national trust Archives - Plutonium Sox

Natalie Ray September 23, 2020 Days out

Carding Mill Valley dog friendly day out

Carding Mill Valley is a National Trust attraction just outside Church Stretton in Shropshire. With 10 miles of tracks and bridleways, it is the ideal place for serious hikers. Shorter walks with some accessible paths make it ideal for families as well. However, this description doesn’t do it justice at all. Breathtaking landscape, wild ponies wandering the hillside, a small reservoir that welcomes wild swimmers and a cafe serving light refreshments all add up to a wonderful day out. About Carding Mill Valley With nearly 5000 acres of hillside covered in heather, there is plenty to explore at Carding Mill…

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Natalie Ray February 11, 2019 Days out

The Firs National Trust dog friendly family day out

A couple of years ago, the Firs Elgar birthplace museum in Worcestershire became a National Trust property. This is the first time we’ve been since then. Happily, it remains a fascinating family day out. In fact, there have been a few significant improvements. Much of the museum is dog friendly and there are plenty of things to keep children entertained too. Edward Elgar and the Firs National Trust The history of Edward Elgar’s connection to this small cottage in Broadheath is fascinating. Born at the cottage in 1857, he lived there until he was just two years old. His family…

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Natalie Ray December 1, 2017 What's on West Midlands

Adam Speaks at National Trust Croome

As the sun set over Croome, coloured lights shone on the Adam Speaks Tree House art installation. The project paid tribute to the influence designer Robert Adam had on the estate. But the beautiful landscape combined with the colours of nature seemed to insist on a nod to Capability Brown. The Adam Speaks project The project began with a search for an emerging artist. Under the guidance of national artist Hew Locke, the successful applicant would create an exciting new artwork. The theme would be the influence that Robert Adam had on Croome. The estate itself is developing according to…

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Natalie Ray August 20, 2017 Outdoor fun

A morning stroll around the Walled Gardens at Croome Court

The girls leant their bikes against the wall and ventured into the secret garden. It was like stepping into the Georgian era. Being transported back to a time when the produce from this expansive garden would feed everyone on the Croome Estate. The history of the Walled Gardens at Croome Court 17 years ago, a couple by the name of Chris and Karen were looking for a project. The gardener’s cottage at Croome was perfect. Derelict and set in a vast plot of land, the property inspired visions of a transformation into an eight-bedroomed house. There would be a swimming pool, jacuzzi and tennis courts.…

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Natalie Ray May 31, 2017 Days out

Why it is worth investing in a National Trust membership

Our National Trust membership is one of the best investments we make each year. So far, we’ve been paying the £108 a year for joint membership because children under 5 can go in free. We’ll soon have to upgrade though to a family membership – but even this only costs £114.60 per year. And once that’s paid, our National Trust days out are free all over the UK for the year. What is the National Trust? Just in case you’re not familiar with the British Institution that is the National Trust, I’ll give you a brief overview. The National Trust…

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