National Trust property Hanbury Hall is located just off the M5 motorway, on the outskirt of Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire. It was something of a convenient pit stop, as my sister and I were meeting friends for lunch just off the next motorway junction.



A view of Hanbury Hall from the veg patch
Many National Trust properties remain open all year round or with reduced day over the Winter period. It is a great chance to enjoy a stroll in the gardens or parkland when they are a little quieter. Just be sure to wrap up warm, then again that sounds like the perfect excuse to call into the tea room for a cuppa. 



A view of Hanbury Hall and the Partiere

Hanbury Hall is an 18th century house and garden, set in 400 acres of park land home to the Vernon family.  



We had around one hour and twenty minutes before we had to be back on the road. Just enough time for a short guided tour around the ground floor rooms, then a stroll around the Parterre and vegetable garden. 



It’s a short level walked up to the front of the house, you walk through a rather lovely gated entrance to the forecourt. It is indeed a beautiful looking house, but not a huge mansion. 



Hanbury Hall Partiere
A view of the Hanbury Hall Partiere

There were eight visitors on the house tour, and I am pleased to say our guide was very knowledgeable. I love hearing the stories of intrigue, family success and ruin. There was even a mention of Shropshire, but I will not elaborate as I would not want to give anything away. The staircase paintings by Sir James Thornhill were most impressive. Something noticed at a few National Trust properties I have visited recently, including Croft Castle, they encourage visitors to sit on the furniture. Specific chairs  are available for visitors to stop, sit and take in the surrounding – obviously not all properties can do this.

Hanbury Hall Garden National Trust
Plants protected from frost

I hope to visit again in the Spring, as the Partiere is sure to look magnificent with a Spring bulbs display. As we had very little time there was no visit to the Tea Room or a chance to explore other areas of the garden. There was also other tours of the house available, next time maybe.

Highlights
  • The Partiere
  • Tour of the house
  • It maybe Autumn but the gardens were looking very neat and tidy
  • Staircase painting
  • Location – just 10 minutes of junction 6 of the M5, great way to break up a long journey up the M5.
Interested in other National Trust or English Heritage properties I have visited:-