You’ll find lots for the family to enjoy at The Firs, which is Edward Elgar’s birthplace this summer. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 11am until 5pm. You can discover the pretty cottage where Elgar was born surrounded by a beautiful cottage garden. If you know any budding little composers, there are some wonderful outdoor instruments in the sound garden for them to experiment with. There is also a piano in the visitor centre, so if you’re visiting, please do ask a member of the team if you or your budding composers would like to have some fun playing it. Young ones are sure to be inspired by the instruments, creative atmosphere and the life of one of England’s most notable composers. See how the musician worked in the recreation of his study or stop buy the bookshop for some further reading material to take home.
The Firs comprises of a visitor centre with interesting exhibits about Elgar and his life, the pretty cottage where he spent some of his formative childhood years and a lovely well kept garden including a friendly statue of the man himself. You will be welcomed by knowledgeable guides, eager to share their passion for the great composer. After soaking up all the interesting info and memorabilia in the cottage, stop for coffee and cake in the comfortable tea room, admire the blooms in the garden, or sit with Elgar and overlook the landscape that inspired his glorious music.
The gardens are dog friendly and the visitor centre and gardens are accessible.
Image Credit – National Trust: Nina Leonard
