National Trust - Coughton Court - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Kinwarton Dovecote is circular 14th-century dovecote situated on the edge of the village of Kinwarton, near Alcester, Warwickshire, England. The dovecote is in the ownership of the National Trust and is a scheduled monument. The building still houses doves to this day and is noted for its "potence" which provides access to the nesting boxes.

Ragley Hall has been the ancestral home of the Hertford family for over 300 years. The 6,500-acre estate welcomes visitors with its 18th century gatehouse, the winding driveway through the green fields with sheep grazing. On the top of the hill stands the glorious Palladian mansion, which was designed by Robert Hook, with its majestic portico and grand horse-shoe steps. It has lawns, trees, shrubs and views over the park. The cricket pitch dates from 1625.

Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest area of open space in Redditch, 900 acres in size, including a visitor center, café, and gift shop. The lake is home to Redditch Sailing Club and the Youth Afloat initiative, which provides sailing experience for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity. The park was recognized with a Civic Trust Green Flag Award in 2005. A visitor center, the Countryside Centre (access off the B4497, Battens Drive) was opened in 2000 and is open most days.

Bredon Hill is the largest of the Cotswold ‘outliers’ and is the only Cotswold hill to lie fully within Worcestershire, although part of the escarpment at Broadway also lies within the county. Both peaks have distinctive 18th-century follies at their summit. It was also the site of a great battle after which it was abandoned. In 2011 the largest hoard of Roman silver coins ever found in Worcestershire was discovered near to the Hillfort.

Mary Arden's Farm is a working farm that keeps pace with the season so there is always something new to see and do. You will find animals at the farm including donkeys, goats, sheep and more. Palmer’s Farmhouse is a fascinating Tudor house and actually much nicer than Mary Arden’s house. Watch fascinating falconry displays and try your hand at archery, or visit the timber-framed adventure playground to let off some steam.

Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. It illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world’s needles.