Tyntesfield
PROGRAMME OF OUTINGS FOR 2026
* * *
Departure Point for Coach Trips
​
The committee has made arrangements with St Marks Church, Bilton for use of their car park so, unless stated, we depart from there. We try to use as little space as possible, so please park on the side away from the church and as close together as possible.
We are disappointed to have fewer outings on offer this summer. If you have ideas for outings and/or feel able to offer help in organising one, please contact members of the committee and please come to our Visits Planning Meeting on 8 April 2026 in Dunchurch Village Hall.
Flaxmill Maltings, Shrewsbury Thursday 7th May 2026
From St. Marks Church Bilton Departing at 8:30 a.m.
​
Organised by Pam Southern Leader on the day Alain Foote
Newly restored, the Flaxmill Malting is celebrated as the grandparent of modern skyscrapers.
Opening in 1797 as a purpose-built mill to process flax, commonly used in the manufacture of linen, this was the first multifloored iron-framed building in the world.
There is the Jubilee Tower, giving visitors the opportunity to climb to the viewing gallery to experience fantastic views of Shrewsbury and the surrounding countryside. This was constructed in 1897 as part of the transformation of the site from a flax mill to a barley maltings. It houses the machinery that powered the grain elevators that moved the barley around the building and honoured Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. For those unable to manage the climb there is a video of the journey to the top of the tower and the views, accessible by lift.
We aim to arrive about 10.30 am and will be divided into groups for the Behind the Scene tour. The rest of the time is for you to explore the Mill Exhibition on the ground floor, visit the café and Mill shop. The cost of refreshments is not included in the price.
Note: the tour does involve climbing stairs although part of the building can be accessed by lift.
It is an English Heritage site and members may be given a refund on the day. Please bring your EH card with you.
When timings of the tours are agreed, there may be time to visit Attingham Park, a short drive away. Please bring your NT card with you or be prepared to pay if you are not a NT member. The coach cannot park at the Maltings so be ready to board the coach at 2 pm or as advised on the day. There will be time to explore the grounds and have tea.
The coach then leaves at 4 pm to be back in Bilton about 6pm
Ashby St Ledgers Church Thursday, 11 June 2026
By car to arrive by 2 p.m.
Organised by Pam Southern
The pretty village of Ashby St Ledgers lies off the A361 between Kilsby and Daventry which until fairly recently was owned by Lord Wimbourne.
On arrival we are given a talk about the history and links with the Catesby family and the Gunpowder plot.
Then there is time to look around the church—the oldest parts of the present church are from the 1100s. There is a rare three decker pulpit.
About 3.15 pm you can make your way to the village hall where tea/coffee and cake are served. There are also toilets, not available at the church.
If you have the energy after tea, you can wander around the village and view the Manor House.
A few notes about finding the church will be sent to those booking when the forms are returned after 1st March
The cost of the trip includes:
the speaker
refreshments including hiring the village hall
a donation towards the upkeep of the church
* * *
Maxstoke Castle B46 2RD Thursday 2nd July 2026
By car to arrive by 11 a.m.
Organised by Sheila Richards
Maxstoke Castle, near Coleshill, a short distance off the A45, is a fine example of a 14th century, moated and fortified manor house. It was built in 1345 to a rectangular plan with octagonal tours and is surrounded by a moat.
It has been owned and lived in by its present owner, the Fetherston-Dilke family for over 400 years. It includes the ceremonial rooms, historical artefacts and the Lady Tower.
The tour will be led by Edwina, wife of the owner.
There are extensive formal and informal gardens which can be enjoyed at leisure. The head gardener will be available for questions.You can then leave at leisure
More details are available by visiting www.maxstokecastle.com or www.Historichouses.org- Maxstoke Castle
* * *
Kenwood House, London Thursday, 16th July, 2026
By coach departing from Bilton Church at 8:30 a.m.
​
Organised by Pam Southern Leader on the day Isobel Palmer
Kenwood House, overlooking Hampstead Heath, was designed by Robert Adam. Apart from its fine historic interiors, sculptures, furniture and jewellery, it has an internationally renowned collection of paintings including works by Vermeer, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Rembrandt, including his “Portrait with Two Circles”.
The collection of paintings has grown from an initial gift of 63 works. It was bequeathed in 1928 by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, to evoke the atmosphere of an 18th century gentleman’s house.
There are extensive grounds to explore.
* * *
We aim to arrive about 10.30am and will be divided into groups for a guided tour Then you will have time to explore further and buy refreshments. Please note that it is a cashless site and the cost of refreshments is not included in the cost of the outing. It is an English Heritage site and EH members may be given a refund on the day, Please bring your EH card with you.The coach cannot park onsite so be ready to board at 3pm for the return journey back to Bilton arriving about 5 pm.
Trips and Visits
We would like to remind all members that our outings can be quite demanding. We often visit places with old and uneven floors, stairs that can be difficult with no lift options and gardens and tours that may involve quite a lot of walking. Always check with the organiser if you have mobility problems. Members who need assistance should bring a companion.
Departure Point for Coach Outings
The Committee has made arrangements with St Mark’s Church, Bilton for the use of their car park so, unless stated, we depart from there. We try to use as little space as possible, so please park on the side away from the church and as close together as possible.
We are disappointed to have fewer outings on offer this summer. If you have ideas for outings and/or feel able to offer help in organising one, please contact members of the committee and please come to our Visits Planning Meeting on 8 April 2026 in Dunchurch Village Hall.