Witley Court and gardens in Worcestershire is a little gem if you enjoy a walk around beautiful, tranquil gardens and woodland.
To get to the court, you walk through the enchanting woodland over the lake. Beautiful trees and shrubs acquired from all over the world surround you. Dogs and children will really enjoy exploring, although they must be kept on a lead (dogs, at least). The lake is peaceful, and you get a wonderful view from the bridge over the edge as you walk towards the court. Rarer birds, such as the great crested grebe might be spotted on your way.
The house you see was developed from a mediaeval manor house, turning into a Jacobean house, with newer build starting in the 17th century before being extensively updated into the 19th century Italianate mansion. Unfortunately the once magnificent house, once described as one of the finest in England, was destroyed by a fire, leaving ruins. But the gardens remain and English Heritage do a magnificent job of maintaining the site. Despite being a ruin, enough of the court still stands to give you an idea of what a magnificent house it must have been.
The hall was once a setting for lavish parties and often hosted royalty. It was once loaned to Queen Adelaide. The parterre gardens were described by the designer as “monster work”, but it was worth his effort. Layers of shrubbery, trees, topiary and flowers, with a fountain at the side of the house make for a pleasant wander.
The most impressive part of the visit though, is the Perseus and Andromeda fountain. It was originally gravity fed, but now has a little help from electricity. It’s turned on several times a day, and the sight is breathtaking. It builds slowly. Then bit by bit, the central cascade starts to build. The height it eventually reaches is quite something. It must be one of the grandest fountains in Europe. The English Heritage website publishes the times of the displays and it’s not to be missed. I watched laughing inside (I’ve been several times) as the fountain was turned on. People were sat on the walls, giggling and enjoying the water start to cascade. They obviously didn’t realise the power this incredible fountain can produce. Wise old me filmed from a distance. A few squeaks turned to squeals, then, laughing, people ran as the spray hit them. The fountain alone is something that you should experience. It really is hard to describe.
Next to the court is the St Michael and All Angels church, not run by English Heritage, but open to visitors most days for a period of time. It is a very opulent and lavishly decorated church. White and gold, really quite spectacular. It houses the tallest funerary monument in the country. It closes earlier than the hall, so unless you arrive early, best visited first.
