Baddesley Clinton
Medieval moated manor
It’s not often you come across a place that, when viewed from different angles, seems like several houses, not one. There’s the moat and a gatehouse with a sturdy Tudor oak door, then a courtyard with bright flower beds, planted in the heraldic colours of the Ferrers family who owned the house for 500 years. Catholics were persecuted in the 16th century and the house has three priests’ hiding holes and a Sacristy and Chapel on the upper floor.
Beautifully furnished with many treasures it is very atmospheric – one of the very helpful volunteers who run the NT properties told me it is lovely in all seasons but one of her favourites is in the lead up to Christmas (it is closed on Christmas Day). The grounds are beautiful with walks, stew ponds (fish ponds) and a walled garden. There’s also a cafe and a shop.
My image reproduced with kind permission from the National Trust.