Queen Victoria to be celebrated by Weston Park

Throughout 2019 the estate, on Shropshire's border with Staffordshire, will celebrate the reign of Queen Victoria with an array of themed events dubbed 'Victorian Weston'.

The estate will open for the summer season this week on what would have been her 200th birthday, May 24.

Visitors can explore the estate and the stately home, and learn about their ties to the Victorian age.

Artefacts from the time period will go on display, including a rare carpet given to Selina, Countess of Bradford, by former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

On August 11 and September 8, guests can take in a tour of the stately gardens and an afternoon tea in the Victoria Orangery.

An afternoon tea costs £29 per person, and with prosecco the cost is £35. Both prices include entrance to the house, park and gardens and the tour.

On June 9 and 30, July 21 and 28, August 4 and 18 and September 1, there will be an opportunity to instead enjoy an afternoon tea 'behind the scenes' and learn more about the 3rd Earl of Bradford's lavish house parties.

Throughout August and September there will also be an exhibition on display titled 'Victorious - Victoria 200'.

Curated by Gareth Williams, it will tell the story of how the estate changed in the life and reign of Queen Victoria. It will include items never seen before by the public.

It will go ahead in the Granary Art Gallery and entry is free.

Throughout the summer season the park and gardens are open from 10.30am to 6pm, and the house is open between 1pm and 5pm.

The house is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

For more information call www.weston-park.com