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Wimpole Estate
A living working estate, guided by the seasons with an impressive mansion, parkland, gardens and rare breed farm.
Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW
Opening times for 13 July 2025
Asset Opening time Hall 12:00 - 15:30 Garden 09:30 - 17:00 Parkland 09:30 - 18:00 Home Farm & Play Area 10:30 - 16:00 Farm Café 10:30 - 16:00 The Old Rectory 10:00 - 16:30 Stable Café 10:30 - 16:00 Shop 10:30 - 16:30 Car Park 09:00 - 18:00 Visitor Welcome 09:30 - 16:30 MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosedGardens and Parkland
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £11.00 £10.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £5.50 £5.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £27.50 £25.00 One parent family £16.50 £15.00 Whole Estate
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £22.00 £20.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £11.00 £10.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £55.00 £50.00 One parent family £33.00 £30.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
- Bookshop
Head to The Stables to discover the second-hand bookshop, stocked full of pre-loved books
- Café
- Car park
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on leads are welcome in the Parkland, Stables area and outdoor terrace at the Old Rectory restaurants. Only assistance dogs are permitted into the Hall, Gardens and Home Farm
- Electric vehicle charging point
12 7.4 kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the main car park. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit our EV charging partner, RAW Charging's website (www.rawcharging.com/drivers) to download the app before your visit.
- Picnic area
- Plant shop
- Restaurant
- Shop
- Toilet
Toilets are available at Hardwicke Gate, the Hall, Home Farm, the Old Rectory Restaurant and The Stables
Blue Badge parking and accessible toilets. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs to hire, buggy service available. Accessible routes available.
- Accessible route and/or map
A hard standing route through the car park to Visitor Welcome Centre, Stables, Café, Gardens, and Farm is available. There is a partial hard-standing path to the Hall, with gravel immediately in front of the Hall and in some areas of the garden and farm. There is a multi-use 5.5km trail around the wider estate.
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet facilities are available at the Visitor Welcome Centre next to the car park, the Hall, Home Farm, Rectory Café and The Stables. We do not, currently have a ‘Changing Places’, however these are available at several of other National Trust properties. The nearest ‘Changing Places’ facility is at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.
Accessible toilet - more information- Designated parking
Blue badge and family parking is available in the main car park, 94 yards from the Visitor Welcome Centre.
- Induction loop
Induction loops are available at all till points. A portable induction loop is available from the Visitor Welcome Centre.
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
The Stables are cobbled and uneven on the way to the shop.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Five powered mobility scooters are available to borrow from the Visitor Welcome Centre, next to the car park. Please call: 01223206000 or email wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk to reserve one in advance of your visit.
- Stairclimber
Our stair climber for the Hall is available to pre-booked before your visit. To book please call: 01223206000 or email wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please note, the stair climber has a limit of 14 Stone/90 KG including the wheelchair. We can provide an indoor wheelchair to use in the House, to transfer into on arrival, or we can attach your own.
- Steps/uneven terrain
The café main entrance is stepped, there are two side ramped entrances which are signed from the main path to support access. There is gravel in front of the Hall and in areas of the Farm to be aware of. The hall has a flight of 12 stone steps to the main entrance, with stone balustrade and a landing halfway up the steps.
- Transfer available
An 8-seater mobility buggy, driven by volunteers, is available daily between 10am - 4pm to transfer visitors between the Visitor Centre, the Stables, the Hall, the gardens and the farm. Please ask staff on arrival for this service, or staff at the Gift shop, Hall or cafés to radio for the buggy from other locations.
- Wheelchairs available
Three manual wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Visitor Welcome Centre in addition to two mountain trikes. These off-road wheelchairs require a person to push and are suitable for exploring the parkland and wider estate.
- By road
8 miles south-west of Cambridge (A603), 6 miles north of Royston (A1198). Entrance via A603
Parking: Our new entrance and free car park is accessed from Old Wimpole Road, approximately 500yrds nearer the A603. Please look out for signs directing you to the entrance.
Sat Nav: Please follow the brown tourist signs to enter the estate as some Sat Navs may take you to an unused gateway.
- On foot
Wimpole Way from Cambridge
- By train
Shepreth 5 miles. Taxi service from Royston 8 miles
- By bus
The 75 from Cambridge drops off passengers at Arrington (1 mile from Wimpole) or Orwell (2 miles from Wimpole).
- Cycling
National Trust-permitted cycle path to entrance from Orwell (A603)
Planning your visit
Events at Wimpole Estate
Discover the exciting events and activities at taking place at Wimpole Estate, including fun filled seasonal trails, incredible live performances, and informative talks & tours.
Article
Summer of Play
Let curiosity lead the way this summer. Whether you're a tiny trailblazer or an aspiring adventurer, Wimpole's Little Explorers Play Hub is bursting with hands-on fun for all ages. Supercharge your senses, get creative and unlock your imagination with a variety of family-friendly activities. Make this a summer filled with excitement and discovery at Wimpole Estate.
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Accessibility at Wimpole Estate
We want to ensure that Wimpole Estate is accessible to all visitors. While this historic estate presents some unique access challenges, we’re committed to making it as inclusive as possible so everyone can enjoy Wimpole’s history and natural beauty. Here, you’ll find essential information about access across the estate to help you make the most of your visit.
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Visiting Wimpole Estate with your dog
Wimpole Estate is a two pawprint rated place. Find out where you can and can't go with your pooch and the facilities available for dog owners on the estate.
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Group visits to Wimpole Estate
Discover everything you need to know about group visits at Wimpole, including information about booking.
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Highlights
Historic house
Impressive 17th-century mansion at the heart of the estate, with intimate family rooms that contrast with lavish Georgian interiors.
Garden
Vibrant walled kitchen garden, parterre and winding pleasure grounds, planted with specimen trees and spring bulbs.
Parkland
Acres of ancient landscape parkland with abundant wildlife, flora and fauna, a Gothic folly, multi-user trail and miles of walks.
Home Farm
The only in-hand farm of its kind in the National Trust. Home Farm is a model for sustainable farming practices and home to many rare-breed animals including Shire horses, pigs, sheep, cows and goats.
Shop
Shop filled with gifts, homewares, books, local produce and gardening accessories. Seasonal selection of plants for sale in the courtyard.
The Old Rectory
Café with terrace overlooking the gardens, serving light lunches, homemade cakes and specials, using produce from the kitchen garden.
Second-hand bookshop
Bookshop stocked full of pre-loved books.
Spotlight events
Summer Folk with Bof and Jeremy Harmer
Join Bof and Jeremy Harmer for an evening of foot-tapping melodies amidst the picturesque setting of Wimpole Estate's lush parkland. Bof play Breton folk dance music with joyful artistry which will have you smiling and who knows, maybe dancing (if you feel like it). Their infectious charm lifts the hearts of all who hear them. ‘A twenty-first century Troubadour’ (Unicorn) Singer-songwriter Jeremy Harmer offers wonderful songs that talk of love and loss, justice and hope. There will be choruses for everyone to join in and sing along to.
Summer Folk with Tin Giants and Wickenwood
A folk night double bill! Join Tin Giants and Wickenwood for an evening of enchanting melodies amidst the picturesque setting of Wimpole Estate's lush parkland. Tin Giants are a 6-piece progressive folk-rock band with roots established in the Anglo-European & Celtic traditions. Their blazing performances featuring a dizzying range of instruments mix songs and tunes have earned them to headline spots in major folk festivals all over the country. Wickenwood are an irresistible indie-folk trio with a sound built on harmony-driven vocals and contemporary influences. Filled by their passion for history and folklore they draw inspiration from local legends and people in places they visit.
Summer of Play
Join us all summer long at Wimpole Estate for the Summer of Play! Dive into a world of fun with nature play, performance play, active play, creative play, and loose parts play.
Mental health wellbeing walks with CPSL Mind
As part of a new partnership between the National Trust and mental health charity Mind, we have organised a series of walks with our local group, Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Peterborough (CPSL) Mind. The walk will be a gentle stroll in our parklands or gardens, followed by the option to chat over coffee afterwards if you wish. The aim is for participants to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in beautiful surroundings, and in supportive company. For further information, please contact CPSL Mind on 0300 303 4363 and enquiries@cpslmind.org.uk
Archery workshops
Join us for an exciting 90-minute archery session set in the beautiful parkland of Wimpole Estate. Using a real bow and arrows you’ll learn how to shoot safely and improve your accuracy under the guidance of Perfect Aim's Archery GB-qualified instructors. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to refine your skills, they’ll be sure to help you hit the target.
Things to see and do
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The Sunset Series
Experience unforgettable summer evenings at Wimpole Estate with the Sunset Series, a captivating programme of open-air theatre set in the heart of our beautiful parkland. As the sun sets, enjoy timeless classics and fresh new productions under the open sky. Bring a picnic, gather your friends and family, and soak up the magic of live performance in a stunning historic setting.
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Family-friendly things to do at Wimpole
From events and activities to getting close to animals, here's what you need to know about a family day out at Wimpole.
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Visiting Wimpole Hall
Step inside Wimpole Hall and discover how previous owners made their mark on this complex house.
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Visiting Wimpole Garden
Discover Wimpole’s gardens and visit the Parterre, walk through the Pleasure Grounds meandering your way to the Walled Garden, with herbaceous borders and fruit trees.
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Explore the parkland at Wimpole
Explore the acres of parkland at Wimpole, abundant with wildlife, flora and fauna; stroll across the open space, or head across the Chinese bridge to visit the Gothic folly.
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Explore Wimpole Home Farm
Built in 1794, 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. A must see on your next visit, it is home to many rare-breed animals and the species of flora and fauna that make the estate an agricultural champion.
Eating
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Eating at Wimpole Estate
Stop for a bite to eat at one of the cafés or in the Old Rectory Restaurant at Wimpole.
Shopping
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Shopping at Wimpole Estate
Visit the shop at Wimpole to find produce from the farm, locally sourced treats, toys and plants or bag yourself a bargain in the second-hand bookshop.
Top trails
Trail
Wimpole Cycle Trail
Enjoy an invigorating cycle challenge through the rolling Cambridgeshire countryside around Wimpole Estate, passing through leafy bridleways and arable fields.
Trail
Wimpole Cycle Challenge
This cycle route is especially designed for cyclists looking for a bit more of a challenge, and looking to explore a little further afield from the Wimpole Estate.
Trail
Wimpole archaeology walk
An easy, family friendly 1-mile walk around the Wimpole Estate, uncovering the past at this scheduled Ancient Monument.
Upcoming events
Event
Pig feeding at Home Farm
An experience not to be missed on your visit to Wimpole Estate, the Home Farm pig feeding takes place twice daily.
Event
Heavy Horse Carriage Rides
Experience the luxury of a private carriage ride pulled by one of our magnificent Wimpole Shire horses.
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Wednesday Walks
Enjoy the estate from a different perspective and discover the best bits of the parkland and countryside by joining our volunteer guides on a hearty Wednesday Walk.
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Sunset Series: The Tempest
Shakespeare’s most magical play bursting with mayhem, comedy, romance, and surprises!
Event
parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
Event
Meet the Archaeologists
Chat with real archaeologists and learn how they uncover the secrets of Wimpole's past—where history isn’t just studied, it’s discovered!
About Wimpole Estate
From Iron-age roundhouses to a sophisticated, modern estate, this site has been lived on and farmed for over 2,000 years.
Over the centuries, Wimpole has been owned by several families, and each has left its mark. The Civil War, a true love match and a collection of priceless manuscripts that formed the core of the British Library are just some of its stories.
One of Wimpole’s owners was Attorney-General Philip Yorke. His opinion that an enslaved person did not become free on reaching English soil governed legal thought on slavery for nearly half a century.
The present house, at the heart of this estate, was the vision of Elsie Bambridge. Wimpole had been an empty shell until she filled it with pictures and furniture, bringing it back to a welcoming home in the 1930s.
Intimate rooms contrast with beautiful and unexpected Georgian interiors, including Soane's remarkable Yellow Drawing Room and wonderful plunge bath. The fascinating basement corridor offers a glimpse into life below stairs.
Stroll around the parterre garden and wander through the Pleasure Ground to the Walled Garden, abundant with fruit, vegetables and beautiful herbaceous borders.
Home Farm contrasts the traditional farmyard with the noisy modern piggery and cattle sheds, with daily farm activities there is a chance to join in and discover more about farming.
Stride out across the landscape park, among the rare-breed cattle, through grand avenues, before entering shaded woodland and emerging into an arable landscape.
History
Article
The history of Wimpole Estate
From Iron Age roundhouses to a modern estate, Wimpole has been lived on and farmed for over 2,000 years. Discover how its owners have each left their mark.
Our work
News
Turning the page; A new chapter for Wimpole Hall’s Library
The National Trust’s Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire is unveiling a long-awaited transformation of its historic Library. Closed to protect its rare 18th-century carpet, the room is now open to the public thanks to a remarkable conservation effort. A high-resolution reproduction of the original carpet allows visitors to step inside and experience the grandeur of the space as it was meant to be—immersive, inspiring, and unforgettable. This innovative project balances preservation with accessibility, marking a new chapter for one of Wimpole’s most iconic interiors.
News
Joan joins the herd at Wimpole Estate's Home Farm
Wimpole Estate’s Home Farm welcomes a new Suffolk Punch mare, Walton Pride Joan, marking the return of this rare and historic breed to the estate. Joan will support farm work and breeding efforts as part of Wimpole’s rare breed conservation program.
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Wimpole Estate leads ambition to be carbon net zero by 2030
Wimpole Estate has reduced its net carbon emissions by 69% in four years, enough to heat and power 204 homes. The largest solar panel installation in the National Trust saves 50 tonnes of CO2e per year and generates 67% of the estate’s electricity. Land management is capturing around 1,250 tonnes of CO2e per year, supported by the largest tree planting project in the National Trust to date.
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Our work at Wimpole Estate
Take a look at some of the important work that takes place at Wimpole Estate on a day-to-day basis, to look after this special place for everyone, for ever.
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Stair Climber enables hundreds of visitors to access Wimpole Hall for the first time
The National Trust has enhanced accessibility at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire by installing a Stair Climber, enabling wheelchair users and those with limited mobility to access the historic building. Following a successful trial in 2024, 788 visitors who might have otherwise missed out were able to experience the site. The Stair Climber offers a non-invasive solution that preserves the hall’s historic fabric while making it more inclusive. Similar installations have been introduced at other National Trust properties across the country, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to improving accessibility for all visitors.
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Our work to combat climate change at Wimpole Estate
As part of the National Trust's Renewable Energy Investment Programme, Wimpole has reduced its dependence on fossil fuels in recent years. Here is what Wimpole has been doing to combat climate change on the estate.
Project
Project
Green Recovery Project at Wimpole
Discover how Wimpole is using the Green Recovery Fund to help create and restore habitats, support solutions to tackle climate change and connect people with nature.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Wimpole Estate
Discover the opportunities available for volunteering at Wimpole Estate and what you could get out of it.
Art and collections
Wimpole Estate’s objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Wimpole Estate on the National Trust Collections website.