Attingham Park will be fully re-opening the doors to the mansion at its heart on Saturday 12 March and will be open every day until the end of October.

Wednesday is the new day of opening and will become an all-costume Wednesday. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to be welcomed by volunteers and staff in Regency dress, specifically 1811-1820 costume. This reflects the time of the Second Lord and Lady Berwick.

Engagement and Conservation Manager, Catherine Turnbull, said: “Guides being in Regency costume on a Wednesday is a wonderful way to bring Attingham to life and offers a different experience. Although they will not be in character, the guides will be dressed in historically accurate costumes from the era. The beautiful fabrics and designs for both men and women are an instant draw in themselves.”

Visitors can also take the inspiring stories of Attingham away with them thanks to the launch of a new souvenir guide. Instead of the usual tour of the mansion, the newly published guide tells the stories of the Berwick family and servants and their changing fortunes, revival and re-discovery. Sumptuous images show the mansion, park and estate. The new Souvenir Guides will go on sale on 12 March.

During the first week of opening the Attingham Re-discovered programme of conservation, restoration and re-display is showcasing some major developments particularly in the west side of the mansion that reflects a more masculine design.

Highlights include a stunning Brussels weave carpet, silk tabouret curtains and the re-hanging of 17 cattle portraits which were the pride and joy of the 5th Lord Berwick.

Throughout the first week of opening there is a unique chance to see the Dining Room being re-laid for an evening banquet. Visitors can watch as the conservation team carefully set the table for 18 dinner guests. When complete the dining table displays the desserts as a major table decoration, which were on show from the very beginning of the meal. The grand displays were a delight to the eye and also showed off the family wealth and taste, particularly of rare hot-house fruits and fine sugar-work. The team will explain to visitors about the re-created desserts and the dining etiquette of the time.

The focus of the Attingham Re-discovered project is now moving upstairs to the rooms that were occupied by both the 2nd and 8th Lady Berwick. Research has begun to identify how the rooms were used, what furniture would have dressed these spaces, and how these two significant ladies in the Attingham history would have spent their time in the rooms. Developments also continue in the delicate Boudoir on the female side of the mansion.

Attingham is open in its entirety daily from Saturday 12 March until Sunday 30 October. The mansion opens from 11am to 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm. The parkland, shop and tea rooms are open 9am to 6pm. National trust members gain free entry. Normal admission charges apply for non-members.

For further information please call 01743 708123 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attinghampark.