One of my favourite things to do on my day off, is visit National Trust gardens, outdoor spaces and houses. They are a great day out to enjoy long walks, and a perfect picnic spot in the summer!
About
The National Trust looks after woodland areas, countrysides, coastlines and also protects historic buildings, with the help of volunteers and by becoming a member. I have a joint membership, which is for two adults living at the same address, costing £11.60 per month. Before the membership, we were paying between £9 - £16 per person for each visit. So it is 100% worth joining, even if you plan to visit just once a month.
National Trust was founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley. Their aim was to preserve historic and natural places, and to allow everyone to enjoy the beautiful spaces.
Wimpole Estate
In this blog I have given a brief overview of the different sights local to me. Starting with my favourite, Wimpole Estate, located in Royston, Cambridgeshire.
A modern estate and farm which has been lived in for over 2,000 years. The last owner of the house was Mrs Bambridge, who left the estate to the National Trust, after her passing in 1976. It was owned by herself and Captain Bambridge, who restored the interior with paintings and furniture, once enjoyed by previous owners.
My favourite part is the amount of outdoor space. You can walk for miles and find a new spot each time, that you haven't seen before. The fields are full of cows, sheep, geese and swans, which makes a perfect picnic spot in the summer.
Anglesey Abbey
Located in Cambridge; the house, mill and gardens were once owned by Lord Fairhaven until his death in 1966. Today you can take a look around Lode Mill, which has recently been restored to ensure that it runs smoothly and safely. In 1900, the mill was once used to enable cement grinding, until it was left derelict 20 years later. However, by 1982, the mill was restored back to working conditions for the use of milling corn.
The Abbey has various gardens and paths to follow, including a wildflower meadow, woodland areas, a rose garden and a skylight garden, which was designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Lord Fairhavens passing.
Anglesey Abbey is a 20 minute drive from the centre of Cambridge, and is worth a visit if you're looking for a peaceful walk or a relaxing picnic, outside of the busy city.
Wicken Fen
The National Trust have looked after Wicken Fen for over 120 years, and was their first nature reserve. There are over 9,000 species reported, which is the highest counted on any sight in the UK, including a variety of warblers, tufted duck, canada goose, dragon flies, rare plants and many more!
There are lots of trails to follow around the reserve, including a stroll along the boardwalk, follow the woodland trail, or take a further walk to Bakers Fen, with hidden bird huts, where you can spot a variety of ducks and geese.
Wicken Fen also offer bike hire, to explore the reserve, costing £9 for two hours. As well as boat trips, to take in the beautiful scenery, costing £7 per person.
Ickworth
Located in Suffolk lies Ickworth estate and gardens. Ickworth house that stands today, was the vision of Earl Bishop, who began the designs in 1779, and was taken over by his son and completed in 1829. During the First World War, the estate was used for training purposes featuring two firing ranges. By 1956, the estate was passed to the National Trust, who renovated the East Wing into a luxury hotel in 2002.
Ickworth has lots of places to explore, including a walled garden, woodland area, or enjoy a walk around the parkland, with beautiful views of open fields and landmarks. You can also hire a bike to follow a 9km ride, costing £10 for the day.
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