On the way down to breakfast, I noticed an empty bottle of alcohol that I had seen a couple of days ago on top of a table, and that had been tucked under the table the following day, was still there.
Once again, it was a self-service breakfast. The bacon had been under the heat lamp for too long and it had dried out and become inedible.
After our failed attempt at visiting Arundells the previous day we considered visiting on our way home. But that was not to be, because it is closed on Wednesdays. Instead, we decided to visit Coughton Court where we knew that the family had recently taken over day to day management of the property the National Trust after several years of the Trust managing it. The Throckmorton family lease Coughton Court from the National Trust who currently own it.
There had been a bad crash on the motorway causing a long delay which meant that we arrived at Coughton just in time for lunch. We found that Magnus Birch Throckmorton, the latest Throckmorton descendent was helping in the café. He got chatting to us about various things including the National Trust and how the National Trust had looked after the family and the property.
After lunch we visited the house first, where I forgot that the priest hole was part way up the spiral staircase which I had elected not to climb. I am fascinated by priest holes so we will have to go back.
We walked around the gardens, including taking a pathway on the nearside of the river bank, although it was a little early in the year to see them at their best. We were told that the best time to visit the gardens is in June.
On the way home, Mr C spotted a sign to a farm shop. We got there just before it closed and he was able to pick up the ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese della Casa.
I know that a priest hole was somewhere a Catholic priest could hide from the Protestant authorities in England. That Catholic priests could be trapped, persecuted and killed by law still seems immoral, even under Queen Elizabeth I.
There are several Priest Holes in properties in driving distance from where I live. The history attached to them is fascinating.
Coughton Court is a lovely place to visit. I used to go quite a lot when it was a NT property. There is a lovely rose garden there which looks superb in June.
We need to go back in the summer. The gardens were only just emerging during our visit.
The property has some days where National Trust members can visit for free. I am not sure if you have to book in advance or if you can just turn up on the day.
I have to add this to my list!
Can you get in for free with your Arts Pass?
I am not quite sure. According to their website, Coughton Court is FREE with art pass.
But it’s located in Alcester, Warwickshire??!
Not in Winchester though…
Yes Coughton Court is in Alcester and yes it does seem to be free with the art pass.