THE dramatic ruins of Witley Court and Gardens are well worth a visit with something to offer for people of all ages and secrets and mysteries to discover.
Managed by English Heritage, the magnificent country house in Great Witley near Worcester is a majestic ruin which recalls an age of vanished grandeur.
This is a subjective, personal guide to why Witley Court is the perfect place for a family day out.
For a start it is more accessible than many other historic sites for people living in Worcester - just a short drive (around 20 minutes) from the city on the A443, heading in the direction of Tenbury Wells.
This is a similar distance from Worcester city centre as the National Trust's Croome Court, another popular destination for families.
Built in the 17th century and remodelled in Victorian times, Witley Court is an elegant building in the classical style. The house was consumed by a fire in 1937 which gutted the Italianate building. This has, however, only added to its mystique and beguiling atmosphere.
The fire-ravaged shell of the building still has a haunting, scorched and scarred beauty all its own which a house still whole and untouched may lack.
My son, three, loved exploring the ruins of the old house, listening to the sounds his echoes made in the ruins and peering into its many nooks and crannies.
The buildings would not be out of place in a lavish Merchant Ivory film or on the set of Downton Abbey or Brideshead Revisited.
Witley Court was, at one time, quite literally fit for a king. In the 1890s fashionable society flocked to Witley Court, including the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.
But it was the Perseus and Andromeda fountain firing into life at noon that really captured my son's imagination. He was talking days later about the unexpected soaking he got when it erupted and about the Greek hero 'stabbing the monster through the mouth with his spear'.
He loves Greek myths and legends so it was something of a revelation for him to see his favourite story of Perseus configured into a titanic statue - and an even bigger shock when it seemed to come to life before his eyes. There were shrieks of delight from many of the children (and their parents and grandparents) and it added a lightness and fun to what might otherwise seem a slightly melancholy place.
Here is a list of reasons to recommend Witley Court for a visit
(1) Romantic ruins - the ruins conjure up bygone age of elegance and opulence. Built for the Foleys in the 17th century on the site of a former manor house, it was expanded in the early 19th century by the architect John Nash for Thomas Foley, 3rd Baron Foley. Adults can savour the atmosphere and children can explore the ruins and imagine the house in its heyday before the fire gutted it.
(2) Incredible views and vistas - gaze out across the lake and from the shell of the house itself towards the fountain or look from the fountain back towards the house and soak in the atmosphere. This is a place full of striking and memorable panoramas.
The golden dome of the baroque church peeks out resplendent above the ruins of the great house and catches the sunlight. The fountain itself is also a good landmark by which to orientate yourself as you wander around the grounds.
(3) The Perseus and Andromeda Fountain - the sight is particularly striking when it fires into life and gives visitors a surprise soaking. Beware - on a windy day a gust of wind can catch the spray and give you a light (but refreshing) drenching. Following a seven-month conservation project the fountain has now been fully restored and fires every day from April to the end of October.
(4) Boat rides on the lake. For a small price you can have a ride in a boat on the lake. Can there be anything more sedate or quintessentially English than a lazy boat trip on a hot summer day?
(5) Wilderness play area - the wooden play area provides a fun and challenging space for adventurous children of all ages. There are wobbly bridges, tree houses, scramble nets and a side. It's nice to see something as well crafted as this - and not a piece of cheap and nasty plastic in sight. The area is also great for family picnics with plenty of space and shade to find in the trees on a hot summer day.
(6) Great Witley Church - this grade I listed church was untouched by the fire of 1937. The parish church of St Michael and All Angels is attached to Witley Court. It is famous worldwide for its Italianate Baroque interior (Great Witley Church is not managed by English Heritage). There is also a cafe nearby for food and refreshments.
(7) Woodland walks - paths wind through Witley's vast parkland. The estate plays host to wildlife and a wide variety of different species of trees and shrubs from all over the world. Witley Court is known for its rhododendron collection. There is also a rustic Victorian boathouse to enjoy. You may even catch a glimpse of a great crested grebe fishing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here