WITLEY COURT IN DEPTH – AUTUMN/WINTER TOURS

Seasonal tours offer new views of historic Worcestershire ruined house and gardens

Imagine having the grounds of a Victorian mansion all to yourself to explore – that is the plan this autumn as English Heritage offers exclusive tours of Witley Court & Gardens, nearWorcester, that will give participants a unique insight into the history and continuing conservation of the site and gardens.

There are four special tours taking place over November and December, each looking at a different aspect of the house and garden, starting on 11 November when visitors can enjoy a day behind the scenes with site supervisor, Spencer Trickett. “We’ve had many requests for longer guided tours around the areas of the site not normally open to the public – including the cellars and the stable block – so these two days take this one step further, not only looking around the property but also spending time handling artefacts from the site’s colourful history, to provide a much deeper understanding of life on a Victorian country estate,” explains Spencer.

On Friday 18 November, architectural and landscape photographer Nick Meers will offer a very different view of Witley Court – through the lens of a camera. Nick’s Photo Walk has been designed for the more advanced and adventurous photography enthusiasts, offering tips and guidance on composition, light colouring and filtration, and following the light around Witley’s grounds to find new and interesting ways of looking at an old building!

The day runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm, starting with an introductory presentation before heading around the ruins and the grounds for the interactive workshop. This photo workshop is aimed at DSLR (Digital SLR) and bridge camera owners (one in which the aperture and shutter speeds can be changed) who are keen to venture beyond the ‘auto’ setting on their camera to create stunning photographs.

A special walk around the gardens with one of English Heritage’s skilled gardeners takes place on Friday 2 December, when visitors are invited to learn more about the iconic evergreens that provide year-round colour in Witley’s grounds. The tour gives a unique insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to conserve and maintain the gardens’ arboriculture so that they look their best ready for the spring and summer seasons. Each tour lasts around 90 minutes, with a morning session from10.00amand afternoon at1.00pm.

The Behind the Scenes tour with Spencer Trickett returns on Friday 9 December, including an additional opportunity to look at the extended range of Christmas gift ideas available fromWitley Court’s gift shop at the end of the day.

“Often, our tours take place when the site is open to the general public, but this winter, they take place when the site is closed. This creates a far quieter, and much more intimate tour, with limited numbers so that participants can really get to know Witley Court, and see it through the eyes of their tour guide – be that one of the gardeners, the site team or indeed, through the camera lens on the Photo Walk,” explains English Heritage’s regional events manager, Karen Pike.

Prices for the tours are:

• Photo Walk (18 November and 24 February) - £60 for EH members, £70 for non-members, including lunch
• Winter Interest Walks ( 2 December and 3 February) - £15 for English Heritage members and £20 for non-members
• Behind the Scenes Days (11 November, 9 December, 13 January, 10 February and 9 March) - £20 for members, £25 for non members.

All tours should be pre-booked by calling 0870 333 1183, as places are strictly limited.

Witley Courtis open for visitors every weekend throughout the winter (excluding 24 -25 December and 1 January) from10.00amto4.00pm. Admission prices are £6.30 for adults, £5.70 for concessions and £3.80 for children, with a family ticket available for just £16.40 (two adults and up to three children).

The gift shop is also open every weekend, with a wide range of festive gift ideas, from traditional wines and liqueurs, jams and chutneys to Victorian jewellery.

For more information, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witley

ENDS

Notes to editors:  We have a limited number of places for journalists on each of the tours.  Please contact Jay Commins on 0113 251 5698 to reserve a place.

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)

Tel: 0113 251 5698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@fim.org.uk