Wimpole Estate is the largest working Estate in Cambridgeshire and was built in 1686 by Sir Thomas Chicheley. For over 200 years, Wimpole Estate was owned by many hands until 1939 when it was bought by Captain George and Mrs Elsie Bambridge who then bequeathed it to the National Trust in 1976.
The Estate is made up of Wimpole Hall – an impressive mansion, the gardens, parkland and Home Farm. Every season, Wimpole Estate managed by the National Trust hosts various seasonal events. We visited during Easter and were treated to a fun egg hunt across the Estate, it was a fun-filled day for families.
Local Adventures: Wimpole Estate, Royston
One of our favourite things to do when not jetting off abroad is to visit National Trust Properties local to us. Regular readers will remember we’ve been to almost all National Trust Properties in Oxford and now venturing afield. One of the most recent properties we visited is located in Warwickshire.
Over Easter, we visited our parents in Cambridgeshire and it was the perfect time to check out Wimpole Estate in Royston. Being National Trust members we have access to hundreds of state homes and free parking across all UK NT properties.
Things-To-Do At Wimpole Estate
The Wimpole Estate was purchased by the Bambridge in 1938, previously the house was in the Chicheley family for over 250 years. Thanks to the Chicheley family who built the house to its current standing including the formal gardens. There are so many things that you can do whilst visiting Wimpole Estate including;
- Touring inside the hall – we got to see Wimpole Hall thru the ages
- Visit the home farm – be close to the farm animals in the stables
- Explore the grounds – the grounds are expansive and makes for a perfect walk on a sunny day
- Picnic in the gardens – Wimpole Estate boasts the best gardens in the country with so many places to enjoy a picnic
- Dogs are welcome – for those with dogs, there are acres on acres for your dog(s) to place in.
- Get active – you can join in the park run, cycling and Nordic walks.
- Participate in activities and events – visit their website to see what activities and events are coming up.
When you are done exploring the estate, there is a nice restaurant to quench your thirst and kerb your hunger. We, unfortunately, missed out on eating there as it we visited quite late but managed to check out the book store.
Whilst most other National Trust properties, conservation projects are continuously being conducted to preserve the properties for future generations. Over the years, the Wimpole has suffered through flooding which has caused some damage to items inside the house. The NT is working tirelessly to preserve all that they can, read all about it here.
Good Things To Know
- Dogs – whilst permitted on the grounds, they are not allowed in the hall, gardens, farm and restaurant
- NT members park for free, non-members to park and display {£2}
- No BBQs allowed on site
- Tours of the hall are available
We had such a lovely time exploring the estate and can not recommend it enough.
forkwardthinkingfoodinista says
Wow what a beautiful place to visit. Looks lovely for a nice day out xx
Playdays and Runways says
We are actually thinking of becoming National trust members this Summer. Some of the properties near us are so beautiful
Jenni says
I’d never heard of Wimpole Estate before. It looks wonderful and sounds like there’s lots to do. There’s not many NT properties near us, but I’ve heard from others that a membership can be a really good deal if you can make use of it.
dearmummyblog says
We have a National Trust membership and enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt at our local The Vyne over the weekend. Never visited Wimpole but it looks amazing!
Miranda says
Ooh, I love The Vyne, been a couple of times.
Sarah says
Oh wow, what a truely beautiful place to visit! I do love National Trust properties, they’re always gorgeous and really interesting to visit x
Rebecca Smith says
Wimpole Estate looks like such a fab place to visit, it is absolutely beautiful!
helloglobalmousegmailcom says
What a gorgeous looking house. I haven’t come across Wimpole Estate before but we also love National Trust properties so I will definitely add this one to the list.
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit, especially in the sun. There seems to be a lot to do there.
Sonia cave says
I love national trust places. They always have so much to do there and with having three children they never disappoint with the children’s activities. This place looks so beautiful especially in the sunshine 🙂
franbackwithabump says
This is my sort of day out! I love a stately home and a nice garden..and of course a good tea room!
Kelly-Anne says
How impressive does this place look. I would love to go to a place like this one day, I would feel like a Lord or Lady.
Helen says
Aww this looks like such a beautiful place to visit on a summer’s day! As a family we love visiting places with big gardens for the children to explore 🙂
Miranda says
The beautiful weather was the Easter holidays made for the perfect time to explore Wimpole and the gardens are everything.
Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
We often drive past Royston en route to London but never knew that this was here. Such a beautiful building, I must plan a visit over the summer
Miranda says
I too drive past Royston often but never thought to check the NT properties in that area until recently and glad we went as its a lovely place.
Sam says
Wow, this looks beautiful! I’ve been to a few National Trust properties and they’re always such a nice day out, especially when it’s sunny outside.
Miranda says
I agree, we always enjoy our visits the NT properties, definitely check this one out one day.