Here are some of the highlights:
Shining a new light on Capability Brown – A display of original Brown drawings
Saturday 11 June – Sunday 30 October
Discover a new display marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of local boy Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, exploring his connection to the Wallington estate, featuring five of Brown’s original drawings from the Wallington collection alongside maps and plans showing the changing landscape of the estate.
* Free
'Landscapes of Capability Brown' – An exhibition of work by the North East Embroiderers’ Guild
Saturday 11 June – Sunday 30 October
See a new exhibition of textile art inspired by the designs of Capability Brown and many other landscapes and gardens, created by members of the North East Embroiderers’ Guild as part of the national Capability Brown Festival. Using techniques as diverse as mixed media, felting, machine and hand stitching (to name a few), the artists have produced unique pieces of textile art which add another dimension to this year’s Capability Brown celebrations, marking the 300th anniversary of Brown in a colourful and unusual way.
* Free
NGS Open Day – In the Footsteps of Capability Brown
Sunday 10 July, 10am – 5pm
Follow in the footsteps of Capability Brown – visit our beautiful Walled Garden before taking a trip to the picturesque estate village of Cambo, where Capability Brown went to school, (1 mile away – 20 mins on foot or 2 mins by car). Enjoy stunning views over the surrounding landscape, buy special plants and make the most of an opportunity to take tea and cake in Brown’s school room (now the village hall).
* £5 to visit Cambo, including a free cuppa. Home-made cakes will also be available. All money raised goes to the National Garden Scheme.
The Perfect View – A promenade performance by November Club
Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July, 1.30 & 4pm
In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, award-winning theatre company
November Club invites you to explore Wallington in ‘pursuit of the perfect view’. Join our own ‘celebrity’ landscape gardener on a playful guided walk around the grounds of Wallington and discover the estate through the eyes of Capability Brown. You’ll hear all about how to build a Ha-Ha, how to change the course of rivers, create lakes, transport villages and use a tree-moving machine…all in pursuit of ‘the perfect view’.
£10 per person. A customer booking fee applies. Booking essential. Tel: 0844 249 1895 or book here
Ranger Walk: Rothley Lake - Capability Brown's Grand Design?
Tuesday 13 September, 1 - 4pm
Join our rangers for an exclusive tour of Rothley Lake to discover the history and archaeology of this designed landscape, find out about the part Capability Brown played in its design and glimpse the wonderful wildlife that now lives in this hidden site.
* £5 per person. Booking essential. Tel: 01670 773606.
Talk Time: Sir Walter Calverley Blackett and the making of a modern 18th century estate.
Tuesday 20 September, 10am – 1pm
Join Lloyd Langley to discover the story of Sir Walter Calverley Blackett, a renowned north-country gentleman in the 18th century who was known for his business-like forward-thinking and benevolence. He re- shaped both the house and estate at Wallington in the era known for its enlightenment. Learn more about this forgotten man and his life’s work and see the beautiful estate he created for yourself.
£25 incl. coffee & lunch. Booking essential.Tel: 01670 773606.
* Normal admission charges apply
