Kinver Edge and Rock Houses |
||||||||||
|
From the remains of the Iron Age Hill Fort to the restored Holy Austin Rock Houses, people have been living in the area of Kinver Edge for thousands of years.
Kinver Edge was created millions of years ago from wind-blown sand which had collected over time. The swirling patterns in the sandstone rock can still be seen in the walls and ceilings of the cave dwellings where water and the elements are gradually eroding away the soft sandstone rock.
A visit to these fascinating and unique rock houses shows how they were dug out of the soft sandstone of the Kinver Edge ridge to make cosy but primitive dwellings until the 1950s. One of the dwellings has been restored
 |
| Click Photo for Gallery |
The rock kept the dwellings cool in summer and warm in winter. However there was no sanitation, electricity or running water and the last inhabitants were forced to move to "better" homes in 1967 by a legislative order. The cliff-face houses generally had a living room and a bedroom with a separate store in the deepest and coolest parts of the caves.
As you can imagine, the dwellings have always been a local attraction. The troglodyte residents baked cakes on the cooking ranges built into the rock wall and sold them to curious tourists. Piped gas was provided for cooking and lighting and the pipes still lie under the sandy paths. The houses had sloped chimney flues to carry out the smoke, which can still be seen like a giant honeycomb in the walls.
The rock houses would have had bespoke wooden doors and window
 |
| Click Photo for Gallery |
These eleven Staffordshire houses are on three levels, with the upper levels being unrestored. There is an exhibition on site with information about the history of these unique homes and some old photographs.
After exploring these unusual historic residences and the exhibition, Kinver Edge is ideal for exploring on foot as it has some of the best views of the Staffordshire countryside from the top of the escarpment. The local footpath follows part of the Staffordshire Way. Further geological features in the area include Nanny's Rock, also made of the same stunning red coloured sandstone.
Walks along the forested route will reveal ancient earthworks, criss-crossing footpaths and some perfect spots for enjoying a picnic, with views across the Severn Valley.
|
Opening Times
|
|
(2011 times)
Kinver Edge: Open all year. House Grounds: Open all year: Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm. Kinver Tea-room: Open all year: Thursday - Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. Lower Rock Houses and upper terrace: 4th March - 28th November: Thursday - Sunday 2.00pm - 4.00pm. please Note: The Rock Houses are also open on Bank Holiday Mondays. Lower Rock Houses open for guided weekday tours (March to November), by prior arrangement (parties of 10 or over). Rock houses closed on Kinver Fête day in May. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. |
|
Admission Charges
|
|
(2011 prices)
Free
|
|
Directions
|
|
By Foot: The rock houses are a short walk away from Kinver village. You can also walk up on to Kinver Edge from Kingswood to the southwest. The estate lies at the end of the Staffordshire Way, a popular 91 mile path to Mow Cop in Cheshire. It also links up with the North Worcestershire Way, which continues on to Major's Green, via the Clent Hills. By Bike: National Cycle Network route 54 is 5 miles away at Stourbridge and 8 miles away at Kidderminster. Canal towpaths link to Kinver from both towns. A variety of bridleways enable off-road cycling through this area too. By Bus: Regular weekday bus service 228 to Kinver village from Stourbridge bus station, near Stourbridge Town . Several buses a day from Kidderminster to Kinver. By Train: Stourbridge Town , Stourbridge Junction and Kidderminster are all about 6 miles away. By Boat: The Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal is one mile's walk away from Kinver Edge. It links with the Stourbridge canal 2 miles north of the village. Both canals pass through some remarkable countryside and industrial scenery. By Road: For Kinver village, turn off the A458 between Bridgnorth and Stourbridge, or turn off the A449 between Kidderminster and Wolverhampton. Car Parks: Kinver Edge: OS: SO837829, free parking, suitable for coaches. Holy Austin Rock Houses: OS: SO835836, free parking. Ordnance Survey Maps: Landranger 138 Explorer 218 |
| Show map of Kinver Edge and Rock Houses... |
|
Kinver Edge and Rock Houses Postcode for SatNav: DY7 6HU |
|
National Trust | Estate Agents |
Copyright © 1999-2012 Excelsior Information Systems Limited.
All rights reserved.
Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Link to Us Index Site Map
