This highlights one of the benefits of being a National Trust member. We were enjoying the summer sunshine with a drive in the English countryside. Where possible, choosing the quiter 'B' roads.Wanting to stretch our legs and have a break for coffee I looked on the map and realised Acorn Bank was close by. Most times when I visit a NI property it is the sole purpose of the journey. Membership allows you to visit for as long or short a time as you want. Car parking is also free. Having parked up we called at the reception cabin to show membership cards. The guide suggested we might want to visit the water mill. Being a weekend, it was in operation. We decided to take a gentle amble through the woods towards the mill. The peace and tranquility promoted a feeling of being connected to nature. We the had a quick look around the cultivated gardens before making our way to the cafe. Sitting in the courtyard with coffee and cake, gentle breeze cooling us from the suns heat . A perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. We actually forgot to look inside the house! The number of visits are not restricted so we intend to call again soon. We only stayed for 2 hours but could readily have remained longer .

Sadly only 3 stars - maybe 3 and a half. We are NT members so didn't 'pay' to go in. I would not like to think I'd paid full price for entering. The lady at the entrance was lovely, as was the woodland walk. It's not a long walk but was very tranquil. There are lots of little interesting bits for the kids with information. The watermill was not in action. It only works weekends and Bank Holidays. The gardens by the house are pleasant to walk round too. The cafe was the usual NT cafe and, in our opinion, they just are not what they used to be. But I will say that the lady in there was lovely - and working, on her own in the incredibly hot weather, was still very cheery. The toilets were clean but in desperate need of a lick of paint. Then there is the house. Such a beautiful building! Three rooms are open of which non of them inspired much interest . An entrance hall with a fire place and some windows is the first room, the second room is a book shop and the third one....I can't remember. So, so sad. I presumed that, when it was a care home, it had been stripped of its glory but a previous review says that it used to have many more rooms open. Surely NT must have much more information about the building. What about putting a floor plan in showing where the kitchens, stables, servants room, nurseries etc etc used to be. It is such a shame. So, if you are a NT member and want a gentle half hour walk, go for it. If you're paying ......well, think about what you are getting for your money.

Small building with gardens. Only a few rooms to access, the house needs some restoration. You can walk around the well maintained gardens, and walk along the river. The water mill is open, but not operational every day. There is plenty of info at the mill, which is run by a separate trust. Worth a visit. As usual NT volunteers are on site to help and give incites to the building. They are the best.

Lovely place steeped in history. Nice cafe and courtyard. Walled garden areas interesting. There are only three rooms open which is a shame as it would be great to see more of it. The water mill is accessible but again is slightly limited in what you get to see. The woodland walk by the river is excellent with unusual wind up speakers dotted around with 8 different subjects to listen to on each. A nice touch. There is also a 3D headset in the house showing some videos. A great idea. We really enjoyed our visit.

A fabulous visit at the beginning of March as part of the National Lottery Open Day. Such stunning gardens and woodlands, with riverside walking, the water mill (you can buy their flour), café, plant stall and bookshop within the house. Ample parking, accessible routes available, great facilities, and I recommend getting to the cafe early for the full range of treats on offer. I really enjoyed the flora and fauna. My favourites being the daffodils, mistletoe, and the numerous Great Spotted Woodpeckers. I didn't get to see the watermill working today, so I will have to make another trip. It's well signposted of the A66, just take care on those narrow country roads. And yes there's always roadworks on the A66 and M6, check before you travel.