Top 10 historic Midlands buildings you must see

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens

Enjoy a great day out in Warwickshire at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. It is one of the largest and most impressive historic attractions in the West Midlands. The whole family will enjoy exploring the splendor of the ruins, which are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the big love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created this ornate palace to impress his beloved Queen in 1575. Why not get lost in this 400-year-old love story by having a wander through carved arbours and marvel at the bejeweled aviary and luxurious marble fountain.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/kenilworth-castle/

Greyfriars’ House and Garden

The Greyfriars is a stunning timber-framed merchant's house where you can get away from the hustle and bustle while still in the heart of Worcester city centre. This unique house and garden was rescued from demolition after the Second World War and has been carefully restored and refurbished. An archway leads through to a delightfully walled garden which is a peaceful oasis from the busy historic town.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyfriars/

Benthall Hall

A fine stone house with a stunning interior including a carved oak staircase, decorated plaster ceilings and oak paneling. Built in 1535 it is situated near Broseley above the gorge of the River Severn. The current Mr and Mrs Benthall are the 30th generation to live in the House, after being a family home for the last 500 years. There is an intimate and carefully restored plantsman's garden, old kitchen garden and interesting Restoration church. They have collected a large variety of unusual plants over the years so be prepared to find a few surprises drawing your eye as you wonder, unsuspectingly round each corner.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/benthall-hall/

Croft Castle

Croft Castle is now a lavish country mansion but started life as a Norman stronghold on the border of Wales. It has been home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years, known for being a place of power, politics and pleasure. The fortress was destroyed by Parliamentary troops in 1645, but the rectangular house survived. The interior features Jacobean paneling and staircases with timber roof beams. On a clear day it is said that you can see 14 counties from the top.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle/

Birmingham Back to Backs

Step back in time by visiting the last remaining collection of Back to Back housing in the Midlands. The courtyard has been carefully restored to reflect four different time periods moving from the 1840s through to the 1970s. Have an intimate look into life at the Back to Backs with the cramped conditions where they lived and worked. Admission is by guided tour only so don't forget to book a place.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs/

Wightwick Manor

Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton is a lovely Victorian manor house of the Aesthetic Movement, set in stunning gardens. The house's interior features original wallpaper and fabrics by arts and crafts pioneer William Morris, along with Pre-Raphaelite stained glass and paintings. The 17 acres of gardens surrounding the manor are particularly interesting as they feature terraces, woodland, and water pools, creating colour all year round. Step back in time and visit the ever-changing family home that's also the world's most unlikely art gallery.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wightwick-manor/

Wenlock Priory

Discover where the modern Olympic Games began in the little town of Much Wenlock. The tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory stand in a charming setting on the fringe of the beautiful picturesque town. It is the remains of an Anglo-Saxon monastery which has attracted both pilgrims and prosperity. The famous topiary-filled cloister garden is set against the backdrop of the complete infirmary wing, which was converted into a mansion after the priory's closure and is still a private residence today.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/wenlock-priory/

Stokesay Castle

Stokesay Castle is the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Set in the peaceful Shropshire countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church form an unforgettably striking assembly. Stokesay Castle is not really a castle at all, it's a 13th century fortified manor house virtually unaltered since it was built in 1291.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stokesay-castle/

Witley Court and Gardens

A hundred years ago, Witley Court in Worcestershire was one of England's great country houses, surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens and containing huge stone fountains. The largest fountain, representing Perseus and Andromeda, which are now restored were described in its day as making the 'noise of an express train'. The romantic ruins are the perfect picnic spot especially when the fountains are operating from April to October.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/witley-court-and-gardens/

Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton has been described as 'the perfect late medieval manor house', and it's not hard to see why. The manor occupies an island hemmed in on all sides by a wide moat, where swans float about peacefully. It is nestled in the lovely setting of Warwickshire, boasting accurate period gardens. The house and interior reflects the Elizabethan era, when it was originally a haven for persecuted Catholics - there are three secret priest's holes in the house. With a delightful garden with stew ponds, a romantic lake and nature walk you're bound to feel completely relaxed.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesley-clinton/

By Jody Ball