THE National Trust will be bringing Kinver's Rock Houses to life this weekend - as part of efforts to develop the visitor experience at the south Staffordshire beauty spot.

For the first time ever - visitors will be able to see people cooking in the kitchens at the National Trust site, which will be hosting guided tours, children’s trails and family activities this Saturday (March 1) from 10am to 4pm.

Visitors arriving early at 10am will be able to enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes visit and join volunteers as they light fires and get the houses ready for full opening.

Once the houses are open at 11am visitors will be able to see and taste bread being made in the kitchen, have a go at rag rug making and try their hand at traditional children’s games. There will also be a free plant-a-bean trail for families and short guided rambles over Kinver Edge at various times during the day.

Mike Parker, custodian at the Rock Houses, said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for us, we’re really bringing the place to life and adding another dimension to the visitor experience.”

The event marks the start of a bigger project to develop the visitor experience at Kinver.

This spring - staff and volunteers will be working with visitors to find out what they would like to see happening in the houses and on Kinver Edge.

The Rock Houses will also be open longer this season - from 11am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of November.

More volunteers are also being sought to welcome visitors to the Rock Houses.

Booking is essential for the behind-the-scenes tours.

The March 1 event is free for National Trust members, £3.70 for adults, £1.70 for children and £7.40 for a family ticket.

For more details, to book or to find out more about volunteering call community engagement officer Laura Broadhurst on 01562 712 822, email laura.broadhurst@nationaltrust.org.uk or visit website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinver-edge