CPRE Countryside Day at Blithfield Hall

Countryside Day at Blithfield Hall

CPRE Staffordshire is a local charity that campaigns to protect, promote and enhance Staffordshire's countryside. 

Saturday 7th September is CPRE's "Countryside Day", which aims to raise awareness of the countryside and how it benefits us all. 

To mark the occasion, join us on a visit to the historic Blithfield Hall just north of Rugeley - not normally open to the public. We will have a tour of the Hall itself and the adjacent church, as well as viewing the Orangery. Set in an attractive rural location with great views of Blithfield reservoir, the Grade 1 listed Hall is an Elizabethan house with a Gothic façade added in 1820. The church site has had a place of worship since the 11th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. We will also be able to look round the neighbouring gardens and meet the herd of Bagot goats, which are listed an at-risk breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and are rarer than the giant panda!

The format for the day is as follows:

10.30am: Arrival/registration (in the church car park). Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.

11.00am: Tour of the church and hall.

12.30pm: Lunch in the Great Hall (coronation chicken and ham, or vegetarian option), salad, new potatoes and chocolate brownies).

1.15pm: AGM in the Great Hall.

2.00pm: Visit to the Bagot Goats and walk in the neighbouring gardens, The Grove.

There is ample parking next to the church. Access is not from the main drive to the Hall but from the entrance to the church which is on the west side of the complex. Please note that there are no lifts in the Hall and disabled access is limited. Directions will be supplied.

Tickets cost £15 per person for CPRE members and £25 per person for non-members, which includes lunch and refreshments. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

Last year's event had more than 35 people attending. This year, there are only 30 places available, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Please contact us if you do not have your own transport but would like to attend, as we may be able to pick you up from Rugeley Trent Valley station or help with car-sharing.