Making new discoveries at National Trust places in Nottinghamshire

Take a closer look and there are an abundance of discoveries to be made at National Trust places in Nottinghamshire this spring. Whether stepping back in time to discover a bygone era in a period home, or venturing that little bit further to explore a secluded area of garden or countryside, there’s always something new to see and do. At Mr Straw's House in Worksop behind the scenes tours showcase some of the domestic tools of the day including a pork pie mould and crumb sweeper, while at Clumber Park throughout June, 'Follow me, Open me, Look in me' reveals hidden secrets and places that visitors wouldn't normally see. There are also an array of unusual objects such as cucumber straighteners, seed fiddles and pony slippers. Head of Conservation at the National Trust in the Midlands, Catherine MacCarthy said “We love showcasing objects from our collections for visitors to enjoy. The more curious looking ones initially attract the most attention but the fascinating stories behind some of our more ordinary things can be just as intriguing as the items themselves. We try to bring different objects to the forefront throughout the year and even sometimes completely redress a room. It’s a great way to show different perspectives, or focus on different stories about the buildings we care for and their former occupants. Visitors regularly tell us that they return time after time because there’s always something new to discover each time they visit”. It’s not just inside that new discoveries can be made. Outdoors, the ever-changing landscape erupts with the fragrant scent and colour of vibrant bluebells at Clumber Park and fresh rhubarb at The Workhouse and in Clumber’s Walled Kitchen Garden. Animals and birds can be seen and heard in the gardens around Mr Straw's House and out in the parkland at Clumber Park as they busily prepare for the warmer weather ahead. It’s the perfect time of year to rediscover favourite places and uncover hidden secrets. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands to find out more.