HISTORIC houses in Herefordshire are this spring offering a wealth of opportunities to discover more about Britain’s history or enjoy the grandeur of a stately garden.

In the coming weeks, the National Trust has a number of new attractions at its properties including sharing objects and stories from the First and Second World Wars at Croft Castle, near Leominster.

Visitors to Brockhampton Estate, near Bromyard, can search for the curious three-legged oak gentleman’s drinking chair while touring the medieval manor house.

While Berrington Hall, near Leominster, is displaying the changing collection of period costumes from television and film.

Head of Conservation at the National Trust in the Midlands Catherine MacCarthy said: “We love showcasing objects from our collections for visitors to enjoy.

“The more curious looking ones initially attract the most attention but the fascinating stories behind some of our more ordinary things can be just as intriguing as the items themselves.

“We try to bring different objects to the forefront throughout the year and even sometimes completely redress a room. It’s a great way to show different perspectives, or focus on different stories about the buildings we care for and their former occupants.

“Visitors regularly tell us that they return time after time because there’s always something new to discover each time they visit”.

It’s not just inside that new discoveries can be made. Outdoors, the ever-changing landscape erupts with the fragrant scent and colour of vibrant bluebells at The Weir riverside garden near Hereford and delicate damson blossom at Brockhampton.

While animals and birds can be seen and heard in the woodlands around Croft Castle as they busily prepare for the warmer weather ahead.

It’s the perfect time of year to rediscover your favourite places and uncover hidden secrets, says the trust. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands to find out more.