It might seem like a while ago now, but way back in the summer of 2020, when lockdown restrictions were being eased. You could book to visit National Trust properties again. The first one we booked for was Baddesley Clinton in early July 2020. You choose a date and time in advance and a number of tickets. And you could go around the site in about 90 minutes. The house wasn't open.

View feature View community

Return to Baddesley Clinton during July 2020


Return to Baddesley Clinton during July 2020


It might seem like a while ago now, but way back in the summer of 2020, when lockdown restrictions were being eased. You could book to visit National Trust properties again. The first one we booked for was Baddesley Clinton in early July 2020. You choose a date and time in advance and a number of tickets. And you could go around the site in about 90 minutes. The house wasn't open.


From March to June 2020, most National Trust properties were completely closed during the first lockdown. Then in the summer, as restrictions were being eased, they were able to reopen certain properties, but just the gardens and estate, but not the interior of the houses. The first one we booked to return to was Baddesley Clinton.

Tickets were usually released on the Friday, and were available to the Sunday, and they were going fast. We booked to go on the 6th July 2020, at around 11:30am in the morning.

There was a one way system in place. They scanned the QR code on the EventBrite app outside. The shop was reopened, but you had to wear your face mask inside. The cafe was only open to buy your coffee and anything else for takeaway, so you had to sit outside to have your drink.

 

Arriving in the car park, on the walk to the entrance. Saw these two signs. One about how to stay safe and enjoy your visit. The other about keeping 2 metres apart.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Welcome to Baddesley Clinton sign. With (then) updated signs. Including one about the one way system.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After the tickets in the EventBrite app were scanned, could already see that part of the Courtyard was roped off.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

To the back of the house in the garden, they had five pots blocking off access to that path.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This was the way to go in the garden. The box hedges were interesting to look at.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They only had maybe one or two gardeners during the first lockdown, but the plants looked impressive. This was the borders and the Glasshouse. To the left you pass through the Vegetable Garden.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the hall over the Wildflower Meadow. Some paths were closed to the public.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Going around The Great Pool with the usual water lilies. View to the familiar footbridge opposite.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Went around the long path. Benches were turned around. You could only turn left from here.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The bridge over the moat. The hall was closed to the public.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Nice to see Baddesley Clinton hall again. Had been inside there only once, back in June 2018.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back through the courtyard. Another area roped off. Taped on the ground showing you which way to go.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another lap around the grounds. Another look at the Walled Garden. Sundial in the middle.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

No Entry Follow one-way system. Had to go around the lake twice.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Locked gate to the Wildflower Meadow.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A grass path roped off, no entry.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of the Wildflower Meadow.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Barn Restaurant was open for takeaway only. Payments by card or app only. All tables and chairs out of use. Socially distant queue. Had our drinks outside in the Courtyard.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The shop was open from 10am to 4:30pm. I think at this point it had only just reopened. During this time, the path to the gardens, coffee shop and toilets was the temporary way in.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A pair of hares. This used to be the Visitor Centre where you used to buy your tickets. Seen on the way out of the shop.

dndimg alt="Baddesley Clinton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baddesley Clinton (Jul 2020) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next post will be on the Return to Packwood House. Near the end of July 2020.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown