Attingham Park is an 18th-century mansion with Regency interiors, set in parkland just east of Shrewsbury and run by the National Trust. Guided tours bring the house's history to life, and its rooms hold paintings, silver and furniture. Outside, deer roam the park, a network of paths runs through woodland and grassland, and the walled garden is being brought back into production. At Christmas, every room is decorated with themed trees.
From an 18th-century estate to a National Trust property
The mansion was built in 1785 in a neoclassical style, and its interiors reflect the Regency period. The estate has seen fortunes made, overspent and lost, and later revived and rediscovered.
The National Trust received Attingham Park as a bequest in 1947. Restoration work on the house and grounds has continued in recent years, and parts of the estate are still being brought back to their former appearance.
Inside the mansion
The rooms hold large collections of paintings, silver and furniture. Costumed guides lead tours that tell the story of the house and the people who lived there.
The Behind Closed Doors tour is a paid extra. It takes you to the top two floors and covers the last owner of the estate. Photography is not allowed on that tour. Look for the information booklets in each room if you want more background on the house.
The visit also includes the servants' side of the house, with the kitchen and the Servants Hall, which shows how the household ran below stairs.
The walled garden
The walled garden covers about two acres and is grown organically. It has fruit trees and shrubs, bright annual plants, herbaceous borders and glasshouses. The garden is being brought back into production, and it supplies flowers, fruit and vegetables for the house and the tea rooms.
The Mile Walk is also being restored. In February, the estate has snowdrop displays.
Parkland, deer and walks
The estate has about 200 acres of parkland. Fallow deer live in the deer park, and a ranger feeds them at set times. Walks run along the river, through the deer park and into woodland, with grassland opening up in between.
The paths suit a range of walks, from short loops to routes of around four miles. The paths near the river and through the deer park are suitable for wheelchairs. Early mornings are the quietest time to walk the grounds and see the deer.
Visiting with a dog or children
Dogs can walk the parkland, but they cannot enter the mansion. Keep them on a lead near the deer, and use the poo bins provided across the grounds.
Children have a play area with equipment and tunnels to run through. Family trails and events run through the year, and the estate suits visitors of all ages.
Food and shopping
The Carriage House Café sits in the Stables Courtyard, and the tea rooms serve afternoon tea. Visitors also mention cake and ice cream, and the cafés offer vegan choices.
A charity bookshop on site sells books, and there are plenty of spots for a picnic on the grass.
FAQ
Can I bring a dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the grounds and parkland walks, but they are not allowed inside the mansion. Choose the Outdoors Only ticket if you bring a dog, and keep it on a lead near the deer.
How long do you need?
Most visitors spend a few hours here, and some spend a whole day. Allow more time if you take a guided tour.
Is the estate wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, parking and seating are wheelchair accessible. The paths near the river and through the deer park are suitable for wheelchairs.
Are there vegan options?
Yes. The cafés on site offer vegan choices.
