Shropshire Tourist Information and Visitor Guide

Visitors can experience life as a servant at Attingham Park

The magnificent house and grounds near Shrewsbury will be a hive of activity this Saturday and Sunday (7 & 8 August 2010 ) from 1pm to 4pm, with a variety of costumes, servant’s tasks and hands-on activities.

As visitors walk around the show rooms children will be able to find out about the range of duties the servants would carry out in each room.

Visitors will be able to pick up a task list and see if they are up to the challenge of becoming a Regency servant. They can also speak to the housekeeper and receive an indenture to work at Attingham Park

There’s the chance to become Lord Berwick’s Valet or Lady Berwick’s Ladies Maid in the steward’s room and help them dress for a dinner party.

In the kitchen visitors will be able to see what people ate during the Regency era and find out what Lord Berwick’s favourite meal was. Visit the still room and have a go at sugar crafting.

The new below stairs family tour ‘Gossip and Graft’ invites youngsters to dress up as a servant, learn the ropes and hear the gossip about the second Lord Berwick's spending.

Below stairs tours will take place most weekends throughout the holidays. Tickets are free of charge and collected from Visitor Reception on arrival.

Becci Sayer, Events and Engagement Officer, said: “It promises to be a great family weekend with lots to see and do. There’ll be something for everyone with fascinating facts and hands-on activities throughout the house.”

There are also three different summer trails to choose from costing £2.50 with a prize at the end.

Families can hunt for pirates around the estate, pick up an I-Spy sheet and see how many things they can spot in the park and mansion, or head to the walled garden for a Beatrix Potter trail helping Mrs Tiggywinkle gather in the washing. Trails run until 5 September.

The shop, Carriage House Café and Visitor Reception open at 9am and close at 6pm with the Mansion House Tea-room opening from 10.30am. The house opens at 1pm with taster tours from 11am.

Normal admission charges apply with a suggested donation of £2 for the activities.

For further details or for event information please call the property on 01743 708123 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attinghampark