Hidcote is one of the National Trust's best-known gardens; as an example of an Arts & Crafts garden…read morelaid out to comprise different "rooms", it was influential in the design of many others. Hidcote was created by the American Lawrence Johnston. He and his mother frst moved to the UK in 1900, their wealth originating in the US stockbroking business. He became a naturalised British citizen, and fought with distinction in the Boer War, where he also became interested in the diverse flora of South Africa, as well as the First World War. His mother - Mrs Gertrude Winthrop - bought the Hidcote Manor estate in 1907, and Johnston immediately set about developing the gardens there, a project that lasted for 40 years, and including organising plant-hunting expeditions around the world. In the meantime, he also purchased a property in the south of France, and retired there permanently in 1948, at which point the National Trust acquired Hidcote. Today, the ground floor rooms of the Manor House are open to the public, and the adjacent mediaeval chapel is in use as a second-hand bookshop. But the main attraction is the 10 acres of gardens include a wide variety of planting styles, from intimate secret gardens with ponds and fountains, to dramatic lengths of herbaceous border, topiary, formal avenues of trees, and expanses of lawn. The renown of the garden is such that it regularly hosts the BBC's Gardeners' World TV programme. The garden is at its best in early summer, but there is interest year round. Note parts of the garden are at different levels, so there is no level access to all areas. The site includes a shop and cafeteria, serving the usual National Trust selection of light meals and cakes. There is a large car park across the lane from the Manor House.

This was a highlight of the time we spent in the Cotswolds. Words can't describe how absolutely…read morebeautiful the Hidcote Garden is. What is most impressive is the variety of different areas in the garden that are all impeccably done. This is both a lovely place for a quiet stroll or outdoor lunch. The cafe has surprisingly good English food.

You know those amazingly warm and sunny weekends? Well we don't get them too often and when they…read morehappen I get the urge to do something quintessentially English. So last one day recently saw a much needed drive out of Brum and into the countryside. I'm not a National Trust member but I am starting to wonder why? Our visit to Packwood House was fantastic. You can go into the house and even have a tour but we wanted to experience the gardens, herbaceous borders and huge yew topiaries up close. The house is originally 16th century and features several gorgeous blue and gold sun dials - so check your watch against them and see which are still set to GMT. The gardens are beautiful and kept in stunning condition. Mostly they are comprised of some very distinct and large yew topiaries. The highlight has to be walking up the helter skelter style border to reach the top of The Mound which is adorned with a large yew tree. From there you can take in the views, enjoy the cool shade and benefit from some much needed peace. The rest of the gardens are a mix of wild and wonderful plants and the look must change considerably throughout the year. Don't miss out on walking around the back of the house to catch the very unique sun dial monument. A great day out even if you are not a National Trust member - stunning!

Packwood is another National Trust property right on the doorstep and one that makes me so glad…read morethat we got membership for a Chrismas present. The gardens are the usual lovely mixture of more formal with some stunning yew trees to admire, plus the broader park land. The formal area is very children friendly and there's a lovely little raised mound right at the back that's lots of fun to run up. The pak land has a great walk and there's a large pond/small lake with ducks. It's a good place to explore and there's the usual wooded area to wander around too. The National Trust is so much better at welcoming families and Packwood now has so much more to offer children such as outdoor games and family activities during holidays. Picnics are welcome too. There isn't a cafe or restaurant although you can get coffee and snacks from the reception area. The toilets are in the car park.

Really nice setting that is a wonderful day out. You will not be disappointed if you like stately…read morehomes and typical National Trust fare.

I couldn't disagree more with the views aired here. While it's without a doubt that the house…read morecontains some treasures, porcelains and paintings in particular, there are more attractive NT properties about, including of the period in question. The interior of this house is drab and dark, in fact so dark that some of the paintings (some truly stunning) are virtually impossible to enjoy, unless you brought a torch with you... I may have been unlucky to have visited this place in a grey autumn afternoon, but it's no excuse. And what are those faux commentaries broadcast in the background, pretending the house is still "lived in".... yuk...sooo theme park.... As for Lady Bearstead's bathroom I guess it's the sort of statement that some of the modern days celebs would want to make - aluminium foil on the walls edged in red paint, like the inside of a casserole and very ostentatious; of the period it may be, but does it mean that all things ancient are by default also beautiful?

Ever since I was a wee gal I've been coming to Lickey Hills park - from school geography trips to…read morehuge picnics , it has something for everyone. As soon as you come in, theres a huge park for kids which is actually great fun for the big kids too ;) take my advice for it! And as you go deeper into the park, you realise what an incredible sigh of relief this park is as it gives you a break from the busy, industrial city ; instead offering you serenity and beauty. You wouldn't even think it's in Birmingham! Rolling hills, towering trees and a blanket of green surrounding you; each area is beautiful. Even if you do get drenched by the rain like I did, it's definitely worth it! A must for those seeking an escape!

If you're looking for the best views of Birmingham, Lickey Hills Country Park is the place you…read moreshould go! This very popular landscape, placed between Rednal and Barnt Green areas, is a 524 acres park with a visitor centre, golf, tennis and bowls and also a wonderful view provided from the top of the Beacon Hill, the highest point of Lickey Hills. It's a huge public space that is perfect for walkers not afraid of a bit of adventure and also families that can have a good use of its recreation park. There is a cafe nearby the recreation area and you may need some food and drinks after walking through the park. I have been to Lickey Hills with a group of very enthusiastic friends and I can tell that in the end of the journey to Beacon Hill we were all tired but happy because the perspective we have of some parts of Birmingham from that point is quite impressive. If you thinking about making some walking, make sure you have plenty of water and comfortable trainers to face this hilly walk. We had a lovely picnic up there and it was really a good idea to have some food to compensate all energy spent during the journey. We worth it! There is a free car parking at Lickey Hills. The bus number 62 service from the city centre and the Barn Green train station are the other options to get there.

Farnborough Hall is a great National Trust run House and Gardens near Banbury in Oxfordshire. We…read morevisited the Hall last summer for a picnic. The house first of all is stunning, it is recommended to go on a sunny day, we did and the house looked amazing, the outside has a beautiful honey-coloured stone frontage, and looks wonderful in the summer light. The landscape gardens are quite spectacular, created in 1740, the parkland is scattered with temples and sculptures. The house has some amazing plasterwork, from the 18th century we were told. Our picnic was great, there are designated picnic areas for families which was suitable, clean and well maintained. From there we have lovely views too. We did a set walk in the afternoon, the so-called 'temple walk' which was great and took in the main areas of the park. The surrounding area of Avon Dassett is wonderful and famously beautiful with big hills and pretty villages. A day muchly enjoyed by all, but do go during the summer months!

These are some of the loveliest gardens I've ever seen. Wandered around here on a warm spring…read moreevening, there are many works of art, fountains, and memorials to local dignitaries. The flower displays are beautiful, all the trees are labelled with information. The river boarders one side of the gardens, and is very attractive. There is a cafe houses in a hot house within the gardens, and lakes. Locals know what a gem them have, and use it

I like these gardens and as a local (ish) resident for over twenty years I probably haven't made…read moreenough of them, however I think that says something in itself. I am not particularly overawed by the part - it is lovely, but that is about it. While the new cafe is nice, I think it is far too overpriced, especially for what you are getting and while it may be worth it for a one off visit, I wouldn't choose to visit on a regular basis.

This is a really great place to go on a sunny day, or just a dry day if we can't manage any sun…read more It has three different play areas, one for older children with plenty of climbing at the top of the hill, a play area for little ones connected to a bit for slightly older children that has a big climbing frame and swings. It also has a lovely lake to take a short walk round. It's a brilliant place for bikes and scooters too. The paths are all suitable for pushchairs. The cafe is situated at the entrance to the park and has clean toilet facilities as well as stocking a wide range of the usual cafe snacks and ice creams. The food is pretty good if you forget to take a picnic. There's a lovely play and exploring area right outside the cafe near the picnic tables so you can sit and have a drink while keeping an eye on the children. There's also a spot from which you can feed the ducks on the lake nearby. If your children need even more to explore, there is a small area of woodland to run round on one side of the lake as well. It's a great way to spend a day. Plus, you can venture further afield if you really want to on sign posted walks.

l went here on a sunny but breezy day at the end of September and the park and visitor centre…read moreseemed relatively busy. The café stocked a variety of sandwiches, paninis and hot food. The mocha I had was nice and hot - served by friendly staff. Me and a friend sat out on the balcony over looking the lake which was nice. There are four maintained walks around the Arrow Valley park which I hope to return to do in the near future when it starts to warm up again.

A Great Weekend visit for the family, or just a brief visit. A National Trust maintained property,…read moreso benefits from all the expectancies of one of they're houses. An old priory, this house and grounds has many excellent qualities; a fabulous large old kitchen and dairy area was particularly impressive and offered an interesting insight into life below the stairs and the buildings history. The formal gardens which surround the property were compact and limited but well maintained and beatiful all the same. The old orchard is well worth a look, and is wonderfully colourful in season. The only major disapointment we found was the Church nearby, St Mary's church, originally, according to the guide, a part of the Augustinian priory. This was gloomy and dark, and had a particulary strange, cramped, eery atmosphere. In fairness perhaps, this was due to the dismal weather on the day we visited! The other minor downside is that the manor is located near to a main road, which can be busy and therefore noisy. Nevertheless, Canons Ashby was an lovely weekend visit and there is much to enjoy and relax in front of. Most impressive of all was the manor's collection of wall paintings and Jacobian plasterwork, a beautiful collection displayed with due decorum and respect. A Good afternoons visit on a sunny day.