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 | A. H. Hillers
Dunnington Heath Farm,
Alcester,
Warwickshire
Tel: 01789 490991 |
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The urban mass of Birmingham
appears to dominate the midlands, but all around is a landscape rich in
history, whether it be a mighty cathedral, stately home, half-timbered
cottage or factory that sang to the sound of clogs on flagstones and the
throb of the water wheel.
South of the modern city, is the ancient city of Warwick. The massive
walls of the majestic 14th century castle, complete with towers and
turrets are reflected in the River Avon that flows softly by. The city
itself has some superb buildings that have survived the ravages of time;
the timber-framed almshouses of the Lord Leycester Hospital, built in
1383, lean precariously over a cobbled pavement, and the 15th century
Market Hall has displays that trace the history of Warwickshire.
This is a county that is bulging at the seams with history, beauty and
magnificent country houses such as Ragley Hall near Alcester. Designed by
Robert Hook in 1680, it is probably one of the earliest examples of the
great Palladian Houses of England. Ragley has benefited from the hand of
some of the best architects of their time who were commissioned to add to
its splendour. James Gibb designed the Great Hall that was completed in
1760 and James Wyatt added the massive Portico on the East Front. Francis
Seymour, later the 1st Marquis of Hertford, continued to develop the house
and added a wonderful collection of French and English furniture. A
contribution from the 20th century is the magnificent mural 'The
Temptation' by Graham Rust, and also a Sculpture Park.
Warwickshire is also one of England's most fertile counties, the rich dark
soil is perfect for growing fruit and vegetables. On the edge of the
Ragley estate, at Dunnington Heath Farm, A.H. Hiller & Son have been
growing high quality fresh produce for over 80 fruitful years. Now, as the
farm has grown, so has their reputation for quality and fresh ideas. There
is a garden and plant centre that is known throughout the country for its
variety and quality. The well established two-acre garden has an ever
changing display of interesting and unusual herbaceous perennials with
over one hundred varieties of wonderful old-fashioned and scented roses.
Everything in this peaceful garden is laid out to show how plants from the
huge collection can work together in your own garden. The Farm Shop has
the most delicious selection of fresh produce, most of it grown on the
farm, and a delicatessen that boasts over fifty varieties of cheese, and
many other treats. The Gift Shop is housed in beautifully restored farm
buildings at the entrance to the Hiller garden and holds a unique
collection of unusual gifts and inspired accessories for interior design.
Next-door is Hillers Tea Room, warm and friendly with a distinctive 'farm
house kitchen' feel. A perfect place to relax and enjoy a snack or light
lunch. If you could bottle the wonderful smell of baking that hits you
when you walk in, it would be one of the best selling items in the gift
shop! Everything on the menu is made on the premises and uses the produce
from the farm. There is everything from a cream scone to baked ham. The
ploughman's lunch with brie, stilton or cheddar would satisfy even the
largest appetite, and if you have any room after that, try the home-made
cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, or, just forget the cheesecake
and go for the fresh strawberries and cream! Lunches are served from 12
noon to 2.30pm, and there is a restaurant license from 12-3.00pm.
Opening Times: Summer 7 days a week 10.00am-05.00pm (last orders
4.45pm) Jan-March 10.00am-04.30pm
Tel: Tearoom (01789) 490991
Garden (01789) 491342 |
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