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Baddesley Clinton: A Timeless Warwickshire Manor

Explore 500 years of history, secret priest holes, and tranquil gardens at Warwickshire’s enchanting Baddesley Clinton manor.

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Baddesley Clinton is a historic moated manor house in Warwickshire, England, owned by the National Trust. With origins dating back over 500 years, it was home to the Ferrers family and features remarkable Tudor and Jacobean architecture, secret priest holes, intimate family chapels, and beautifully maintained gardens. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, library, and artist’s studio, while seasonal events and a charming barn restaurant enhance the experience.

A brief summary to National Trust - Baddesley Clinton

  • Rising Ln, Solihull, Knowle, B93 0DQ, GB
  • +441564783294
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the house after 11am when it opens to enjoy guided tours and explore the interiors fully.
  • Take time to stroll the gardens and look for seasonal art installations like the Snowman™ trail in winter.
  • Enjoy a meal or hot drink at the Barn Restaurant, which offers indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Pick up a book at the second-hand bookshop for a unique souvenir or gift.
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Getting There

  • Train and Bus

    Take a train to Solihull station, approximately 15-25 minutes from Birmingham New Street. From Solihull, catch the S1 or S2 bus towards Knowle, with a journey time of about 30 minutes. Buses run hourly, and tickets cost around £5-£8. Note that bus service frequency may be limited on weekends.

  • Car

    Driving from central Birmingham takes about 30-40 minutes via the M42 and A34. Limited parking is available on site at Baddesley Clinton, free for National Trust members and £5 for non-members. The roads near the manor are rural and narrow, so caution is advised.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Solihull station to Baddesley Clinton typically takes 20 minutes and costs approximately £20-£30. This option is convenient for groups or those with mobility needs.

National Trust - Baddesley Clinton location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Historical Legacy of the Ferrers Family

Baddesley Clinton stands as a captivating testament to over five centuries of English history. The manor was the ancestral home of the Ferrers family, whose influence shaped much of the house's character. Henry Ferrers, a lawyer, diarist, and antiquarian, was instrumental in the late 1500s construction and embellishment of the estate, introducing many Tudor and Jacobean elements still visible today. The house’s architecture reflects the evolving styles of its era, with notable features such as the elaborate wooden chimneypiece installed in 1629 and the magnificent stone chimneypiece originally from the Great Parlour.

Architectural and Interior Highlights

Visitors to Baddesley Clinton can explore a variety of rooms that reveal the manor’s rich past. The Great Hall and scullery offer insights into historic domestic life, while the library houses approximately 3,000 books and a mysterious bloodstain linked to local legend. The intimate family chapel upstairs features painted leather wall coverings and a triptych altar painted by 19th-century resident Georgiana Chatterton. The artist’s studio, recently opened to the public, is furnished as it would have been during Lady Georgiana’s time, adding a personal touch to the manor’s story.

Secret Spaces and Religious History

A unique aspect of Baddesley Clinton is its priest hole, a concealed hiding place designed during a time of religious persecution. Created in the 1590s, it could shelter up to nine Catholic priests simultaneously, reflecting the Ferrers family's Catholic faith and the turbulent history of the era. This secret feature remains a poignant reminder of the manor’s role in England’s religious conflicts.

Gardens and Surrounding Landscape

The manor is set within beautifully maintained gardens and grounds that change with the seasons, offering a tranquil retreat for visitors. The gardens feature a variety of plantings and outdoor art installations, including seasonal events like the festive Snowman™ sculpture trail. The surrounding Warwickshire countryside provides a scenic backdrop, enhancing the manor’s peaceful atmosphere.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Baddesley Clinton offers a welcoming visitor center, a barn restaurant serving hot and cold meals, and a second-hand bookshop that delights literary enthusiasts. The shop and plant sales provide unique souvenirs and gifts. Guided tours and knowledgeable staff enrich the visit, with special events held throughout the year, including Christmas evening tours and festive celebrations.

Preservation and National Trust Stewardship

Now cared for by the National Trust, Baddesley Clinton is preserved as a cultural heritage site, ensuring its history and architecture remain intact for future generations. The Trust’s stewardship balances public access with conservation, maintaining the house, gardens, and surrounding environment with respect and care.

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