Wimpole Farm
Summary
Wimpole farm is one of the places we go most regularly, not least because it’s only 45 mins away, which with 3 kids in the car is a mercy but also because it has lots to do any see.
It’s a National Trust property so entry is free for members and is a pretty cheap day out even if you’re not. Whether you have children or not Wimpole is an enjoyable day out, as long as you’re mobile. When we visited in the summer the temperature was 30 degrees and due to Covid having to follow the prescribed path it felt like we were walking round the Sun.
As everything’s a distance from the car park, if you’re not used to a saunter in the country make sure you bring several picnics, a spare tank of O² and maybe a Sherpa or two.
Things to do
- The Farm I should probably start here. The farm has several different animals of the ‘Farmyard’ variety (clue was in the name I suppose). These include Cows, Bulls, Pigs, Shire Horses, Sheep, Goats, maybe the odd Donkey or two as well as some smaller animals like Rabbits. It won’t keep the kids entertained for hours but it’s a nice addition to a NT property and kids love animals… most of the time… Just watch out for when those little piggies get fed – who knew your average hog would get so excited by dinnertime? To be honest though it was not unlike the noise Jude, my 20 month old makes when I tell him dinners ready.
- House to explore As per any NT property there’s a house to explore (when open). Alas I must confess that this is one NT mansion I’ve not been in. I mean I could have a guess at what’s inside… I imagine you’ll see old stuff belonging to Duke whatsisface, a splendid collection of spoons gathered from all corners of the empire by Dame Hootnanny and no end of wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who can (and will) talk you through every last spoon.
- Walled Garden So pretty much every estate has a walled garden – my question is why? Is it to keep out veg thieves (do such things exist?) or just Peter Rabbit maybe? Wimpole is no different and is good entertainment with kids to go round guessing what each fruit or veg is: “Dad why do you say everything is a Cabbage?” Harry my 6 year old enquires. “Maybe son because I can’t tell the back end of Pumpkin from a Turnip” I retort. That told him.
- Outdoor kids play area As play areas go this one is pretty decent, located in a small wood, those who manage to find it will be treated to a good array of things to climb, things to jump off and things to give Mum’s a mild panic whilst there kids play on them.
- Grounds to explore The grounds around Wimpole are pretty extensive and so long as you don’t mind dodging sheep poo some very pretty scenery. Not really suitable for push chairs (though if you’re a stubborn Dad like me you’ll give it a go and refuse to admit defeat calmly suggesting that it’s not sweat running down your face it’s tears of joy from the delightful time you’re having).
- Restaurant/café By far the best café is located just next to the farm, though despite harbouring dreams of being able to select the exact pig for my sausage roll, this is not yet an option. There’s loads of space to picnic here with a fantastic kids combine harvester to play on and mini tractors for the kids to fight each other over. The main restaurant isn’t ideally located but in summer they do have deck chairs on the lawn to sit in which made me feel very hoity toity (I have no idea what this means).
2 Good / 2 Bad
- In summer especially, the Farm is good fun for the kids
- Beautiful grounds to walk around
- It’s quite spread out so make sure you’ve comfy footwear on
- The play park is easy to miss if you don’t specifically aim for it
My Dadventure rating
When everything is open there’s lots to do and see, especially if you’re willing to venture off the beaten track. Plus there’s pigs (everyone loves pigs right?!)
Information
Website:
nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate
Address: Wimpole Farm,
Arrington, Royston,
Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW
Phone: 01223 206000