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The National Trust: Wimpole Estate posted on 1 April 2012
Wimpole is the unique Nation Trust working estate, found in Arrington, just on the outskirts of Cambridge on the A603. The estate has so much to offer every one of its visitors, who return year after year to enjoy the magnificent Wimpole Hall and Gardens, Home Farm and Park and their newly redeveloped Old Rectory Restaurant. With Wimpole Hall and Gardens as its centerpiece, visitors will find new things to discover every time they visit.
Visiting Wimpole
The Stable Block is the first building you see on arrival at Wimpole - situated adjacent to the car park, it is used as the main visitor reception area. Visitors should find all of the information they need here and purchase their tickets for the day. If meeting friends, this is the place to do it; it's near the car park and has covered areas in the event of poor weather. Whilst waiting you can always browse in the shop or buy a cup of tea or coffee. If you wish to join the National Trust our staff are there to help and advise.
Admission Prices
Admission prices vary so visit the Admissions page of the Wimpole Estate website for full details.
http://www.wimpole.org/visit_prices.htm
Hall & Gardens
First built in 1643 and much altered by subsequent owners, Wimpole has developed into the largest country house in Cambridgeshire. Wimpole's owners employed noted architects of their day to make alterations to the Hall: Lord Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford employed James Gibbs; the Earls of Hardwicke during their period of ownership from 1740- 1895 employed Henry Flitcroft, Sir John Soane and Henry Kendall. Evidence of the work of all of these architects can be seen today, but the most notable work is that of Soane. Examples include: the Bathhouse, Book Room and the striking Yellow Drawing Room.
Home Farm & Park
Built over 200 years ago and first opened to the public in 1983, Wimpole Home Farm, is a working farm set amidst both thatched farm buildings and modern farmyards. It is home to many rare breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry, horses and goats -which are rarely seen on farms these days and is one of the Rare Breed Survival Trust's Approved Conservation Centres. Visitors to Home Farm can join in with a variety of farm activities, perhaps grooming the donkeys and ponies; collecting eggs; halter training; meet the bunny; even watch animal bath time in the summer and their milking demonstration, which is usually a daily event at Home Farm from May onwards. Hidden amongst the trees, the Adventure Playground is a popular spot with those who love to climb, slide, scramble and swing, while tiny tots enjoy their own play area and mini pedal tractors.
What’s On
There are so may events that take place throughout the year at Wimpole Estate, including their annual Easter Egg Trail at Home Farm during April - their Wild about Bats and Wild about Insects days in May, offering children and adults alike the chance to discover some of the many bat species found at Wimpole. As the summer months become warmer you can attend their Hand Sheep Shearing Course and Wool Weekend - both held in June and enjoy their stunning Open Air Theatre productions throughout July and August – 2011 will see productions of Wind in the Willows, The Taming of the Shrew and Pride and Prejudice. During October everyone at Wimpole gets excited by The Wedding Show, the East of England’s premier wedding event takes place in the luxurious Grand Marquee – an absolute must for anyone planning his or her special day. And to bring the year at Wimpole to a close the Christmas Craft Fair starts off the celebrations during November, building up to Christmas at Wimpole throughout December.
Restaurant & Eateries
The Old Rectory Restaurant is open five days a week throughout the year, daily from March to October and Saturday to Wednesday from November to February. The Restaurant seats 120 people with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Old Rectory's beautiful gardens. The Restaurant has a table license and children's and baby facilities. The Stable Kitchen is open throughout the summer and on selected days during the winter, serving a selection of light refreshments and ice creams. Alternatively, the Farm Kitchen is open on the same days as the Home Farm - serving a selection of meals and light refreshments with both indoor and outdoor seating - and is often the venue for their popular Children's Parties.
With so much to keep you and your family entertained at Wimpole Estate, you will soon realise why it is one of the most popular family and tourist destinations to visit in Cambridgeshire. For more information on any of their events and activities visit www.wimpole.org
See also:
- Eat & Drink - Leisure Parks
- Eat & Drink - Cinemas
- Eat & Drink - Comedy
- Eat & Drink - Film
- Eat & Drink - Clubs
- Eat & Drink - Stage
- Eat & Drink - Visual Arts
- Eat & Drink - Museums
- Eat & Drink - Live Music
- Eat & Drink - Exhibitions
- Eat & Drink - Parks
- Eat & Drink - Punting & Boating
- Eat & Drink - Swimming Pools
- Eat & Drink - Tourist Attractions
- Eat & Drink - Tours
- Eat & Drink - Zoos
- Eat & Drink - Fairs
- Eat & Drink - Play Centres
- Eat & Drink - Spoken Word
- Eat & Drink - Karaoke
- Eat & Drink - Dance Performance
- Eat & Drink - Workshops
- Eat & Drink - Family
- Eat & Drink - Children's Entertainers
- Eat & Drink - Festivals
- Eat & Drink - Sports
- Eat & Drink - Private Member's Clubs
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