First built in 1643 and much altered by subsequent owners, Wimpole has developed into the largest country house in Cambridgeshire. Mrs. Elsie Bambridge, the last owner of Wimpole, bequeathed her estate to the National Trust in 1976. The mansion's state and private rooms show how she tried to restore the house to its former glory - much of what you see today is a culmination of development of the earlier owners and the collection assembled by Captain George and Elsie Bambridge.
 | | Wimpole Home Farm |
Built over 200 years ago and first opened to the public in 1983, Wimpole Home Farm is a working farm set amidst both thatched farm buildings and modern farmyards. It is home to many rare breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry, horses and goats which are rarely seen on farms these days. Visitors to Home Farm can join in with a variety of farm activities, perhaps grooming the donkeys and ponies; collecting eggs; feeding goats; or even watching animal bath time in the summer. Hidden amongst the trees the Adventure Playground is a popular spot with those who love to climb, slide, scramble and swing, while tiny tots enjoy their own play area and mini pedal tractors. Refreshments are available at the Farm Kitchen, with everything from bangers and mash to cream teas. As well as visiting the magnificent Hall and Home Farm, you can also take a stroll around the beautifully landscaped gardens, and imagine the vision of the landscape designers of their day planning the grand avenues, serpentine lakes and gothic folly. For details on when the Hall, Park and Farm are open,听 telephone 01223 207257, or visit www.wimpole.org |
