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Baddesley Clinton

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Moated manor of brick, stone, and half-timber construction, built around a small courtyard garden. Origins in the 13th century; the present house is largely Elizabethan. Not one but two hiding holes for priests (they were apparently needed, and in dramatic circumstances).

The House
Baddesley Clinton has been described as 'the perfect late medieval manor house', and it is not hard to see why. The manor occupies an island hemmed in on all sides by a wide moat, where swans float peacefully. There are three ranges, or wings of the manor arranged around a lovely courtyard garden. At one time there was a fourth side on the west, making Baddesley Clinton a square, but the west range was demolished in the 18th century.

The house is approached over a two-arched bridge leading to an imposing gatehouse with a large Elizabethan window above the entrance. Walk through the entrance, and you find yourself in a small, formal garden surrounded on three sides by the wings of the manor, and on the fourth by the moat.

The manor at Baddesley Clinton was probably begun in the 14th century, though there are no exact records to verify the date. It is indeed possible that the moat dates back to the 13th century. The house we see today was built in the 15th century, and has remained essentially unchanged since the 1630s.

Much of what remains is the work of the Elizabethan, Henry Ferrers, who is responsible for the south wing and the beautifully decorated interiors, which are a delightful example of Elizabethan style. The chambers are exquisitely panelled, and feature carved Elizabethan overmantles.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Baddesley Clinton is the presence of not one, not two, but three secret priest's holes. These hidden chambers were built during the height of religious strife in 17th century England, and afforded visiting Jesuit priests a place to hide from prying eyes.

The Gardens and Grounds
The manor is set in lovely grounds, with a variety of pleasant walks. There is a medieval stewpond, a lakeside trail, and a more modern nature walk to enjoy. There is also a children's trail and quiz available to keep younger visitors amused.

Baddesley Clinton is a National Trust property, and Trust members are admitted free.

What you will see:

• Beautiful 15th century moated manor house
• Secret priest's holes
• Elizabethan interiors
• 19th century chapel
• Gardens and lakeside walks

About Baddesley Clinton
Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: 5 m SE Solihull, off A4141
Website: Baddesley Clinton
Email: baddesleyclinton@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 01564 783 294
Fax: 01564 782 706
National Trust
Location map
OS SP199 715
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Heritage Highlight: Secret chambers for hiding priests
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Packwood House - 1.6 miles (Historic House) Kenilworth Castle - 4.9 miles (Castle) Lord Leycester's Hospital - 6.6 miles (Historic Building) Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick - 6.6 miles (Church) Warwick Castle - 6.7 miles (Castle) Stoneleigh Abbey - 7.5 miles (Historic House) Mary Ardens House - 8.5 miles (Historic Building) Kinwarton Dovecote - 10.1 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Warwick - 6.7 miles away Stratford-upon-Avon - 10.4 miles away Bromsgrove - 15 miles away Hanbury - 15.4 miles away Droitwich Spa - 19.6 miles away Evesham - 20 miles away Chipping Campden - 20.3 miles away Broad Campden - 21.1 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Baddesley Clinton

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Octavia - 1.7 miles from Baddesley Clinton Mousley End, Warwickshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £295

Viola - 1.7 miles from Baddesley Clinton Mousley End, Warwickshire Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £445

Bianca - 1.7 miles from Baddesley Clinton Mousley End, Warwickshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £395

More Self Catering near Baddesley Clinton

Nearest Hotels

Wroxall Abbey Estate - 1.8 miles from Baddesley Clinton Wroxall, Warwickshire Stay from: £59.00

Haseley Hall Apartments - 2.5 miles from Baddesley Clinton Wroxall, Warwickshire Stay from: £110.00

Honiley Court Hotel & Conference Centre - 2.6 miles from Baddesley Clinton Kenilworth, Warwickshire Stay from: £55.00

More Hotels near Baddesley Clinton

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Haseley Coach House Motel - 3.1 miles from Baddesley Clinton Warwick, Warwickshire From: £49.50

Castle Laurels Guest House - 5.1 miles from Baddesley Clinton Kenilworth, Warwickshire From: £40.00

Castle Laurels Guest House - 5.1 miles from Baddesley Clinton Kenilworth, Warwickshire From: £110.00

More bed and breakfasts near Baddesley Clinton

Kenilworth
Tourist Information Centre
Kenilworth Library
11 Smalley Place
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
England
CV8 1QJ
Tel: 01926 748 900
Fax: 01926 748 901
Email: kenilworthlibrary@warwickshire.gov.uk
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