Village Open Day

The replica WW2 Operational Base will be open, giving visitors a chance to see how Britain’s secret army would have lived after an invasion has taken place. Find out more about this hidden bit of Britain’s wartime history.

Coleshill’s watermill will also be open, offering a rare chance to see an 18th Century mill with much of its original machinery still in place. Learn about how the power of water was harnessed to make flour and find out about the many milling phrases that have entered day-to-day use.

You can also take a look at our exhibition, which explores the legacy of the creative people who made their home on the Coleshill estate or drew inspiration from it.

Fragments salvaged from Coleshill House after it was lost to fire in 1952 reveal glimpses of the creativity and skill that went into its design and construction. Objects and images represent some of the artists and designers who lived and worked here, from designer William Morris to sculptor Michie Herbert. You can also discover more about the craftspeople who work from studios here today, and find out why it's so important to keep heritage skills alive.

If you want to find out more about the farm buildings themselves, hop on a guided tour and discover the design secrets that made these buildings so innovative.

Village Open Days take place on 13 April, 11 May, 8 June, 13 July, 10 August, 12 October 2pm-5pm. Free entry for National Trust members, otherwise entry is £10 per adult, £5 per child. No pre-booking.