the suicide, the elopement with the curate... And there are plenty of outdoor attractions for even the most energetic youngsters (play area, games, space),,, And outdoor attractions for the oldens with the spacious manicured gardens... But now there is even more with the addition of the new tea room. There is a well established cafe in the house with outside seating as an option and now there is also a "proper" indoor waitress service tea-room. indulge yourself and have the high tea, you won't regret it.

Took the guided tour of the hall as during the winter that is the only way to access it. On the stair wall there are some interesting paintings by Thomas Thornhill based on Greek mythology. The tour guide was knowledgeable about the Verdon family especially as there were so many Thomas'! The grounds & gardens are well worth a look, especially the parterre & the orangery. Tearoom is very cosy & in nice weather there is plenty of seating outside in the stableyard.

We found the staff very friendly and knowlegable, which made our experience all the better. The house is beautiful, and the tour guide knew her history about the house. Can't wait to return later in the year when the whole house is open. The grounds are lovely and the café was reasonably priced. The house and gardens are free for National trust members.Roy Adderley Oldbury

Fabulous interior, including a beautifully restored wall painting on the stairs. Is is well worth taking the guided tour. The gardens have been restored to their former glory with the recreated parterre taking centre stage. There are also 400 acres of parkland with interesting trees and vistas and a nice little tea room. Free to National Trust members.

Joined tour inside house, guide informative and knowledgeable. House was very cold inside so wrap up! Would revisit in spring to enjoy outdoors and gardens. Impressive looking house on approach, well maintained grounds and parking. Free to national trust members.

Lovely house and gardens. The gardens are fairly flat to okay if you have a buggy. Cafe is nice but pricey. Art gallery is lovely and good value if you are looking to buy some prints