Located 8 miles south of Cambridge on the A603, Wimpole Hall is a National Trust property that was once the home of Rudyard Kipling's daughter. The house is an impressive 17th-century mansion set in extensive parks and gardens. Over the years some of the most renowned names in English architecture have contributed to Wimpole, from James Gibbs to Henry Flitcroft and Sir John Soane.
The gardens include a mix of formal Victorian parterres, arboretum, pleasure grounds, and Dutch Gardens with a variety of spring bulbs.
Wimpole Home Farm, beside the house, was a model farm established in 1794. It now operates as a rare breeds centre and home to heavy horses. The farm features a Victorian Dairy and a thatched Great Barn, as well as a children's play area.
Wimpole Way
If you're feeling energetic, try walking the 13 mile long Wimpole Way, which leads from Cambridge to Wimpole Hall. The trail is waymarked, and a leaflet outlining the route is available from the Cambridge TIC.
I quite enjoyed my visit to Wimpole Hall. The state rooms are attractive without being overwhelming, and the room stewards were very friendly and knowledgeable. The library is magnificent, with a wonderful plasterwork ceiling, but the highlight for me was the quite marvellous central dome, lit by a huge clear skylight. Though not as big, it is reminiscent of the marvellous dome at Castle Howard in Yorkshire.
The most unusual room in the house is the quite peculiar and striking bath chamber. This odd room was entered by way of a curving stair, which took the bather down to a huge oval soaking pool. The chapel has wonderful wall frescos and wooden panelling. Beside the Hall is the parish church of St Andrew, which features memorials to generations of Yorkes and Chichelys of Wimpole.
More Photos
About Wimpole Hall
Address: Arrington,
Royston,
East Anglia,
Cambridgeshire,
England, SG8 0BW
Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: 8 miles south west of Cambridge Junction 12 off M11 Junction 9 off A1(M)
Website: Wimpole Hall
Email: wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust - see also:
National Trust memberships (official website link)
Location
map
OS: TL336510
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
17th century (Time Period) - castle (Architecture) -
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