Ragley Hall
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Ragley Hall Summary
- Address: Alcester, B49 5NJ (Map)
- Tel: +44 (0)1789 762090
- Fax: +44 (0)1789 764791
- Owner: The Marquess of Hertford
- Administrator: Carol Handy
- E-mail: Click here to contact
- Website: Go to the Ragley Hall website
Ragley Hall Description
Ragley Hall is the family home of the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford and their four children: Gabriella, William, Edward and Antonia.
Lord Hertford’s parents moved into Ragley after their marriage in 1956 and began restoring the House, Gardens and Estate following many years of growing disrepair. Having spent their lifetime bringing the Estate to its present glory, they then handed Ragley over to their son, the current Marquess, in 1991. In the 1970s and 80s Ragley became a byword for the enlightened management by a hands-on owner of a traditional estate moving towards a 20th century solution.
Ragley is an elegant Palladian house designed by Robert Hooke in 1680, but was not fully furnished or decorated until the middle of the 18th Century, as the family continued to live in the “Old Hall,” which stood where the Rose Garden is today.
The House contains some of England’s finest Baroque plasterwork in the 40’x70’ Great Hall created by James Gibbs in 1750. Wyatt added on the Portico in 1780 and redecorated the Red Saloon and Mauve Rooms, which have remained the same ever since.
The 8th Marquess commissioned a trompe l’oeil mural by Graham Rust (heir to Rex Whistler) for the South Staircase which was completed between 1969 and 1983. Said to be the largest in England it depicts 29 friends and members of the family and a ceiling painting called “The Temptation.”
Surrounding the House are 27 acres of glorious gardens within a 400-acre Capability Brown designed Parkland. The extensive Stable area adjacent to the House is an excellent example of 18th Century craftsmanship. The family carriage collection is housed there along with the family’s own horses and a collection of Equestrian memorabilia.
Within the Park is an Adventure Wood for children with 3D block maze, lake with Lakeside Picnic area and Bodgers Cabin selling toys, gifts and ice cream.
The Jerwood Sculpture collection can be found dotted around the gardens as well as on the 2 mile Woodland Walk which starts behind the stables.
The Lakeside Cafe serves a limited range of snacks as well as drinks, cakes and ice creams. There is a further licensed Bar situated inside the House serving drinks, afternoon teas and cakes which can be enjoyed inside the sub hall or on the West Terrace overlooking the Rose Garden.
Conferences and Banqueting
Ragley is an excellent venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, dinners, corporate hospitality and outdoor events. Also on offer is a newly constructed 4x4 course in the Park within easy reach of the House and its amenities. Activity and team building days, product launches, film and photographic shoots will find ideal opportunities, and a 'can-do' spirit prevails.
The Great Hall is suitable for 200 theatre style, 150 dining or 120 dining with a dance floor. Other rooms are available such as the Red Saloon, Hertford and Seymour Rooms with the Library being used for Civil Wedding Ceremonies. Marquee events can be located attached to the house on the West Terrace overlooking the Rose Garden or standing alone on the Polo Field in front of the House on the East side.
Conveniently situated in the Heart of England, close to Birmingham, Ragley combines history, elegance and hospitality of the highest quality. The in-house chef provides all the estate's catering requirements with menus and wine lists available on request.
The House Manager welcomes your enquiries and a site visit is highly recommended. Full details can be found on The Ragley Hall Website.
Opening Times - 2012
House & Gardens:
- 30th March - 15th April: Daily, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
- 21 April - 27th May: Saturday & Sunday, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
- 2nd June - 10th June: Daily, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
- 16 June - 22 July: Saturday & Sunday, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
- 23rd July - 2nd September: Daily, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
- 8th September - 21st October: Saturday & Sunday, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
- 24th October - 31st October: Daily, House 12 - 4 pm, Gardens 10 am - 5 pm
Please call Freephone 0800 093 0290 for details, or see The Ragley Hall Website.
Admission Prices - 2012
House, Garden, Park, Adventure Playground & Jerwood Sculpture Park included:
- Adult - £8.50
- Child (5-16 years) - £5.50
- Seniors - £7.00
- Family (2+3) - £27.00
Season Tickets:
- Adult - £45.00
- Child - £30.00
- Family (2+3) - £130.00
Groups Welcome (minimum 20 people):
- Standard Package - £15.00 per person
- Premium Package - £30.00 per person
- Garden Tour - £10.00 per person
Concessionary admission for groups & coaches, please phone 01789 762090.
More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.
Further information including opening times and pricesImage Gallery
Events for Ragley Hall
- Battle Proms - 18 August 2012
As well as the usual highlights such as the Napoleonic cavalry, 200 live cannons, Spitfire display, breathtaking fireworks and a sing along proms finale, the 2012 Battle Proms will include a Diamond Jubilee Gun Salute from a vintage QF Field Gun fired manually by a team of gunners. - APF Exhibition 2012 - 13 September 2012 to 15 September 2012
A wide variety of events and competitions including the Husqvarna World 25m poleclimbing Championships, The World Horse Logging Championships, The European Chainsaw Carving Championships and the World Log to Leg Pole Lathe Turning Championships as well as an extensive woodland crafts area and over £30 million of working forest machinery.
Your Reviews of Ragley Hall
Sarah Burwood (16 August 2008)
We visited Ragley Hall today, and had a wonderful time at the adventure wood, and also visiting the stalls at the Game and Country Fayre. We did the woodland walk, and saw the sculptures along the way. We also visited the Hall itself, and were very impressed with the welcoming and friendly response from all the members of staff. Many thanks for a great visit.
Thomas Shepstone (02 July 2007)
It seems as though Ragley have taken note of the previous comment regarding guided tours. I visited with my children and my parents and the tour was thoroughly enjoyable and very informative. What's more the younger members of my party were able to enjoy the Adventure Wood for literally hours! Overall an excellent full day out!
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Additional Info for Ragley Hall
Parks- Gardens
- Playgrounds
- Dogs allowed
- Weddings
- Disabled Access
- Education
- Refreshments
- Picnics
- Guides
- Meals Available
- Conferences
- Filming
- Gifts
- Live Entertainment
- Shop
- Car Parking
Heritage Groups
- Historic Houses Association
Credit Cards Accepted
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Delta
- Switch
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