National Trust - Baddesley Clinton - Solihull

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, England, lies the enchanting Baddesley Clinton, a historic manor house owned by the National Trust. This 16th-century moated manor is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called it home. Let's delve into the fascinating world of Baddesley Clinton.

Main Services

• Historic House Tours: Explore the rich history of Baddesley Clinton with guided tours of the manor house, led by knowledgeable volunteers and staff.
• Gardens and Grounds: Wander through the beautiful gardens and grounds, featuring formal parterres, a yew maze, and a tranquil lake. The gardens are particularly stunning in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom.
• Café and Gift Shop: Refuel at the on-site café, offering a range of light refreshments and homemade cakes. The gift shop is stocked with a variety of National Trust merchandise, local crafts, and souvenirs.
• Events and Activities: Baddesley Clinton hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including family-friendly activities, historical reenactments, and seasonal celebrations.

Location and Access

Baddesley Clinton is located at Rising Lane, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0DQ, United Kingdom. It is situated approximately 8 miles southwest of Birmingham International Airport and 6 miles northeast of the M42 motorway. The nearest train station is Dorridge, about 2.5 miles away, with regular services to and from Birmingham and London.

Parking is available on-site, with dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. The manor house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, with ramped entrances and adapted toilet facilities. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds but are not permitted inside the house.

Featured Characteristics

• Moated Manor House: The heart of Baddesley Clinton is its stunning moated manor house, originally built in the 15th century and vastly remodeled in the 16th century. The house is a striking example of Tudor architecture, featuring characteristic black-and-white timber framing, tall chimneys, and an impressive great hall.
• Historic Collections: The manor house is filled with fascinating artifacts, including a collection of 16th-century tapestries, intricate wood carvings, and an impressive array of portraits and paintings depicting the house's former inhabitants.
• Secret Chambers: Baddesley Clinton is home to a series of secret chambers and priest holes, remnants of its role as a hiding place for Catholic priests during the Reformation. These hidden spaces offer a fascinating insight into the manor's past and the challenges faced by Catholics during this period.
• Yew Maze: One of the highlights of the gardens is the yew maze, planted in the 18th century and thought to be one of the oldest hedge mazes in Britain. The maze is a delight for visitors of all ages, offering a fun and engaging way to explore the gardens.

Practical Information

Baddesley Clinton is open to the public from March to October, with varying opening hours depending on the time of year. Admission is free for National Trust members, while non-members pay a suggested donation of £12.50 for adults and £6 for children (5-17 years). Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

Guided tours of the manor house are included in the admission price and typically run at set times throughout the day. The café and gift shop are also open during the same period as the house and gardens, offering a chance to rest, refuel, and pick up a souvenir.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Baddesley Clinton boasts an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business, with over 5,300 reviews. Visitors consistently praise the manor's charm, beauty, and historical significance:

• Historic Interest: Many reviewers highlight the fascinating history of Baddesley Clinton, with particular mention of the guided tours, secret chambers, and the manor's role in the Reformation.
• Gardens and Grounds: The beautiful gardens and grounds receive frequent praise, with visitors enjoying the yew maze, formal parterres, and the picturesque lake.
• Staff and Volunteers: The friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers are often singled out for their warmth, enthusiasm, and willingness to share their expertise.
• Family-Friendly: Families with children report having a wonderful time at Baddesley Clinton, with many mentioning the yew maze and other child-friendly activities.

In the words of one reviewer, "A hidden gem! Baddesley Clinton is a beautiful and historic house with stunning gardens. The guided tour was informative and engaging, and the staff were incredibly friendly. A fantastic day out for all the family."

Baddesley Clinton offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and family-friendly fun, making it an unmissable attraction in the West Midlands. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a gardening fanatic, or simply looking for a charming day out, Baddesley Clinton is sure to captivate and delight.

👍 Reviews of National Trust - Baddesley Clinton

mark S.

5/5

A fantastic example of an historic moated manor house. Its a national trust location so free if you are a member. The guides were all very friendly and knowledgeable. The gardens and grounds are very well kept. A cafe, church, and second hand book shop are all located here as well, lots to see and do. A good location for a keen photographer.

Marianne

5/5

Baddesley Clinton is a great example of moated Manor House.
Lots of wonderful history with its well preserved priest holes.
A church to have a look round.
Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, which is always a bonus.
Grounds are beautiful and well kept.
There is a very nice cafe/restaurant.
Lots to enjoy for all the family.

Ollie F.

5/5

Baddesley Clinton was absolutely lovely on a glorious late summer day! A property with varied and interesting history, in a stunning location.

Special note for the barn restaurant where the food was served quickly and the iced coffee was top notch. Only downside was the wasps. 🐝

Scott C.

5/5

Baddesley Clinton is a national trust property well worth a visit! Very helpful staff in all the rooms to tell you about the history of the property! Beautiful gardens! Cafe and shop toilets all with in the main court yard!

Mickey M.

5/5

Informative volunteers beautiful setting fairytale moat . One of the nicest NT properties we have visited as new members. House is a pleasant walk round the gardens however are divine . Long enough to get lost in the plants and vegetables, but short enough with seats to be ok for us pensioners to tackle . Highly recommended will visit again .

Martin H. (.

5/5

Enjoyed looking around this beautiful moated manor house. Recommended if you are in the area. Not too dog friendly, but there is a walk around the estate for them.

paul A.

5/5

Steeped in history the house dates back to 1066. One of the residence of the house painted everyone who visited. With a moat around it and several priests holes. The gardens have Topiary in them which winds up to the top where you have a view over the gardens and house. Don't miss the Sunken Garden. Large Restaurant and Toilets and the National Trust Shop. If you are taking your dog please be aware their are places where you can't take them. Disabled Toilets and Parking are available.

Sher B.

5/5

Give the gardeners a raise. The gardens in this property are just breathtaking. We really enjoyed the time we spent walking through them and you can just see the amount of thought and effort and care that went into everything.