Ragley Hall, Park and Gardens

Set in the heart of Warwickshires countryside, Ragley Hall dates back to 1680 and is the home to the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, their 4 children and 5 dogs. The 6,500-acre estate welcomes visitors with its 18th century gatehouse, the winding driveway through the green fields with sheep grazing. On the top of the hill stands the glorious Palladian mansion, which was designed by Robert Hook, with its majestic portico and grand horse-shoe steps. Inside the state rooms are adorned with a wonderful collection of art and antiquities from each generation of their ancestors. The Great Halls magnificent baroque plaster decoration was designed by James Gibbs in 1750. The Temptation mural graces the South Staircase halls walls and ceiling. On the West Terrace with views of the Rose Garden, Hookes Cafe offers light lunch and afternoon tea specials. The hall is surrounded by 25 acres of garden, created by Robert Marnock in 1873 with views onto surrounding Capability Brown parkland