The 2009 National Rally is to be held at a new venue, Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough in Leicestershire over the late Spring Bank holiday 22 - 26 May.
Prestwold Hall, a delightful stately home located in the heart of the Midlands on the western edge of the Wolds, has been described as one of the region’s premier stately homes. This private estate is the family home of its current occupiers Edward and Juliet Packe-Drury-Lowe although it has been the residence of the Packe family for nearly 400 years. The first descendant to occupy the Hall was Cromwellian peer Sir Christopher Packe who was knighted during his reign as Mayor of London.
The house contains many interesting features including marbled Italian plasterwork, fine 18th century English and European furniture and a large collection of family portraits from Sir Christopher Pack to the present day. Each of the rooms that run the length of the ground floor on the south side of the building look out on to impeccable formal gardens that feature a magnificent life-size bronze statue of a horse.
Although not usually open to the public, the picturesque Hall and gardens present a stunning backdrop for films, television and photo shoots and provides the perfect venue for conferences, weddings and corporate activities. However, National Rally participants will have the opportunity to take a look inside Prestwold Hall. Tours will take place at designated times over the weekend and you can experience an evening of fine dining in the House on the Saturday and Sunday.
Other attractions in the park include Everyman Racing who can offer a thrill of a lifetime drive in a fast car round their purpose built racetrack and Airbossworld Kite Park who can provide a taster session to the exiting world of kiting.