The Weir Garden Swainshill, Hereford, Herefordshire HR4 7QF

Whatever the season, the natural beauty of this riverside garden is completely captivating. During spring, the ground beneath the ancient trees is carpeted with bulbs; then, in summer, a picnic by the river while watching the wildlife is irresistible. Autumn brings an abundance of seasonal produce in the walled garden. Note: sturdy footwear recommended.

Garden best in: February–May.

Contact: 01981 590509 [email protected]

Coaches: parking for booked coaches only.

Visit: average duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. Introductory talk. Guided tour.

Catering: self-service tea and coffee is available.

Group admission: £5.15.

The Weir Garden M T W T F S S 16 Jan–24 Jan 10:30–4 . . . . . S S 30 Jan–6 Nov 10:30–4:30 M T W T F S S 12 Nov–20 Nov 10:30–4 . . . . . S S

Access: F Grounds 03

North

Inspirational homes of great West British artists, the Lake District, mansions filled with family history, and working mills

214 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places 215 (We can add sky here A region of contrasts with once we have the high Perfect for groups res file, it looks washed Beatrix Potter’s inspirational out) Steam Yacht Gondola Hill Top and one of the most on Coniston Water complete industrial heritage The crew of the majestic Steam sites at Quarry Bank; lavish Yacht Gondola are delighted to interiors at Lyme, Tudor be re-creating the Grand Circular Tour once undertaken by wealthy style at Little Moreton Hall Victorians. The tour will consist and the dramatic scenery of an epic day of nostalgic travel by steam railway and three boat of the Lake District – the trips (linked by mini-bus) – all North West has much to accompanied by a guide. Set dates choose from. throughout the season.

Top three tours Itinerary ideas

‘A light-hearted look at Tudor times’ Celebrating the 150th Anniversary Little Moreton Hall of Beatrix Potter’s birth Start your journey at Hill Top – ‘Tour with the gardener’ Beatrix Potter’s treasured house Rufford Old Hall and garden where you can spot the ‘The daily life of the Wordsworths’ objects featured in her tales. Next Wordsworth House and Garden pay a visit to Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead to see examples of her Dunham Massey, a garden original artwork. Then travel north for every season admiring Beatrix’s beloved Lake District landscape and finally round Discover the Winter Garden with iris, off your day at Wordsworth House snowdrops and narcissus springing and Garden in Cockermouth, where to life and the Rose Garden best you can see a new exhibition – in summer, featuring its very own ‘Two Bad Mice: mischief in Beatrix ‘Dunham Massey’ and ‘Stamford’s Potter’s tales’. Sanctuary’ roses.

At nearby Quarry Bank explore the diverse garden set on the doorsteps of the Industrial Revolution mill.

Pictured: Dunham Massey, Cheshire Previous page: Hill Top, Cumbria

nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 217 Berwick-upon-Tweed

Lindisfarne Castle Coldstream

Alnwick

Giant’s Causeway Cragside Amble Carrick-a-Rede Portrush Bushmills Downhill Demesne Ballycastle and Hezlett House Coleraine Otterburn Ashington Newbiggin- Morpeth by-the-Sea Limavady Ballymoney Cushendall Wallington Bedlington Blyth LONDONDERRY Cramlington Seaton Delaval Hall Whitley Bay George Dungiven Tynemouth Longtown Stephenson’s Newcastle Buildings and Gardens Corbridge Birthplace Upon Tyne M2 Souter Lighthouse Coast and Countryside Brampton Jarrow and The Leas Gray’s Printing Press Ballymena Hexham Cherryburn Strabane Maghera Gibside Gateshead Larne Sunderland 0 10 20 miles Carlisle Washington Old Hall Consett Wigton 0 10 20 30 km Newtownstewart Magherafelt Castlederg Randalstown Ballyclare Alston Houghton le Spring M22 Whitehead M6 Moneymore Antrim Patterson’s Springhill Spade Mill Carrickfergus Durham M2 Newtownabbey Brandon Peterlee Cookstown Wordsworth House Omagh Wellbrook Crumlin Bangor Maryport North Beetling Mill Donaghadee and Garden Spennymoor Divis and the Black Mountain Penrith A1(M) Hartlepool BELFAST Acorn Bank Workington Cockermouth Bishop Auckland Coalisland Newtownards Redcar Mount Stewart Keswick Newton West Dungannon Comber Aira Force Middlesbrough Appleby-in- Aycliffe Stockton- Lisburn Carryduff and Ullswater on-Tees M1 Whitehaven Westmorland The Argory Lurgan Ormesby Hall Rowallane Strangford Darlington Guisborough Ardress House Craigavon Garden Lough Brough Enniskillen Dromore Egremont Whitby Portadown Stokesley Ballynahinch Scotch Corner Castle Coole Tandragee Armagh Banbridge Castle Ward Wray Castle M6 Richmond Downpatrick Beatrix Potter Gallery and Hawkshead Florence Court Lisnaskea Catterick Keady Castlewellan Steam Yacht Gondola Northallerton Murlough National Hill Top Kendal Leyburn Sedbergh Scalby Rathfriland Nature Reserve Hawes Newtownbutler Sizergh Rievaulx Terrace Scarborough Crom Newry Newcastle Millom Thirsk Pickering

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Our all-new exhibition for 2016 celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter and displays original artwork inspired by her love of nature and passion for conserving her treasured Lake District. For a perfect day out, why not follow in Beatrix Potter’s footsteps to Hill Top and then spend time outdoors? Hawkshead village is an excellent base for exploring the countryside that inspired Beatrix and many other artists, authors and poets. You can find more about the events and activities taking place to celebrate Beatrix’s Visit: average duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. anniversary throughout 2016, on our website. Guided tour only. Welcome to site. Introductory Note: nearest toilet 300 yards in main village car talk. Photography or duplication of audio tour park (not National Trust). The Beatles’ material is strictly prohibited; visitors are asked to leave handbags, cameras and recording What’s new in 2016? In our ‘Romance and Childhood Homes equipment in secure facilities at both houses. Realism’ exhibition discover the story behind Beatrix Potter as a scientist, artist, farmer and Woolton and Allerton, Liverpool Catering: many restaurants, cafés and pubs in conservationist, as we celebrate 150 years since Liverpool city centre to cater for morning tours. her birth. A combined tour to Mendips and 20 Forthlin Afternoon tours: self-service restaurant at nearby Road, the childhood homes of John Lennon Speke Hall. Contact: 015394 36269 and Paul McCartney, is your only opportunity [email protected] to see inside the houses where The Beatles met, Group admission: £23 (no group discount). Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria composed and rehearsed many of their earliest LA22 0LF songs. You can walk through the back door into the kitchen and imagine John’s Aunt Mimi cooking The Beatles’ Childhood Homes M T W T F S S Coaches: nearest parking, 300 yards from Beatrix Potter Gallery/Hawkshead M T W T F S S him his tea, or stand in the spot where Lennon 2 Mar–29 May Tour* . . W T F S S entrance, in Lake District National Park (LDNP), Gallery and McCartney composed ‘I Saw Her Standing 1 Jun–30 Oct Tour* M T W T F S S pay-and-display car park. 13 Feb–24 Mar 10–3:30 M T W T . S S There’. The custodians take you on a fascinating 2 Nov–27 Nov Tour* . . W T F S S 26 Mar–26 May 10–4 M T W T . S S trip down memory lane in these two atmospheric *Admission by guided tour only. Times and pick-up locations Visit: average duration is 30 minutes. 28 May–28 Aug* 10–4 M T W T F S S period houses, so typical of Liverpool life in the vary (please visit website or call for details and tickets). Introductory talk. Shop. 29 Aug–30 Oct 10–4 M T W T . S S 1950s. Note: handbags, cameras and recording FE L 4 5 D 0 Shop equipment must be left in secure facilities at both Access: Building Catering: several cafés and pubs in Hawkshead 2 Jan–7 Feb 10–4 . . . . . S S houses. Access by National Trust minibus tour village. 13 Feb–30 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S from Liverpool city centre or Speke Hall. No toilet 31 Oct–24 Dec** 10–4 M T W . . S S at Mendips. Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles. Group admission: £5 (groups 8+). 50% discount *Gallery: open to 5, weekdays, 30 May to 26 August; also off gallery admission for groups visiting both Hill open various Fridays throughout year. **Shop: open 22 and 23 December. Contact: 0151 427 7231 Top and Beatrix Potter Gallery. [email protected] Access: gE 4 5 D Gallery 0 s233 Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool L24 1XD

Coaches: visits are by scheduled minibus tour only. Coaches park at departure points: Liverpool city centre (public car parks) or Speke Hall.

220 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 221 Dunham Massey Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4SJ

In 1856 Victorian carriages rolled along the avenues of Dunham’s deer-park laden with the family’s most treasured possessions. Having suffered the rejection of Cheshire society, Catharine, a former circus performer, and her husband, the 7th Earl, left Dunham and never returned. We take you on Catharine and George Harry’s journey to consider Contact: 0161 941 1025 what it might be like to leave this home. The newly- [email protected] opened historic stable buildings reveal the comings and goings of the family and their workers, the Coaches: parking for 2 coaches, 50 yards from importance of horses and later the motor car. entrance, 200 yards from house and clock tower. ‘Stitches in Time’: from fancy dress costumes to Shuttle buggy transfer available most days. Please curtains, this special exhibition showcases some use approach from A56 – low bridge on B5160 to of our amazing textiles. Note: everyone (including west of property. members) requires house/garden ticket (and, for house, timed token) – from reception on day. No Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Guided tours of groups on Bank Holiday weekends and occasionally the park only, places limited. Shop. other peak times. Catering: café, self-service, 80 covers, Garden best: all year. with additional open-air seating for 100. Stables Restaurant, self-service, 200 covers. What’s new in 2016? Visit the House for Dunham’s Unfortunately we are not able to reserve tables. Lost Years: A Victorian Tale of Love & Abandonment. The stable buildings are now open to reveal Group admission: £11.50. Garden only £7. stories of the wider estate. Coaches: parking for 2 coaches, 100 yards. Dunham Massey M T W T F S S Narrow access road. House 27 Feb–30 Oct 11–5* M T W . . S S Gawthorpe Hall Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Guided tour£. Café and shop Out-of-hours tours£. 1 Jan–26 Feb 10–4 M T W T F S S Burnley Road, Padiham, near Burnley, 27 Feb–30 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S Lancashire BB12 8UA Catering: café, self-service with limited seating, 31 Oct–31 Dec 10–4 M T W T F S S 40 covers. Garden** This imposing house, set in the heart of urban Open all year 11–5:30 M T W T F S S Lancashire, contains fabulously opulent interiors, Group admission: please contact for details. Park† created by Sir Charles Barry in the 19th century. Open all year 9–5 M T W T F S S The Hall displays textiles from the Gawthorpe Mill Textile Collection, including needlework, lace Gawthorpe Hall M T W T F S S 27 Feb–30 Oct 12–4 M T W . . S S and embroidery, while outside the grounds House and tea-room* *House: last entry one hour before closing, or dusk if earlier. are popular with dog walkers. Note: financed 20 Apr–30 Oct 11–5 . . W T F S S Open Good Friday. **Garden: 1 January to 26 February and and run in partnership with Lancashire County Grounds 31 October to 31 December closes at 4, or dusk if earlier; Open all year 8–7 M T W T F S S extended opening of garden on some summer evenings. Council. Opening times and prices for the Hall are †Gates and car park: March to October open until 7:30. controlled by LCC and subject to change – please Hall and tea-room open Bank Holidays. *House opens at White Cottage open on last Sunday of the month, 27 March check availability and price. 12, opening times subject to change. Following last year’s to 30 October, 2 to 5 (booking essential on 0161 928 0075). maintenance works, please check the website for up-to-date Dunham Massey closed 23 November and 25 December information. (including car park). Garden best in: May–June. Access: 8F 4 L 5 D Building 0 Contact: 01282 771004 Access: 78EF4gEG45D Grounds 03 1 j [email protected] House 03 E Garden and park 1j 7 E

222 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 223 The Hardmans’ House 59 Rodney Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 9ER

Behind the imposing Georgian exterior of 59 Rodney Street, lies a perfect 1950s time capsule. Uncover the life, work, and pastimes of the renowned photographer E. Chambré Hardman and his talented wife Margaret in their glamorous photographic studio and modest home. For your comfort Catering: no catering on site. A wide range of admission by timed tours only. Note: admission by establishments close by, including Anglican guided tour only – booking advised. Entrance on Cathedral refectory (not National Trust). Pilgrim Street at rear of property. Group admission: £6.50 (no group discount). Contact: 0151 709 6261 [email protected] The Hardmans’ House M T W T F S S Coaches: no coach parking at property. Facilities 16 Mar–29 Oct 11–3:30 . . W T F S . available at Anglican Cathedral for minibuses and Admission by timed ticket only, booking advisable (places coaches upon request. limited). Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Catering: no catering on site. Nearby hotels 8F g E G 4 5 D 0 (neither National Trust) can cater for groups; to Visit: average duration is 1 hour 30 minutes. Access: Building arrange contact Tower Bank Arms on 015394 Guided tour only. Introductory talk. Only 6 people Hill Top 36334, or Sawrey House Hotel on 015394 36387. at a time on guided tour. Shop. Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Group admission: £10 (no group discount). Cumbria LA22 0LF

Hill Top is a time capsule of Beatrix Potter’s life Hill Top M T W T F S S and is still full of her favourite things. This year, House with the celebration of the 150th anniversary 13 Feb–24 Mar 10–3:30 M T W T . S S of her birth, a visit to her beloved house, the 26 Mar–26 May 10–4:30 M T W T . S S inspiration for many of her tales, is a ‘must’. As 28 May–28 Aug* 10–4:30 M T W T F S S you follow in her footsteps, this small house, 29 Aug–30 Oct 10–4:30 M T W T . S S with fragile interiors, excites the senses. Beatrix’s Shop and garden colourful garden is filled with her favourite flowers 13 Feb–24 Mar 10–4 M T W T F S S and plants. Our website and Facebook page are 25 Mar–30 Oct** 10–5 M T W T F S S the best places to visit for details about what’s on. 31 Oct–23 Dec 10–4 M T W T F S S *House: open to 5:30, 30 May to 25 August, Monday to Garden best in: May–August. Thursday. **Shop and garden: open to 5:45, 30 May to 25 August, Monday to Thursday. Small car park. Access to garden and shop free during opening hours. Check website Contact: 015394 36269 for details of special openings and advance bookings. [email protected] Access: 7E L 4 5 D House 01 Coaches: no coach parking. Drop-off 10 yards Shop 0 Garden 0j from entrance. Restrictions apply, must call for details and travel alternatives. Coach parking: 1 mile on road to Windermere or in Hawkshead, With original artwork on display, the Beatrix then transfer to minibus (charge applies). Potter Gallery, in Hawkshead is the perfect complement to a visit to Hill Top. The all new Visit: average duration is 45 minutes. Out-of- exhibition ‘Realism and Romance’, celebrates hours tours£. Shop. her love of nature and passion for conserving her treasured Lake District.

224 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 225 Little Moreton Hall Lyme Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4SD Disley, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 2NR

The Cheshire-based Moreton family certainly Much-loved home of the Legh family for more experienced the highs and lows of life in the than 600 years, Lyme sits in 570 hectares (1,400 16th century. Throughout the last 500 years this acres) of parkland, with glorious views across timber-framed hall, surrounded by a moat and Manchester and the Cheshire Plain. Its lavish set within a small pretty garden, survived the Civil interiors reflect the life of a great estate, from War, spent 250 years tenanted, was in serious its earliest beginnings to its Edwardian ‘Golden danger of falling over and is as intriguing as it Era’ – the heyday of aristocratic life, with its social is wonky! Colourful Tudor times are brought to whirl of parties, all of which ended with the start life through fantastic guided tours, traditional of the First World War. You may recognise Lyme as festivals and celebrations. A rare pre-Reformation ‘Pemberley’ from the BBC adaptation of Pride and Contact: 01663 762023 chapel, topsy-turvy long gallery and early Prejudice, starring Colin Firth, and the ‘Big House’ [email protected] wallpaper ensure the genuine ‘wow’ factor is in series two of The Village. Lyme’s ever-changing experienced more than once at this iconic Tudor gardens with the Reflection Lake, Orangery and Coaches: parking for 3 coaches, 200 yards from treasure. Rose Garden, are an ideal place to relax and stroll. house. Drop-off point, 100 yards. Shuttle service Note: owned and managed by the National Trust, available. Free parking for groups booked to visit Garden best in: June–August. but partly financed by Stockport Metropolitan house and garden. Group admission: £8.50. Borough Council. Sorry, no groups at weekends or Contact: 01260 272018 Bank Holidays. Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Ask about our [email protected] informative, free spotlight talks; these are held Little Moreton Hall M T W T F S S Garden best in: April–May, July–September. throughout the day in various locations, on a Coaches: parking for 2 coaches, 150 yards from 13 Feb–21 Feb 11–5 M T W T F S S variety of subjects. Shop. entrance. 24 Feb–27 Mar 11–5 . . W T F S S What’s new in 2016? The schoolroom with 28 Mar–17 Apr 11–5 M T W T F S S fascinating stories about how the girls of the Catering: restaurant (licensed) in house, table . . Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to 20 Apr–29 May 11–5 W T F S S family were educated. Four Books of Sentences service, 60 covers. Café in Timber Yard, self- site. Guided tour. Exclusive full house tours can 30 May–5 Jun 11–5 M T W T F S S by Peter Lombardus dated 1518, displayed in the service, 70 covers. Call to discuss catering. . . be requested at time of booking. Groups are also 8 Jun–24 Jul 11–5 W T F S S Library alongside Caxton’s Missal. welcome to join free public tours of ground floor 25 Jul–4 Sep 11–5 M T W T F S S Group admission: £8.90. Garden only £5.65. only, at regular intervals throughout the day. 7 Sep–23 Oct 11–5 . . W T F S S Shop. 24 Oct–30 Oct 11–5 M T W T F S S 5 Nov–18 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S Lyme M T W T F S S Catering: Mrs Dale’s Pantry and the Little Tea- Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Upper floors may close early if House* Room, both located within the hall, serve delicious light levels are poor. 15 Feb–30 Oct 11–5 M T . . F S S home-cooked food. Outdoor seating is also 78 F 4 g E G 4 5 D Garden, shop and tea-rooms available. Unfortunately, we’re unable to make Access: 15 Feb–30 Oct 11–5 M T W T F S S reservations due to the small size of both venues. Hall 03 1 E Reception 1E Winter courtyard, shop and tea-room** 2 Jan–14 Feb 11–3 . . . . . S S Grounds 03 1 j 5 Nov–31 Dec 11–3 . . . . . S S Park† Special interest tours 1 Jan–29 Mar 8:30–6 M T W T F S S 30 Mar–4 Oct 8–8 M T W T F S S Exclusive guided tour 5 Oct–31 Dec 8:30–6 M T W T F S S Take a light-hearted look at Tudor life and Park: Timber Yard, café and shop times as you’re led around one of Britain’s most 1 Jan–14 Feb 10–4 M T W T F S S famous and arguably the finest timber-framed, 15 Feb–30 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S moated manor house dating back over 500 years. 31 Oct–31 Dec 10–4 M T W T F S S Note: maximum group size 35. *Last entry one hour before closing; 25 July to 4 September, also open Thursdays. **Open 1 January. Closed 25 Tour cost from £65 per group December. †Park gates locked at closing. Duration 1 hour Access: 78 E F 4 g E G 4 5 D House 01 E Garden 03 1 j E

226 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 227 Garden best in: April–September. Group admission: £6.80.

Contact: 01625 445845 [email protected] Rufford Old Hall M T W T F S S Quarry Bank Rufford Old Hall 13 Feb–21 Feb 11–4 M T W T F S S Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4LA Coaches: coach parking, 200 yards. Steep hill, 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, 22 Feb–20 Mar 11–4 M T W . . S S many steps or ramp, shuttle service available. Lancashire L40 1SG 21 Mar–3 Apr 11–5 M T W . . S S When Samuel Greg built Quarry Bank at the 4 Apr–24 Apr 11–5 M T W T F S S beginning of the Industrial Revolution, he founded Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to With 500 years of the Hesketh family history 25 Apr–29 May 11–5 M T W . . S S not only a mill but a whole community. The site. For whole site visit allow 4 hours. Visits to Mill and 80 years of National Trust ownership, 30 May–5 Jun 11–5 M T W T . S S daily grind of workers is echoed in the Mill with and garden are self-led. Visit to Apprentice House Rufford Old Hall has plenty of stories to tell. Its 6 Jun–24 Jul 11–5 M T W . . S S its clattering looms, hissing steam engines and is by booked timed tour only. Tudor Great Hall hosted theatrical productions 25 Jul–28 Aug* 11–5 M T W T F S S relentless turning of the waterwheel. This contrasts in Shakespeare’s time. Did Shakespeare himself 29 Aug–23 Oct 11–5 M T W . . S S with the quiet pleasures enjoyed by the Gregs in Catering: café (licensed), assisted service, 90 spend a short time at Rufford in his youth? 24 Oct–6 Nov 11–5 M T W T F S S the picturesque garden, where rhododendrons covers. Discounted set menu, private room And what was the ‘moveable’ screen used for 12 Nov–18 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S flower by the river. At the Apprentice House, the subject to availability. Mill Pantry, assisted service. in the Great Hall? Why not find the answer to Open Good Friday. Car park closes 30 minutes after times life of a pauper child is revealed; and visitors can these questions yourself and discover Rufford’s above. Tudor Great Hall occasionally closed until 1 for weddings. *Property closed on Friday 12 August due to follow the workers’ journey home to their cottages Group admission: Mill, Apprentice House, garden fascinating past. Victorian-style garden and private event. in Styal village. In 2016, our major Heritage £14.50. Any two of the above £12. grounds offering seasonal displays of colours with Lottery-funded project gives the opportunity to carpets of bluebells in spring and golden leaves in Access: 78 F 4 g E L 4 D witness conservation in action, as the glasshouse autumn and views across the Leeds & Liverpool Building 03 1 s233E and kitchen garden are restored, revealing their Quarry Bank M T W T F S S Canal. compelling stories. Note: steep hill with 61 steps Mill, Apprentice House, shop and café Grounds 03 1 j E from car park. Visits to the Apprentice House are 1 Jan–12 Feb 10:30–3:30 . . W T F S S Garden best in: February–July. by timed guided tour only on a limited basis. No 13 Feb–30 Oct 10:30–5 M T W T F S S groups on Bank Holidays. 2 Nov–31 Dec 10:30–4 . . W T F S S Contact: 01704 821254 Special interest tours Garden [email protected] 13 Feb–30 Oct 10:30–5* M T W T F S S Tour with the gardener Closed 24 and 25 December, open daily 26 December to 1 Coaches: parking for 1 coach, adjacent to visitor Join the gardener for an exclusive tour of our January 2017. Apprentice House: limited availability, early reception. Coaches will be directed by a member charming gardens for a light-hearted look at the arrival advised. Popular destination for schools. *Garden closes dusk if earlier. of staff. garden’s history, its design and plants, as well as hearing about our resident bee colony. Access: 7E F 4 g E G 5 D Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Welcome to site. Guided tour. Out-of-hours tours£. Tour cost from £8 per person Building 03 E Grounds 3j 7 Introductory talk must be requested at time of Duration 1 hour booking. Shop.

Special interest tours Catering: tea-room (licensed), table service, 40 covers. Discounted group menu available if The working mill booked. Explore the contrasting stories of the Gregs and their mill workers as experienced guides offer unique insights into Quarry Bank. Watch live demonstrations of working mill machinery which show the developments in technology during the Industrial Revolution.

Tour cost from £20 per group Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

228 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 229 Coaches: limited parking facility, booking essential.

Visit: average duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. Sizergh Welcome to site. Shop. Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8DZ Catering: café (licensed), self-service, 80 covers with outdoor area on the terrace. Sorry, not With more than 750 years of history and possible to book. centuries-old portraits sitting alongside modern family photographs, this medieval house has been Group admission: £8.90. Garden only £5.45. home to the Strickland family. It is surrounded by Garden Friday and Saturday £4.35. rich gardens and a 647-hectare (1,600-acre) estate combining a newly created wetland, limestone pastures, orchards and semi-natural woodland, all Sizergh M T W T F S S inhabited by a rich variety of wildlife, including the House rare hawfinch. There is a limestone rock garden, 6 Mar–30 Oct 12–4 M T W T . . S where colours change with the seasons, and its Garden, café and shop* timeless atmosphere makes this the perfect place 9 Jan–5 Mar 10–4 M T W T F S S to relax. Sizergh has many tales to tell and it is 6 Mar–30 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S an unexpected treasure on the edge of the Lake 31 Oct–31 Dec 10–4 M T W T F S S District. Note: some opening restrictions apply. Estate Sorry, no groups on Bank Holiday weekends, Open all year 9–6† M T W T F S S Sundays during school holidays, or on special *Parts of garden closed Friday and Saturday in January, event days. February, November and December. †Closes at 4:30 in winter. Car park: open 9 to 4:30, 1 January to 6 March and 31 October to 31 December. Closed 25 December. Garden best in: April–October. Access: 78 F 4 g E G 4 What’s new in 2016? Newly created wetland area Building 0 s233E and bird hide. Coaches: parking for 6 coaches, 75 yards from Grounds 3j 7 E entrance. Contact: 015395 60951 [email protected] Speke Hall Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Entry to Hall for groups from 12:30. Groups are self-led and need Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD to divide into smaller groups of ten to prevent overcrowding. Shop. Speke Hall is a cherished Tudor mansion – an oasis of beauty, atmosphere and surprise. Built Catering: Home Farm restaurant, self-service, 60 by the Catholic Norris family during the unsettled covers, with additional outside seating, 500 yards Tudor period, the house has several hidden from house. Tea-room located closer to house. security features, including a priest’s hole and eavesdrop. Following years of neglect (including Group admission: £8.40. Grounds only £5.50. a spell when it was used as a cowshed), interiors were revived in a cosy Arts and Crafts-style during the Victorian push for improvement. Today you Speke Hall M T W T F S S can relax in inviting gardens and woodland, with 13 Feb–21 Feb 11–4 . . W T F S S seasonal displays of rhododendrons and bluebells 27 Feb–13 Mar 11–4 . . . . . S S – a tranquil escape from modern life. The adjacent 16 Mar–24 Jul 11–5 . . W T F S S coastal reserve, along the shore of the River 26 Jul–4 Sep 10:30–5 . T W T F S S Mersey, is perfect for bracing strolls and wildlife 7 Sep–30 Oct 11–5 . . W T F S S walks. Discovering 400 years of history will take 5 Nov–11 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S a full day. House: entry before 12:30 by guided tour only (places limited); free-flow access from 12:30. Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Some rooms under cover 13 February to 13 March Garden best in: April–August. for conservation reasons. Car park closes 30 minutes after times stated. Contact: 0151 427 7231 [email protected] Access: 78 E F 4 g E L 4 5 D Hall 01 E Grounds 3j 7 E

230 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 231 Catering: a buffet lunch or tea can be provided if Gondola is privately hired. Steam Yacht Group admission: 15% discount for Head of Lake Gondola cruise and Full lake cruises for booked groups. Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Steam Yacht Gondola M T W T F S S Cumbria LA21 8AN Head of Lake cruise 25 Mar–31 Oct 11–11:45 M T W T F . . Rebuilt from the original Victorian Gondola, 25 Mar–31 Oct 12–12:45 M T W T F . . today’s passengers can experience the nostalgia 25 Mar–31 Oct 1–1:45 M T W T F S S of a cruise once enjoyed by the Victorians. 26 Mar–30 Oct 2:30–3:15 . . . . . S S . . . . . Based on the design of a Venetian burchiello, 26 Mar–30 Oct 3:30–4:15 S S Gondola allows you to watch the steam engine Full Lake cruise in action and experience a gentle gliding motion 25 Mar–31 Oct 2:30–4:15 M T W T F . . in near silence. In the saloons, you can go first Walkers/Full Lake cruise class and pretend to be a ‘toff’, or be an ‘oik’ 26 Mar–30 Oct 11–12:45 . . . . . S S in third. Nowadays, we don’t segregate you Visit website for detailed timetable. Piers at Coniston, Monk as the Victorians did: the whole boat is worth Coniston and Parkamoor, also Lake Bank and Brantwood (not National Trust). All sailings depart Coniston Pier. exploring and the crew love to tell tales about her Cruises subject to weather conditions. chequered past and connections to Swallows and Amazons. Note: sailings depart from Coniston Pier Access: 7F 4 5 D Gangway 03 Catering: Stables Restaurant (licensed) not (subject to weather conditions). Sorry no toilet on National Trust, self-service, 200 covers, includes scheduled sailings. private Harness Room with waitress service and Special interest tours Tatton Park groups menu. Also Gardener’s Cottage, waitress Contact: 015394 32733 service, 80 covers. [email protected] A Victorian day out on Coniston Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN Low Wray Campsite, Low Wray, Ambleside, Indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Group admission: £5. Totally Tatton Ticket Cumbria LA22 0JA Coniston Water aboard this carefully rebuilt Set in 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of deer-park, (mansion, gardens and farm): £9. steam-powered yacht with its sumptuously the former Egerton family home is open for you to Coaches: parking for 2 coaches, 100 yards from upholstered saloons. Enjoy the glorious views explore. You’re welcome to uncover centuries of entrance. as wealthy Victorians once did. Disembark at history at Tatton’s Tudor Old Hall and witness life Tatton Park M T W T F S S Brantwood House (not National Trust), home of above and ‘below stairs’ in the mansion. Why not Parkland, gardens, restaurant and tea-room Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Introductory famous Victorian artist and writer John Ruskin wander at leisure through glorious gardens or visit 1 Jan–18 Mar* 10–5 . T W T F S S talk. Guided tour. Out-of-hours tours. Please before returning on Gondola. our working farm? You’ll love stopping off in the 19 Mar–30 Oct* 10–7 M T W T F S S allow 3 hours if visiting Brantwood House. Shop. Stableyard where you can eat, drink, chat, browse 1 Nov–31 Dec* 10–5 . T W T F S S Duration 3 hours and buy from our shops, restaurant and tea-room. Mansion There are more than 100 events, ranging from car 19 Mar–2 Oct 1–5 . T W T F S S shows to deer walks, making the perfect day out! 4 Oct–30 Oct 12–4 . T W T F S S Note: managed/financed by Cheshire East Council. Farm 2 Jan–13 Mar 11–4 . . . . . S S Garden best in: April–May, October. 19 Mar–30 Oct 12–5 . T W T F S S 5 Nov–31 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S Contact: 01625 374416 Shops [email protected] 1 Jan–18 Mar 12–4 . T W T F S S 19 Mar–30 Oct 11–5 M T W T F S S Coaches: park in the main car park, 250 yards from 1 Nov–31 Dec 12–4 . T W T F S S the Stableyard and shops. Drop-off point available. *Gardens, restaurant, tea-room close one hour earlier. Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Parkland, mansion, farm and garden: last admission one hour before closing. Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to Guided mansion tours at 12, Tuesday to Sunday, 19 March site. Guided tour£. Out-of-hours tours£. General to 2 October (timed ticket, places limited), small charge guided tours are available for the mansion and including members. Old Hall special opening arrangements. gardens. Groups 25+ will require an extra guide Mansion open for Christmas event (charge applies). Tatton Park closed 25 December. (additional charge). Shop. Access: 78 F 4 g E L 4 5 D Building 03 TE Grounds 03 j 7

232 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 233 Special interest tours

250 years in 50 acres Mapping out the landscape The gorgeous gardens at Tatton Park cover a Held at the Old Hall, this tour covers the period lot of history. Discover how each generation of from the 1500s when it was the centre of the the Egerton family made their own mark on the farming community, to the 1950s. Your guide landscape. In the walled kitchen garden unearth will interpret the local landscape, exploring the what the Victorians would have eaten and explore remains of the ancient nearby settlements and Japanese and Italian gardens in the English reveal examples of old maps and documents. countryside. Tour cost from £110 per group Tour cost from £110 per group Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Mr New and Mrs Cork Hidden treasures A rare opportunity to put yourself in the shoes Take a look behind the scenes in the mansion at of a Victorian servant and really get a taste of amazing artefacts and objets d’art. The eclectic what life was like for those ‘below stairs’. Join and fascinating items include Lord Egerton’s an entertaining costumed dramatic tour of the ethnographic store full of weird and wonderful mansion’s state rooms and servants’ quarters with collections, first-edition novels, transcriptions of the butler Mr New and housekeeper Mrs Cork. original documents, illustrated books on travel and animals, silver gilt and antique china. Tour cost from £110 per group Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Tour cost from £110 per group Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Open-fire cooking Whet your appetite for history with this How light has changed our lives memorable tour at the Old Hall designed to give Putting the spotlight on the evolution of domestic you a taste of food facts and fads through the Our daily bread Tatton in wartime lighting in the atmospheric setting of the Old centuries. Take a fun look at the diets of the estate A gastronomic journey through the centuries at Take a look at Tatton’s role in the Second World Hall, a Scheduled Ancient Monument dating from workers and gentry, and how they evolved over the Old Hall. We’ll go right back to the early 1500s War when it was used as a training ground for the early 1500s. An illuminating tour from the the years. when the hall was first built and end our journey the Parachute Regiment. The working farm also evocative glow of the hearth, through oil lamps in the 20th century. The tour looks at the food played an important role in supporting the estate and gas lights to the introduction of the electric Tour cost from £110 per group people grew, cooked and ate and the language of during this time and is set up as it was then for light bulb. Duration 2 hours food itself. you to see.

Tour cost from £110 per group Tour cost from £110 per group Tour cost from £110 per group Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Duration 2 hours

Putting the house to bed The wash day The correct cleaning and conservation techniques Witness how domestic chores used to be laboured are essential to the life and preservation of the over in times gone by. If you do fancy getting your mansion’s furniture, objects and art. Learn how hands dirty, bring along your own garment to to spot the signs of deterioration and find out all the Old Hall and try out the old-fashioned way of about historic special treatments and practices doing laundry for yourself. You’ll never complain employed to ensure the future of these glorious about doing the housework again! treasures from the past. Tour cost from £110 per group Tour cost from £110 per group Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

234 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 235 Coaches: coaches park across river at Wakefield Special interest tours Road car park, 300 yards. House accessed via footbridge from car park. Georgians and Cumbrian ghosts Wordsworth House With ghostly tales, haunting harpsichord music Visit: average duration is 1 hour 30 minutes. and a cast of costumed characters from when and Garden Introductory talk. Out-of-hours tours£. Out-of- Wordsworth was a boy, this entertaining evening hours tours can be organised to take place between tour is a memorable one. Gain an insight into the Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9RX 9 and 11:30 or after 5. Talks and harpsichord life of the Wordsworth family, meet the servants recitals (additional charge) can be arranged, during in the atmospheric Georgian kitchen and enjoy a Wordsworth’s childhood in this inspiring family opening times or out of hours. Shop. glass of wine. home helped turn him into one of the world’s best-loved poets. But there’s much more Catering: café, 18 covers, groups can only book Tour cost from £10 per person to this extraordinary Georgian town house. 2 tables due to small size. Groups can also book Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Costumed servants share the horrible truth catering at the Trout Hotel (not National Trust) about 18th-century life and cellar ghosts tell tales next door and receive a 10% discount. The daily life of the Wordsworths of happiness and heartbreak. Knowledgeable Be greeted by the Wordsworths’ servants for a volunteers offer personalised tours, while Group admission: £6.20. special insight into the life of young William in the an audio-guide reveals more of the house’s 1770s. Our costumed staff will talk about life in the fascinating past. The relaxing garden and cosy Georgian era and you can sample food in the busy café make a perfect ending to a visit. A new Wordsworth House and Garden M T W T F S S working kitchen – soak up the atmosphere and exhibition features Beatrix Potter, another lover House, garden, visitor centre and café ask questions at your leisure. of landscape, who was inspired by the Lakes and 12 Mar–30 Oct 10:30–5* M T W T . S S Wordsworth, on the 150th anniversary of her Visitor centre (shop only) Tour cost from £9 per person birth. 2 Nov–23 Dec 10:30–4 . . W T F S . Duration 1 hour 30 minutes *Café: open 10:30 to 4:30. House and garden: open at 11; Garden best in: June–August. last entry to house one hour before closing (timed tickets may operate on busy days). Open selected Fridays in Wordsworth’s childhood garden holidays, please ring for information. Tiptoe back in time through Wordsworth’s magical Contact: 01900 824805 childhood garden, the source of inspiration for [email protected] Access: 8F 4 g E G 4 5 D some of his most emotive and cherished poems. On this delightful guided tour, learn about the Building 1l E Grounds 1E research undertaken to establish how the garden was then and what it takes to keep it that way.

Tour cost from £9 per person Duration 1 hour

236 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 237 North West These properties have a limited offer for groups, but are well worth exploring for fascinating short visits that can be worked Aira Force and into your tour itinerary Ullswater near Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria

Aira Force is a showcase for the power and beauty Acorn Bank of nature, it’s a place to escape the ordinary. For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, Temple Sowerby, near Penrith, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Cumbria CA10 1SP Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Yet, Aira Force is much more than an At the heart of the Eden Valley, with spectacular impressive waterfall. A network of trails weave views to the Lake District, Acorn Bank is a tranquil their way from Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow haven with a rich and diverse history. The walled summit, passing towering Himalayan firs, rare gardens shelter a medicinal herb garden and red squirrels, woodland glades, picnic spots, and traditional orchards. Woodland walks, famous for views out across Ullswater. You can start your springtime daffodils, reveal a half-hidden story day in Glenridding and arrive by boat, taking in of gypsum mining and a working watermill with the sights of Ullswater valley along the way, then a medieval past. In the midst of this beautiful a footpath allows for a stroll back to Glenridding estate sits a 17th-century sandstone manor house, along the lakeshore. Note: boat rides on Ullswater once owned by the indomitable author and poet, operated by Ullswater ‘Steamers’, not National Dorothy Una Ratcliffe. This unfurnished manor Trust. 1-mile walk to the falls is steep with steps. is now partially open to our visitors while under The Glade is accessible by wheelchair, ½ mile from restoration. Note: access to fragile grass paths car park. may be restricted after wet weather. Contact: 01768 482067 Garden best in: April–July. [email protected] Coaches: no coaches, minibus only. Limited parking space, narrow access roads. Contact: 017683 61467 Coaches: parking space for 2 coaches, booking [email protected] essential. Wray Castle Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Introductory talk. Guided tour. Shop. Coaches: limited parking, booking essential. Visit: the Aira Force Guide gives all the Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0JA Space for 1 coach or minibus, 80 yards. Narrow information you need about walking trails, points Catering: small café, catering for groups only by approach road, access information with map of interest and Rangers’ tips. Shop. Boarding one of the regular lake cruises from arrangement. provided at time of booking. Ambleside allows you to arrive at Wray Castle in Catering: tea-room, self-service, 40 covers, with style. A gentle walk here also makes a perfect start Group admission: £7.25. Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Welcome to additional 50 outside. Special arrangements to your visit. This unusual and exciting National site. Guided tour£. Out-of-hours tours£. Shop. including packed lunches are possible for groups Trust castle is a place for all the family to explore but must be arranged at time of booking. and enjoy. We don’t have any of the original castle Wray Castle M T W T F S S Catering: small tea-room, not suitable for groups. contents, so it is more informal and child-friendly. Castle Catering for groups provided in a private room, Group admission: please contact for details. To find out more about the varied history of this 13 Feb–21 Feb 10:30–4 M T W T F S S booking essential. fascinating building, why not join one of our 19 Mar–30 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S regular guided tours? Explore the grounds with 5 Nov–27 Nov 10:30–4 . . . . . S S Group admission: £5.73. Aira Force and Ullswater M T W T F S S a quiet stroll through woodlands or along the Grounds Tea-room and shop* lakeshore paths. Note: car park fills up quickly at Open all year Dawn–dusk M T W T F S S 1 Jan–24 Dec 10–4:30 M T W T F S S peak times. We suggest using alternative transport Additional openings possible. Acorn Bank M T W T F S S Countryside where possible. Recommend large groups park in 13 Feb–6 Mar 11–4 . . . . . S S Open all year M T W T F S S Ambleside and arrive by boat. After disembarking, Access: 78 F 4 g L 4 D Castle 01 12 Mar–30 Oct 10–5* M . W T F S S *Tea-room: opens at 10:30. Opening times may vary during 500-yard walk, uneven ground up slight slope. 5 Nov–18 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S low season. *Tea-room open 10:30 to 4:30 March to October. Apple 7F 4 g 0 Contact: 015394 33250 Day: Sunday 9 October, 11 to 4:30 (access for event only). Access: Grounds [email protected] Access: 78 F 4 g L 4 D Watermill 0 1 House 01 E Grounds 03 1 j E

238 Please book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our places nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 239