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Things to do in the Mansion at Attingham Park

Two visitors looking at artwork in a red room with many golden framed paintings on the walls at Attingham Park, Shropshire
Exploring the picture gallery at Attingham Park, Shropshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, and replacing Tern Hall, Attingham Hall and its beautiful parkland were owned by one family for more than 160 years. As their fortunes rose and fell, the family proved themselves to be spenders, savers and saviours - providing a fascinating story of love and neglect, the marks of which still stand in Attingham’s rooms today.

Continuing a legacy of looking after Attingham 

Thomas, 8th Lord Berwick, bequeathed Attingham to the National Trust in 1947. Before this, Thomas and his wife Teresa had begun restoration work, as well as carefully saving and storing historic items for future conservation and restoration. 

‘...Some day, others will finish what we could not...’ 
- Teresa, Lady Berwick, 1951 

Described as one of the most generous gifts to the Trust, the team at Attingham continue to conserve and care for the interiors of the mansion and the collection it contains today.

Children enjoying a period recreation of a kitchen with the help of a costumed interpreter at Attingham Park
Children enjoying a period recreation of a kitchen with the help of a costumed interpreter at Attingham Park | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Visiting the Mansion 

Find out about the history of the Hill family, discover more about the Lords Berwick who lived here, and learn about the collection and interiors they have left behind.

Discover the stories of the people who have ‘made’ Attingham, from historical contributors such as John Nash, to artists and sculptors, to the work of modern conservators who care for our collections and interiors today.

Take in rooms such as the Dining Room, Sultana Room, and Picture Gallery with its iconic Regency glass roof, and follow the progress of our wallpaper and furniture conservation projects.

 

A different approach 

The Mansion has an evolving visitor programme and different areas of the house will be open across the year. 

Everything we do is rooted in the mansion’s history, highlighting particular stories and aspects of its past, present and future. We work with volunteers and creative partners to do this.  

We gather feedback from visitors about their experiences to help inform how we open the mansion in the future. 

Plan a visit in 2025

General Free-Flow Visits: 15 February – 2 November

Step into history as you explore the Ground Floor showrooms, designed to impress with their grand architecture, fine furnishings, and exquisite decor. Admire the beauty of these opulent spaces, once used for entertaining guests in lavish style.

Then, journey down to the Basement, where the hardworking servants kept Attingham running smoothly behind the scenes. Discover the bustling kitchen, storage rooms, and workspaces that reveal the daily life of those who lived and worked here.

 

Festive Pre-Booked Free-Flow Visits: 29 November – 2 January

Return to Attingham for Christmas as the Mansion is transformed with festive decorations. Wander through beautifully adorned rooms, twinkling lights, and displays that bring the spirit of Christmas to life.

Please note: Attingham is closed on Christmas Day.

 

 

A group of visitors on a guided tour in the picture gallery at Attingham Park, Shropshire, looking up at the ceiling
Visitors and room guide in the picture gallery at Attingham Park, Shropshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

See the Mansion in a new light with a guided experince. Visit the second floor to view a newly conserved panoramic artwork or an apartment that was lived in until 2020. Alternatively, explore some of Attingham’s highlights on the ground floor.

24 February - 2 November 2025

A Tour Behind Closed Doors

Step beyond the grand rooms of the Ground Floor and uncover the ‘Hidden Home’ at the heart of Attingham Park. This exclusive tour takes you inside the second- and third-floor apartments that were once home to Teresa, Lady Berwick and later to Wall Street stock-broker Edwin Cohen.

Explore the private side of this Regency mansion, where personal histories and elegant interiors intertwine. Discover the stories of its last two residents—Lady Berwick, who sought to preserve Attingham’s legacy, and Mr. Cohen, whose passion for Regency design led him to amass a remarkable collection of restored period furniture, now displayed in the rooms where he lived.

Join us for a rare glimpse into Attingham’s Hidden Home—where the mansion’s private past unfolds through the lives of its last residents.

 

Tours last 45 minutes | Tours cost £6 per person | Booking Advised

 

Click to book

 

Booking Information:

  • Booking is advised due to limited tour numbers.
  • Pre-book online (online bookings close at 8am on the day of the tour).
  • Spare tickets may be available at Visitor Reception on the day.
  • Book over the phone by calling 0344 249 1895.

 

Good to know before you book:

  • Age restriction: Tours are not suitable for children under 14.
  • Photography & filming: Not permitted during the tour.
  • Access: Visitors must be able to climb a spiral staircase.
  • Facilities: The nearest toilets are located in the West Pavilion of the Mansion.
  • Limited spaces: Due to narrow corridors and room layout, tour capacity is restricted.
  • Admission: Standard House and Grounds admission charges apply for non-members.
  • Tour capacity & times: Each tour has 8 spaces and starts at 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.
  • Arrival time: The Mansion is a 10-15 minute walk or buggy ride from Visitor Reception—please arrive at least 15 minutes before booking. Your ticket also includes House and Grounds admission to Attingham Park, and you can arrive at any time during our opening hours. Check Opening Times on our website.
  • Dogs: Assistance dogs only on the tour and inside the Mansion.
  • Meeting Point: The tour will begin in the Picture Gallery in the Mansion (ask a member of the team for directions).
East Wing Apartment in the Mansion at Attingham Park
East Wing Apartment in the Mansion at Attingham Park | © National Trust/Jayne Gough
The Picture Gallery at Attingham Park, Shropshire

Attingham Park's collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Attingham Park on the National Trust Collections website.

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