OPEN HOUSE AND GARDEN – The 16th-century Mawley Hall House and Gardens in Cleobury Mortimer (DY14 8PN off the A4117), is having an open day on Sunday, May 13, from noon to 5pm, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Rupert Galliers-Pratt. Proceeds will go towards The Friends of St Mary’s and Shropshire Historic Churches Trust.

The house contains one of the finest Baroque interiors in England.

Particularly noteworthy are the hall, the oak drawing room, the inlaid drawing room and the dining room.

The gardens at Mawley were laid out in the 1960s and have since attained listed status. They incorporate large expanses of lawn, parterres, vistas, monuments and herb garden, as well as mature oaks, beeches and cedars. Also to be found is an extensive collection of ornamental trees, the first letter of whose names account for every letter of the alphabet.

With views of both the Malvern and Clee Hills, as well as Brecon National Park on a clear day.

A walk to The Lower Forge at Mawley follows a gravel road lined with an avenue of Maples bringing into view rolling meadows and mature woodland leading down to the site of the once Lower Forge, where there are a series of water features.

Afternoon teas will be served in the old stables next to the house.

Admission for gardens only is £3.50, children under six accompanied by an adult go free. Admission for gardens and Mawley Hall downstairs rooms is £8.50.

Parking free.