A group of about 20 travelled on a fine, warm day in mid-May to the Wimpole Estate, 8 miles south-west of Cambridge. It is a National Trust property and is Cambridgeshire’s largest country estate.
Wimpole Hall, the impressive 17th-century mansion at the heart of the estate, has intimate family rooms that contrast with lavish Georgian interiors. Knowledgeable stewards helped us to delve into history and understand the changes that have occurred over the centuries. Many fine paintings and sculptures were to be seen.
Nearby is the church of St Andrew, the Parish churchof Wimpole, dating mainly from the 18th century. There are numerous memorials to the Earls of Hardwick and other members of the Yorke family (the family that owned Wimpole from 1740).
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. It is home to many rare-breed animals and the species of flora and fauna that make the estate an agricultural champion. Some of us heard the deafening sound of excited pigs and piglets as they awaited their morning feed! By contrast, the shire horses were calm and impressively large. There were many interesting and informative displays, and a welcome café. The farm is a pleasant walk through woodland, but a long way from the main house. An electric 8-seater buggy was available for those who needed it.
There were acres of ancient landscape parkland with abundant wildlife, flora and fauna, and a Gothic folly. The walled garden featured flowers, fruit and vegetables and was full of colour and interest. The large 1.3-acre parterre behind the house was previously a formal series of box-hedged triangular beds planted with annual bedding and bulbs. But it is now unsustainable in its need for irrigation and regular replacement of plants. It is being transformed to create a climate-resilient and biodiverse planting scheme that is ready for the future.
Every SHS outing requires access to refreshments, and in addition to the farm café, and nearer the main house, were the restaurant at The Old Rectory, and the café adjacent to the shop in the Stable Block.
All in all, a most enjoyable day with plenty to see and do.
Malcolm.
Below are some photos showing the farm, the walled garden, the walk back to the house, views of the estate grounds including the distant gothic folly, the rear of the house, the dining room, the front of the house, the church, the old rectory, and the stable courtyard.
