Witley Court was one of the leading country estates, hosting royalty at shooting parties and society balls until it was ravaged by fire in 1937. It was left an empty shell which only locals really visited. Tales of witchcraft and ghosts abounded, but that served to keep most people away at night. Most, not all, though not really admitting to any late night visits 😊.
It has been taken over by English Heritage. The ruins have been made safe enough to explore, the lake cleaned up and the gardens partially restored; one of the fountains now works and is fired on the hour in summer.
We went there to walk the dogs. Well really to let Goa and Thai practice walking up towards the Court in case there is ever another series of Downton Abbey and labradors are needed for the opening sequence 😊
Gone is the track with pot-holes but with the best elderberry bushes around. There are now car parks, shops, entrances and rules. I think it has lost a lot of its charm but it is still a good afternoon out.
The way to the hall is through the woodland around the lake and with views over the Abberley Hills:
The beautiful restored parterre and views over Worcestershire countryside at the back of the Court:
A short walk around the side of the Court and the Perseus and Andromeda fountain stands in the middle of the grounds at the back of the house. Some interesting info on how they restored it is on the English Heritage website https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/members-magazine/witley-court-and-gardens-fountain/
Our timing was right (for once) and we got there for the last firing of the day (click on the arrows to see the fountain photos):
Labs on the Road 
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