HANBURY Hall and Gardens, the National Trust property near Droitwich Spa, is hosting a series of events to celebrate the different places which five key generations of the Vernon family visited or were inspired by.

The top Worcestershire tourist attraction will begin by celebrating the travels of Thomas Vernon (1654-1721), the builder of Hanbury Hall. Thomas was a talented solicitor at the Courts of Chancery in London where he earned the kind of money to enable him to build Hanbury Hall. He also commissioned the artist Sir James Thornhill to create the wall and ceiling paintings for which the hall is best known.

The weekend of March 17 and 18 will see visitors transported back to 1710 as Thomas Vernon and his wife Mary return to the hall from London along with Mary’s widowed sister, Anne, and the artist, James Thornhill.

Visitors will be able to see the family arrive in style as they are driven up to the hall in a horse and carriage, then have the opportunity to meet them surrounded by the magnificent wall and ceiling paintings created by Thornhill.

The event, which will run from 1 - 4.30pm, will include pie and mash being served in the tea room and the chance to enjoy a horse and carriage ride.

Visitor services manager Alice Eddy said: “We’re all really excited about the chance to bring the hall to life from the time of Thomas and Mary Vernon – something we’ve not done before.”

Hanbury Hall will also be running the popular Dawn Chorus Walks again this year on Sunday, March 25 and Sunday, April 1 from 6am to 8.30am. The walks are being led by an RSPB expert and tickets, which include breakfast, cost £14 and must be pre-booked by calling 01527 821214.

For more details about the property and opening times visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hanburyhall