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Wimpole Estate
A living working estate, guided by the seasons with an impressive mansion, parkland, gardens and rare breed farm.
Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW
Important notice
The Rectory Restaurant will be closed on Wednesday 20 November for essential maintenance, the stables cafe and Farm cafe will be open for light lunches and hot drinks.
Opening times for 21 November 2024
Asset Opening time Hall Tours Only Garden 09:30 - 15:30 Parkland 09:30 - 15:30 Home Farm & Play Area 10:30 - 14:30 Farm Café 10:30 - 14:30 The Old Rectory 10:00 - 16:00 Stable Café Closed Shop 10:30 - 16:00 Visitor Welcome 09:30 - 16:00 Please be aware that Wimpole Hall is only open for basement tours from 4 November up to and including 21 November while we decorate for Christmas.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £9.90 £9.00 Child £4.95 £4.50 Family £24.75 £22.50 One adult family £14.85 £13.50 Whole Estate - Hall, Garden, Park and Farm
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £19.80 £18.00 Child £9.90 £9.00 Family £49.50 £45.00 One adult family £29.70 £27.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Bookshop
Head to The Stables to discover the second-hand bookshop, stocked full of pre-loved books
Plant shop
Café
Restaurant
Car park
Shop
Dogs allowed
Dogs on leads are welcome in the Parkland, Stables area and outdoor terrace at the Old Rectory restaurants. Only assistance dogs are permitted into the Hall, Gardens and Home Farm
Toilet
Toilets are available at Hardwicke Gate, the Hall, Home Farm, the Old Rectory Restaurant and The Stables
Electric vehicle charging point
12 7.4 kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the main car park. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit our EV charging partner, RAW Charging's website (www.rawcharging.com/drivers) to download the app before your visit.
Blue Badge parking and accessible toilets. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs to hire, buggy service available. Accessible routes available.
Accessible route and/or map
An accessible route to the car park to the Walled Gardens, Farm and Stables is available.
Powered mobility vehicle available
5 powered mobility scooters are available to borrow from the Visitor Centre. Please call: 01223206000 to reserve one in advance of your visit.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet facilities are available at Hardwicke Gate (Visitor Centre), the Hall, Home Farm, and The Stables
Stairclimber
Our stair climber for the Hall is available between the hours of 12pm & 2pm provided it is pre-booked before your visit. To book please call: 01223206000. . Please note, the stair climber can only be used by people with the ability to transfer between chairs and to ensure the safety of users has a limit of 14 Stone/90 KG.
Designated parking
Accessible parking is available in the main car park, 94 yards from the Visitor Welcome building
Steps/uneven terrain
The hall is currently only accessible via a flight of 12 stone steps or by using our stair climber, which is available between the hours of 12pm & 2pm provided it is pre-booked before your visit. To book please call: 01223206000. Please note, the stair climber can only be used by people with the ability to transfer between chairs.
Induction loop
Transfer available
An 8 seater golf-buggy, driven by volunteers is available daily between 10am - 4pm upon request to transfer visitors between the Visitor Centre, the Stables, the Hall and the gardens and farm
Level access to food outlet
Wheelchairs available
3 manual wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Visitor Centre in addition to 2 mountain trikes. These off-road wheelchairs require a person to push and are suitable for exploring the parkland and wider estate.
Level access to shop
By road
8 miles south-west of Cambridge (A603), 6 miles north of Royston (A1198). Entrance via A603
Parking: Our new entrance and free car park is accessed from Old Wimpole Road, approximately 500yrds nearer the A603. Please look out for signs directing you to the entrance.
Sat Nav: Please follow the brown tourist signs to enter the estate as some Sat Navs may take you to an unused gateway.
On foot
Wimpole Way from Cambridge
By train
Shepreth 5 miles. Taxi service from Royston 8 miles
By bus
The 75 from Cambridge drops off passengers at Arrington (1 mile from Wimpole) or Orwell (2 miles from Wimpole).
By bicycle
National Trust-permitted cycle path to entrance from Orwell (A603)
Planning your visit
Events at Wimpole Estate
Discover the exciting events and activities at taking place at Wimpole Estate, including fun filled seasonal trails, incredible live performances, and informative talks & tours.
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Accessibility at Wimpole Estate
We want to ensure that Wimpole Estate is accessible to all visitors. While this historic estate presents unique challenges, we’re committed to making it as inclusive as possible so everyone can enjoy Wimpole’s history and natural beauty. Here, you’ll find essential information about access across the estate to help you make the most of your visit.
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Family-friendly things to do at Wimpole
From events and activities to getting close to animals, here's what you need to know about a family day out at Wimpole.
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Visiting Wimpole Estate with your dog
Wimpole Estate is a two pawprint rated place. Find out where you can and can't go with your pooch and the facilities available for dog owners on the estate.
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Group visits to Wimpole Estate
Discover everything you need to know about group visits at Wimpole, including information about booking.
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Highlights
Historic house
Impressive 17th-century mansion at the heart of the estate, with intimate family rooms that contrast with lavish Georgian interiors.
Garden
Vibrant walled kitchen garden, parterre and winding pleasure grounds, planted with specimen trees and spring bulbs.
Parkland
Acres of ancient landscape parkland with abundant wildlife, flora and fauna, a Gothic folly, multi-user trail and miles of walks.
Home Farm
The only in-hand farm of its kind in the National Trust. Home Farm is a model for sustainable farming practices and home to many rare-breed animals including Shire horses, pigs, sheep, cows and goats.
Shop
Shop filled with gifts, homewares, books, local produce and gardening accessories. Seasonal selection of plants for sale in the courtyard.
The Old Rectory
Café with terrace overlooking the gardens, serving light lunches, homemade cakes and specials, using produce from the kitchen garden.
Second-hand bookshop
Bookshop stocked full of pre-loved books.
Spotlight events
Book Christmas Illuminations Trail Tickets
Wimpole Estate will sparkle brighter than ever this winter, with a series of dazzling new illuminations by internationally renowned artists, alongside firm family favourites. Discover clusters of towering, dreamlike reeds in various heights and colours and a magnificent swarm of migratory birds, installed in the branches of trees like light jewels. And the much-loved neon tree is back for 2024.
A Sensational Christmas at Wimpole Estate
Join us in delighting your senses at Wimpole this Christmas, as you spend time together with loved ones, and reflect on all the experiences that make this time of year so special. Wimpole Hall will be decorated for Christmas, and Christmas returns to Home Farm for a second year. The Old Rectory and our cafés will also be serving up some festive favourites. The sounds of jingle bells and Christmas carols will be circling the estate, as we’re joined by local choirs every weekend before Christmas in December.
House basement tours
Below the lavishly decorated living quarters of Wimpole Hall is a much more functional and far less glamorous space. Join us for a free tour visiting the seldom seen Wimpole Hall basement. Get a feel for these working rooms, understand their functions in the daily life of the Hall and get underneath the history of life below the 17th century mansion.
Things to see and do
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Christmas at Wimpole
Be dazzled by the new Illuminations trail, and enjoy choirs singing, decorations galore, and lots of festive food and drink.
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Family-friendly things to do at Wimpole
From events and activities to getting close to animals, here's what you need to know about a family day out at Wimpole.
Article
Visiting Wimpole Hall
Step inside Wimpole Hall and discover how previous owners made their mark on this complex house.
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Visiting Wimpole Garden
Discover Wimpole’s gardens and visit the Parterre, walk through the Pleasure Grounds meandering your way to the Walled Garden, with herbaceous borders and fruit trees.
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Explore the parkland at Wimpole
Explore the acres of parkland at Wimpole, abundant with wildlife, flora and fauna; stroll across the open space, or head across the Chinese bridge to visit the Gothic folly.
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Explore Wimpole Home Farm
Built in 1794, Home Farm is the only in-hand farm of its kind in the National Trust. Unique to Wimpole Estate, it is a model for sustainable farming practices. A must see on your next visit, it is home to many rare-breed animals and the species of flora and fauna that make the estate an agricultural champion.
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Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off
See Wimpole Estate up close in ITV's new series, Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off, which airs from 18 May. Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott hosts a friendly outdoor cooking competition and creates dishes using produce grown in Wimpole's garden.
Eating
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Eating at Wimpole Estate
Stop for a bite to eat at one of the cafés or in the Old Rectory Restaurant at Wimpole.
Shopping
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Shopping at Wimpole Estate
Visit the shop at Wimpole to find produce from the farm, locally sourced treats, toys and plants or bag yourself a bargain in the second-hand bookshop.
Top trails
Trail
Wimpole Cycle Trail
Enjoy an invigorating cycle challenge through the rolling Cambridgeshire countryside around Wimpole Estate, passing through leafy bridleways and arable fields.
Trail
Wimpole Cycle Challenge
This cycle route is especially designed for cyclists looking for a bit more of a challenge, and looking to explore a little further afield from the Wimpole Estate.
Trail
Wimpole archaeology walk
An easy, family friendly 1-mile walk around the Wimpole Estate, uncovering the past at this scheduled Ancient Monument.
Upcoming events
Event
Pig feeding at Home Farm
An experience not to be missed on your visit to Wimpole Estate, the Home Farm pig feeding takes place twice daily.
Event
A Sensational Christmas... in the House
Join us in delighting your senses at Wimpole this Christmas in the hall
Event
Little Acorns at the Farm Café
Wimpole's popular pre-school group for 2-5 year olds is back for a second term.
Event
Wednesday Walks
Enjoy the estate from a different perspective and discover the best bits of the parkland and countryside by joining our volunteer guides on a hearty Wednesday Walk.
About Wimpole Estate
From Iron-age roundhouses to a sophisticated, modern estate, this site has been lived on and farmed for over 2,000 years.
Over the centuries, Wimpole has been owned by several families, and each has left its mark. The Civil War, a true love match and a collection of priceless manuscripts that formed the core of the British Library are just some of its stories.
One of Wimpole’s owners was Attorney-General Philip Yorke. His opinion that an enslaved person did not become free on reaching English soil governed legal thought on slavery for nearly half a century.
The present house, at the heart of this estate, was the vision of Elsie Bambridge. Wimpole had been an empty shell until she filled it with pictures and furniture, bringing it back to a welcoming home in the 1930s.
Intimate rooms contrast with beautiful and unexpected Georgian interiors, including Soane's remarkable Yellow Drawing Room and wonderful plunge bath. The fascinating basement corridor offers a glimpse into life below stairs.
Stroll around the parterre garden and wander through the Pleasure Ground to the Walled Garden, abundant with fruit, vegetables and beautiful herbaceous borders.
Home Farm contrasts the traditional farmyard with the noisy modern piggery and cattle sheds, with daily farm activities there is a chance to join in and discover more about farming.
Stride out across the landscape park, among the rare-breed cattle, through grand avenues, before entering shaded woodland and emerging into an arable landscape.
History
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The history of Wimpole Estate
From Iron Age roundhouses to a modern estate, Wimpole has been lived on and farmed for over 2,000 years. Discover how its owners have each left their mark.
Our work
News
Wimpole Estate leads ambition to be carbon net zero by 2030
Wimpole Estate has reduced its net carbon emissions by 69% in four years, enough to heat and power 204 homes. The largest solar panel installation in the National Trust saves 50 tonnes of CO2e per year and generates 67% of the estate’s electricity. Land management is capturing around 1,250 tonnes of CO2e per year, supported by the largest tree planting project in the National Trust to date.
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Parterre redesign project at Wimpole Estate
Sustainable Landscape Foundation appointed to redesign Wimpole Estate parterre to ensure it is fit for the future Reimagined parterre will be more resilient to climate change and more biodiverse with a longer season of interest Trust’s Director of Gardens and Parklands says new design will mark a ‘bold, pioneering’ new chapter in the landscape’s history
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Our work at Wimpole Estate
Take a look at some of the important work that takes place at Wimpole Estate on a day-to-day basis, to look after this special place for everyone, for ever.
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Our work to combat climate change at Wimpole Estate
As part of the National Trust's Renewable Energy Investment Programme, Wimpole has reduced its dependence on fossil fuels in recent years. Here is what Wimpole has been doing to combat climate change on the estate.
Project
Project
Green Recovery Project at Wimpole
Discover how Wimpole is using the Green Recovery Fund to help create and restore habitats, support solutions to tackle climate change and connect people with nature.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Wimpole Estate
Discover the opportunities available for volunteering at Wimpole Estate and what you could get out of it.
Art and collections
Wimpole Estate’s objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Wimpole Estate on the National Trust Collections website.