Sleeping Beauty-Inspired Mansion Opens Doors for Free Near Birmingham
The National Trust property Tyntesfield, a stunning Victorian Gothic Revival house often compared to the romantic Château d'Ussé in France that inspired Sleeping Beauty, is opening its doors for free for a limited time this March. Located in Somerset, just under two hours from Birmingham, this ornate mansion offers a rare opportunity for visitors to explore its grandeur without the usual admission fees.
A Fairy Tale Setting Close to Home
While France boasts iconic castles like the Château d'Ussé in the Loire Valley, believed to have inspired Charles Perrault's classic tale, Tyntesfield provides a similar enchanting experience much closer to Birmingham. Nestled on 540 acres of historic land, woodland, and orchard, this turreted mansion features architecture that evokes the charm of a French countryside fairy tale, yet it is conveniently situated near Bristol, easily accessible via the M5 motorway.
Exploring the Grand Interiors and Grounds
Inside Tyntesfield, visitors can marvel at:
- A library with thousands of books, a large bay window, and a fireplace.
- A hall with a 43-foot high oak lantern roof.
- A boudoir adorned with intricate boxwood panelling carved with roses, strawberries, and pineapples.
The property also includes a Gothic revival chapel, modelled after Paris's Sainte Chapelle and connected to the house by a bridge. Outside, the expansive grounds feature:
- Three play areas for children.
- A 'den-building village' in the woodland.
- An orangery and a working kitchen garden.
- The Home Farm Café, set in a Grade II listed Victorian Dairy, perfect for coffee and cake.
How to Visit for Free This Week
Normally, admission to Tyntesfield costs £21 for adults and £10.50 for children. However, from March 7 to 14, as part of the National Lottery Open Week, entry is free. To take advantage of this offer, visitors simply need to present a paper or digital lottery ticket from any date. This initiative provides access to hundreds of National Trust properties across the country at reduced or no cost.
Getting to Tyntesfield from Birmingham
Located at Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1PA, Tyntesfield is easily reachable from Birmingham:
- By car: The drive takes just under two hours via the M5, traffic permitting.
- By train: Options include a one-hour and 20-minute journey from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads (7.4 miles from the house) or a train to Nailsea and Backwell Station (four miles away).
This free access week offers a unique chance to experience the magic of this historic mansion without the usual expense, making it an ideal day trip for families and history enthusiasts alike.
