VISITORS to Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire will soon be able to enjoy a relaxing game of bowls when the first ever National Trust bowling green opens for play this Sunday.

The bowling green is one of the final parts of a decade's worth of restoration in the stunning gardens at Hanbury Hall, recreating the original 18th century design by George London.

The original green can be seen on the Dougharty Survey, a 1732 map of the Hanbury estate, as well as on a sketch dated to around 1710 by Sir James Thornhill, the famous painter of the murals at Hanbury Hall.

The green, designed for playing crown green bowls will be open for play for visitors to from this weekend onwards subject to weather conditions.

And to herald the arrival of National Trust's first ever playable bowling green, 18th century characters connected to Hanbury Hall, including the surveyor Mr Dougharty himself, have been invited for a summer house party.

Visitors on this weekend will be able to attend the grand opening of the bowling green, and have the opportunity to join in with a game of bowls with members of the Vernon family, their friends and servants, soaking in some of the 18th century country lifestyle at Hanbury Hall.

The gardens, tea room and shop will be open from noon with the house opening at 1.30pm for visitors to explore.

The bowling green will be available for play on open days at a cost of £2 per person. Teams can also make bookings for the green out of normal opening hours at £5 per person.

For further details contact the property office on 01527 821214.