There are
many beautiful places to visit and sights
to see in Staffordshire, and the Shugborough Estate situated just 4 miles from
Stafford offers a wonderful day out, whatever your age!
It was a
very warm and sunny Bank Holiday Monday when we paid a visit to the Shugborough
Estate. The queue to get in snaked out
of the main entrance building and along the side of the road, but thankfully,
given that we are National Trust members (the property is jointly owned by the
NT and Staffordshire County Council) our membership cards were checked as we
queued and we were granted a speedy entrance via a side gate.
Wandering through
the estate grounds with the sun beaming high in the sky was an absolute
delight. Despite the crowded car park
and queue to get in, it didn’t actually seem that crowded. We walked as far as is possible within the
grounds, crossing over the river which was full of families splashing about
with the kids and a plethora of dogs.
After
treating ourselves to a sandwich from the on-site café –which we decided to eat
al fresco, sitting on the grass in the sun, it was time to look around the
magnificent Mansion House – a truly breath-taking building which has been
restored to give you a real taste of what life would have been like to live at
Shugborough in the 18th Century.
I think my
favourite aspect of the day was the Lord Lichfield exhibition and the insight
into the Lichfield Private Apartments – somewhat voyeuristic, yet a compelling
view into the life of one of our great artists, one almost expected him to pop
up and enquire as to whether you were having a good day!
For history
buffs, the servants quarters are not to be missed – with working staff located
around the kitchens, scullery and brew house you really do step back in time.
New for the 2013 season are the scarecrows and
their dressing up box, located within the walled garden. Great fun for kids of all ages (even those in
their 40s and beyond!) to rummage through the wooden dressing up box and add a
touch of glamour – or practicality – to the scarecrows on display.
The beauty
of Shugborough is that it changes with the months and seasons. I for one will be going back later on in the
year to see how the newly-planted vegetables have fared over the English summer
– and to sample some more delicious ice cream from the parlour!
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