Weston Park opening gates

Popular family attraction Weston Park is opening its gates from today for the 2007 season.

Located on the Staffordshire and Shropshire border near Wolverhampton, the 17th century stately home is unveiling a host of new events and attractions.

The season begins today with the Children's Easter Trail where a series of clues will be located around the park and gardens.

All proceeds of the trail will help raise valuable funds for children's charity, Barnardo's. Tomorrow and Monday is the 20th annual Midlands Festival of Transport Show. A host of vehicles from classic to American cars through to buses and steam trains will descend on the site.

Next Wednesday and Thursday visitors can enjoy the Access to Collection days and admire some of the more personal artefacts of the present 7th Earl of Bradford, which are not normally on public display.

Currently, these treasures are held in storage and include such items as the ceiling paintings which depict the four seasons.

The Tapestry Room which is embellished with the rare sets of Gobelin tapestries, one of only four sets in England, has received a spring revamp restoring the collections of Morel and Hughes furniture to their original location in the house.

Due to popular demand, Weston Park has increased its Dining Occasions by combining award winning cuisine with garden walks and historical lectures.

Head gardeners' Handy Hints and Lunch in the Stables takes place on Saturday, April 21 with award winning head gardener, Martin Gee.

Visitors can learn helpful gardening tips understanding how techniques used at Weston Park can be translated for use at home.

New outdoor performances will also be held in the park. For further information on any of the 2007 events and opening times of the house and gardens visit www.weston-park.com or telephone 01952 852100.