Harvington Hall (4.6 miles)

Details: Written by Super User; Category: Top 10 Local Attractions; Published: 20 December 2012; Hits: 2003

Very close to Ling Safari... only 4.6 miles near Kidderminster
Harvington Hall is a little gem.
A moated medieval and Elizabethan manor house in the hamlet of Harvington near Chaddesley Corbett, south-east of Kidderminster.
An ideal visit for children to explore Tudor life and times.
Sign up for a house tour to get the Tudor history and learn about all the priest holes which the children always particularly enjoy.
The younger ones can also dress up in capes and hats of the Tudor period as you enjoy the tour so that you all get a better feel for the atmosphere.
Reenactment events usually at weekends where you can see archery, dancing, take part in children's games, see muskets being fired, musical instruments being played, take advise from the "wise women"
Check out the kitchen, there is nearly always something going on such as butter and cheese making.
The team rooms come highly recommended for their cakes are superb.
A great and close visitor attraction.

Harvington Hall belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham.
It is particularly noted for its vestment-hide and seven priest-holes, four of which are built around the main staircase and are thought to be the work of Nicholas Owen
Main areas of interest are:

The unusual approach - reached by a narrow lane from the village pub, twisting past cottages and houses to emerge suddenly into an open space with a church and stables and finally the red brick chimneys and gables of the hall.
The house - This Elizabethan red brick house and moat was built in the 1580's by Humphrey Packington. Ownership passed on Throckmortons of Coughton Court in Warwickshire in 1696 until 1923.
The priest-holes - The finest surviving series in England. Four of them sited round the Great Staircase and show the trademarks of the master builder Nicholas Owen.
The gardens - Are described as small, but charming, walled gardens running down to the moat.
and Tea Rooms - Are highly recommended.