Lord and Lady Hertford have again opened up their home and lands to the public until the end of September, offering a day out with endless open space, a maize maze and adventure wood for the children and a slice of sophisticated tranquility for parents.

The outdoor attractions include the rich and varied informal gardens, much-adapted from Brown's original plans by 19th century landscaper Robert Marnoch. His vision was to showcase plant species from the New World, but the ethos now focuses as much on indigenous flora and fauna and providing habitat for wildlife, with areas of meadow, bogland and scrub. Peacocks roam the grounds and there are still delights for fans of the more formal in the fountain and rose gardens.

There are also several walks and picnic areas, a woodland adventure trail and the award-winning Jerwood sculpture park - and a fully licensed restaurant cafe serving a mean cream tea.

The house itself was designed by Robert Hooke in 1680 and added to, notably, with James Gibbs' baroque plasterwork in the Great Hall, and the Wyatt portico, Red Saloon and Mauve Rooms. In 1967 the eighth marquis saw Graham Rust's work on a mural in Virginia and decided he was the perfect artist to decorate the bare south staircase hall, with striking results in The Temptation - finished after 14 year's work in 1983. Other notable interiors include the state dining room, library and green drawing room.

The facts.
What is it: Stately home with 400 acres of parkland and gardens, a maize maze, adventure wood and committed areas of wildlife habitat.
Where is it: Ragley Hall is eight miles west of Stratford.
Opening times: Ragley's park and gardens are open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. The house opens between noon and 5.30pm.
Admission. House, park and gardens: Adults £7.50, child £4.50, senior citizens £6.50. A family ticket costs £25 and park and gardens-only admission is £6 for adults.
Contact: Call 0800 0930290 (freephone visitor line), 01789 762090 (hall office) or visit www.ragleyhall.com