VISITORS to Witley Court, near Worcester, got the chance to go back in time to the Victorian era yesterday.

The special bank holiday weekend event was a chance to recreate the heyday of Witley Court, when it was a living stately home rather than the romantic ruin we see today.

And, in spite of the Victorian rule that children should be seen and not heard, visiting youngsters could most certainly raise their voices by taking part in anything from theatrical presentations about the long-reigning queen, to Victorian-style army drill or even football.

Nicky Ruff, who manages the site for owner English Heritage, said: "We had quite a rainy start to the morning, but it didn't seem to put people off and we've had a lovely time today. It's great because this Victorian day out is a first for us.

"There has been Punch and Judy and Victorian football. I don't know what the difference is between the rules of Victorian football and modern football, but the children certainly seem to have been enjoying it.

"People were also fascinated by the camera obscura, which uses lenses to throw images onto a cloth screen inn a darkened tent. Visitors were fascinated to see the moving images," she said.

The court's famous Poseidon and Andromeda fountain also attracted attention, with its water display every hour on the hours, and visitors also enjoyed the elaborately-designed and carefully-restored gardens, and walk the woodland trails through Witley Court's extensive parklands.

The church, with its Italian-style baroque decorations, and which was undamaged by the fire which gutted the main part of the court in 1937, is another must-see landmark.

All the attractions of the Victorian Day out will be back at Witley Court today from 11am to 5pm.