As it was Mr S's birthday recently I treated us all to a family membership with The National Trust (I pay for it monthly to make it affordable). Most weekends we had reached the point where we were stuck for ideas on where to go as there are only so many times you can visit the same coffee shops!!
So last weekend Oliver was away on cub camp so Mr S and I decided to try our first National Trust property as we had time to kill before picking O up from camp.
Packwood House is in Lapworth Warwickshire so not too far for us to drive over to from where we live. The layout is a bit strange at first as you drive past the house to get to the car park and visitor center (parking is free). Once parked we headed over to the visitor area and found a stand dedicated to those who are already members, I showed our temporary cards (you wait three weeks for the pack to arrive once you apply but they email you temporary cards) and we received a warm welcome. As we hadn't visited before we were given a map to find our way around. Entrance to the house is on a timed ticket basis and you can choose which time slot you prefer. We chose to give ourselves an hour to wander around first.
Our first port of call was the cafe where we had a coffee each (about the same price as most coffee shops) and sat outside admiring the countryside view.
Coffee with a view this morning at Packwood House #nationaltrust #packwoodhouse #nationaltrustmemberA post shared by NattyNikki 💋 (@nattynikki) on May 21, 2017 at 3:56am PDT
After this we pottered along a path which took us towards the house and gardens, do note that to get to the house you need to cross a road so if you have little ones with you just make sure they are safe.
Once across the road you can enter the gardens which to be honest is what we had come to see.
The gardens are lovely especially the Yew Tree Garden which when you see it from the road looks really imposing! It would be a good place for hide and seek if you have children with you.
As we were short on time we didn't fully explore all of the grounds as there was also a lake and follies you could walk through.
The house itself is quite small so doesn't take that much time to explore, you are permitted to take photos inside as long as you don't use flash photography.
What I liked were the cushions dotted around the house with anecdotes from the former butler which gives you an insight into what life was like in the house when Mr Ash lived there.
Aside from the house and gardens there are also walks you can take which are listed on the map, sadly we didn't have time to try any out but the one I liked the look of took you into ancient woodland.
My tips for visiting are:
If you want to take your dog(s) with you they are welcome on certain parts of the site on the lead (not in the main gardens or house) and where there may be livestock you are asked to keep them on a lead.
Entrance to the house is ticketed so be aware that on busy days you may have a wait to see the house.
Food- If we visit again I would take a picnic as the food can be pricey and there are plenty of spots for a picnic around the grounds.
Since we joined the National Trust we have visited three properties so keep your eyes peeled for more days out coming soon!
