Benthall Hall

Benthall Hall sits on a plateau above the Severn Gorge a mile from Ironbridge, a 16th-century stone house built around 1535 by William Benthall on land his family had held since medieval times. Lawrence Benthall fortified it for Charles I in 1643, and the church beside it was rebuilt in 1667 after the medieval one burned in the Civil War. Given to the National Trust in 1958, it is still a Benthall family home, with some rooms private and limited opening. Inside are a carved oak staircase, plaster ceilings and oak panelling; outside, the crocuses collected by the botanist George Maw flower in spring and autumn, and waymarked walks cross park and woodland towards the gorge. Reviewers single out the well-informed volunteers and the roomy car park, where the Shepherd's Shed sells takeaway drinks and cakes. Tips from visitors: sat-nav to Much Wenlock or Broseley and follow the brown signs to avoid narrow lanes; dogs are welcome in the woodland only.