NATIONAL TRUST

The National trust is a UK charity that receives no money from the British government. Instead, it relies on membership fees, donations, and revenue from entrance fees and sales of merchandise. The charity is responsible for the upkeep of over 350 historic properties, as well as forests, woodlands, beaches, and ruined castles etc.

During 2014 I had the pleasure of visiting four National Trust properties. I hope to have the opportunity to explore many more sites in 2015, but in the meantime here is a little information on the sites visited in 2014. For opening times, entrance fees and further information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk .

IGHTHAM MOTE

Ightham Mote, near Sevenoaks in Kent, is without doubt one of the best examples of a Tudor Manor House in England. It really does have it all, from medieval moat to a Victorian gentleman's billiard room. There is also the crypt of a medieval knight and the painted ceiling of a Tudor courtier. All of this comes with an American's take on an English country home.

The grounds are a delight and include beautiful gardens, featuring tranquil lakes, an orchard and many beautiful and generously stocked flower borders. There are some steep inclines to navigate so the less able bodied should contact the information desk prior to their visit to assess suitability.

Coaches are welcome, with parking just 200 yards from the main entrance. Suggested time needed to explore this site is around two hours, and guided tours are available. There is a licensed restaurant and a shop selling all manner of interesting gifts.

SUTTON HOO

Overlooking the river Deben in Suffolk, this impressive Anglo-Saxon burial ground was excavated in 1939. One of the biggest and most exciting finds was that of a burial ship measuring 89 feet in length. The ship had lain undisturbed for over 1,300 years. Also discovered was a hoard of richly ornamented weapons, utensils, and jewellery. The site was handed over to the National trust in 1998.

Besides the burial mounds and museum, there is also beautiful country walks around the extensive estate. Tranmer House makes for an interesting visit, being furnished in the fashion of the 1930s. Visitors will also find a shop and a café For those visitors wishing to spend a little more time visiting the area, there is also three holiday apartments for rent.

 

 

MELFORD HALL

 

 

Opposite the Green in Long Melford, Suffolk, Melford Hall is still home to the Hyde-Parker family. Visitors will be enthralled by this magnificent building, and intrigued by its fascinating history. Surprisingly, although not evident today, a large part of the building was destroyed by fire in the 1940s.

 

 

The property is home to some very interesting artefacts, including Beatrix Potter sketches, family photographs, a collection of Naval paintings and Chinese porcelain, and the original Jemima Puddle-Duck toy.

The Hall is set in beautiful grounds, with landscaped gardens which are well worth a walk around. There is also a splendid tearoom serving snacks and cakes, with a variety of hot and cold drinks.

ICKWORTH

Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, not far from Bury St Edmunds, stands Ickworth. A substantial building featuring an 18^th century Rotunda, commissioned by the 4^th Earl of Bristol to house his collection of priceless treasures, acquired during his tours of Europe.

This collection was added to, over the following 200 years, by the Hervey family, who also created the earliest example of Italianate gardens in England. Portraits of the family by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Reynolds adorn the walls.

Visitors can enjoy walks around the extensive grounds and gardens, as well as experiencing the lives of 1930s domestic servants in the restored servants basement.

There is a gift shop as well as a licensed restaurant in the West Wing, and a café serving snacks and drinks in the Porters Lodge, near the car park. Ample parking is available in the main car park and coaches are welcome. There is a golf buggy service from the car park to the West Wing during the main season.