The National Trust's Stackpole Estate opened the doors to its new visitor exhibition on the site of Stackpole Court marking the conclusion of major work lasting three years, costing £3.5million and involving an army of staff, volunteers and contractors.

The rain stayed away and more than 350 people came to see the new visitor exhibition in the old dairy, brewery and game larder on bank holiday Monday.

The buildings, which were previously closed to the public, were opened up for the first time with information and displays outlining the estate's history as well as housing a large map of the estate spanning the whole of the floor area of the dairy.

This was complemented with the performance of a play 'A Potted History of Stackpole', written by Derek Webb, as well as local artists' presentations and family activities, including circus skills, workshops and face-painting.

Visitors also enjoyed guided walks through the newly cleared and opened up Lodge Park Woods, as well as guided walks along the new paths at Bosherston Lakes.

Jane and Alan Mason, from Haverfordwest, said of their visit: "We had a lovely afternoon at the Stackpole Estate and were delighted to see the improvements now really taking shape. All the Trust staff were very friendly and welcoming. The play written and performed to tell the history of the house was informative and fun and the new interpretation area is starting to bring the former house back to life.  The opening up of the woodlands is now providing some very pretty walks with access through to the walled gardens." 

Rebecca Stock, operations manager at Stackpole Estate, said: "We were thrilled to welcome everyone who joined us on the day; it is a genuine pleasure to see all of the hard work that has gone into this project being enjoyed by our visitors. On behalf of the Stackpole team I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the event so memorable, including Mencap Walled Gardens who kindly opened up the gardens for visitors on the day. "