Keeping the home fires burning

Buy photos » Sarah Kinnersley, Sian Goodman, Joanne Davenport, Claire Blackburn and Nick Taylor are ready to welcome visitors to Cougton Court whatever the weather. Picture by Chloe Steele National Trust.

RESIDENTS are being invited to ditch the miserable weather forecast for the bank holiday weekend and relax in the home of the Throckmorton family.

Staff at Coughton Court will be lighting the fires of the National Trust run property and inviting visitors to come inside and warm themselves, play traditional games, read a book or magazine or enjoy some music.

For those who do not mind getting wet there will be plenty of chances to take an activity card and splash about in puddles or catch a raindrop as they explore the grounds of the property, home to the Throckmorton family for more than 600 years.

Operations manager Christian Walker said: "At this time of year, we are usually throwing open the doors and welcoming in the fresh spring air. With such wintry weather instead, this Bank Holiday we are lighting the fires, putting out traditional games and books and inviting our visitors to come in out the cold, settle down by the fire and get cosy in our country home."

Coughton Court is open between 11am and 5pm. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughtoncourt or call 01789 400777 for more information.

Regional news »