A Tudor manor house about eight miles south of Solihull in the Forest of Arden, now owned by the National Trust. The house is modest in scale but satisfying — it was restored and furnished in the early 20th century by Graham Baron Ash, who acquired period furniture and fittings to create a convincing Tudor interior rather than an authentic but empty one. The result has been both praised and criticised, but it works as an experience.
The yew garden is the main reason to visit. The topiary is centuries old, the maintenance is immaculate, and the atmosphere on a grey afternoon in the overgrown garden beyond is genuinely atmospheric. Plan about two hours for house and garden combined. Packwood is best combined with nearby Baddesley Clinton, about two miles away.