Witley Court. Wow. What can I do to convince you to visit that a picture can’t? Just look at it! Even long after it was devastated by a fire in 1937, this Italianate-style mansion remains one of the most breathtaking houses in the country—and the restored gardens and fountain only add to its grandeur.
Initially built in the seventeenth century, but greatly expanded in the early nineteenth century, Witley Court often hosted society’s most fashionable in the 1890s, including the soon-to-be King Edward VII. Today, walk the ruins and imagine the hedonistic history held inside. Or wander scorched passageways once used by its servants.
It’s in Witley Court’s gardens, however, where life still thrives. The intricately designed Parterre Gardens are bursting with colour in every season—violas and primroses to salvias, dahlias and begonias. Meanwhile, the Wilderness Gardens offer winding paths of many different species of trees and shrubs from all over the world.
In the heart of the gardens, you will also find the mansion’s centrepiece, and one of Europe’s grandest fountains, the Perseus and Andromeda fountain. So named after the Greek myth (and including the legendary winged horse, Pegasus), the water fountain fires every day from April to the end of October.
Elsewhere, keep an eye out for woodland walks, a kids’ playground, and Witley Court’s shop. To best learn the history of this magnificent place, a free audio guide tells the extravagant life of Witley Court and the Foley and Dudley families who owned it.
How do I get to Witley Court and Gardens?
Witley Court and Gardens is located in Warwickshire and is 10 miles north of Worcester. The easiest way to get there from Birmingham is by car, which takes less than an hour via the M5, and parking is free. Otherwise, catch a train to Worcester and hop on the 758 bus to Tenbury Wells.
🎟️ From £11.50 for an adult, £7 for a child
📍 Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Rd, Great Witley, Worcester WR6 6JT
🌐 To learn more about Witley Court and Gardens, head here