Witley Court

Today, Witley Court is a large and impressive ruin, but 100 years ago it was in spectacular condition.

The rich industrialist Sir Herbert Smith bought the house in 1920 and lived there for 17 years until a devastating fire broke out in September 1937 while he was away.

The blaze began in the bakery in the basement of the south-east corner of the house. Fanned by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly to the main rooms, completely gutting the central and eastern sections.

Insurance money would not pay for more than a quarter of the cost of rebuilding. Therefore Sir Herbert decided to leave the property, and it has been empty since 1938.

English Heritage has restored the south garden. In addition to this, Wolfson Foundation funding has assisted with major restoration works in the East Parterre garden.

The vast remains of this palatial 19th century mansion, surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens & containing huge stone fountains, provide a great day out in Worcestershire. The largest fountain, representing Perseus and Andromeda and now restored - was described in its day as making the 'noise of an express train' when fired.

Before 1846, when William Humble Ward (later first Earl of Dudley) inherited Witley Court, the land surrounding the house was laid out in the 18th century English landscape style. William Andrews Nesfield was called in to transform the estate, creating the South Parterre with its great fountain, elegantly designed planting and clipped evergreens and shrubs.

Following the disastrous fire in 1937 the Witley Estate fell into long decline. English Heritage has restored the south garden and in addition, Wolfson Foundation funding has assisted with major restoration works in the East Parterre garden. This funding has also enabled us to plan development of the formal gardens based on the original Nesfield designs. The Woodland Walks in the North Park pass many different species of tree and shrub from all over the world.

Attached to Witley Court is Great Witley Church, with its amazing Italianate Baroque interior (not managed by English Heritage). The church has a tearoom, and Witley Court has a superb gift shop.

The restored Perseus and Andromeda fountain, with its original high cascades operating, will be firing between April and October on weekdays at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm and at weekends on the hour every hour from 11am to 4pm.

Wilderness Play Area

One of the country's top play area designers, William Hardie, has been hard at work at Witley Court, and now visitors of all ages are able to explore the new Wilderness Play Area which includes a treehouse, adventure trail and more.

Already home to a wide range of wild flowers and minibeasts, Witley Court's new play area is designed to provide adventure play themed around the wilderness garden in which it sits. With a treehouse inspired by a seed pod, outdoor musical instruments and even a grass-covered amphitheatre - perfect for family picnics, the new play area located near to the Visitor Centre is already a huge hit with visitors of all ages.