Car Visits

The car section organises four or five visits per year to a variety of properties, gardens and other places of interest for members who wish to travel in their own car

Tuesday 9th June 2026 Radbourne Hall, near Derby

The Radbourne Estate has been held by the Chandos family from the time of the Norman Conquest and the Hall is an 18th century Palladian country house located to the west of Derby. In 2021/22 the Grade I listed hall underwent significant renovations to the fabric, winning a number of national awards for the quality of the work. Further details of the event, together with particulars of how to book, will be available soon

Review of Car Visits in 2025

Wednesday 30th April National Memorial Arboretum, near Alrewas (ref: car04/25)

The Arboretum is a British site of national remembrance with the objective to honour the fallen, recognise service and sacrifice and foster pride in the British and Allied Armed Forces and civilian community.

As well as containing more than 25,000 trees, there are in excess of 400 memorials for the armed forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have played a part in serving the country.

Tuesday 20th May World of Wedgwood, Barlaston (ref: car05/25)

World of Wedgwood, based in Barlaston near Stoke on Trent is a combination of factory, museum, retail outlets, dining and much more.

Our visit began with a guided 45 minute factory tour through the manufacturing process of Wedgwood Jasper Ware and China, watching the skilled workforce in action.

Tuesday 10th June Catton Hall and Gardens, near Alrewas (ref: car06/25)

We last visited Catton Hall on a balmy evening in August 2016 and the owners Robin and Katie Neilson are now retired from the Cattton Estate business interest but agreed to arrange a guided tour of the hall and gardens for us in 2025.

Thursday 24th July Wenlock Abbey, Much Wenlock (ref: car07/25)

Wenlock Abbey listed grade 1, was originally part of the Cluniac Wenlock Priory (now in the care of English Heritage) and is separate from the priory ruins.

Now a private residence, the house was bought in 1983 by artist Louis de Wet who restored the ancient fabric. Behind it’s glorious Renaissance facade, the prior’s private apartments are barely altered and comprise of an L-shape of two ranges, one the monks infirmary built in the 12th century, the other the Prior’s Lodging of 250 years later.