The pretty gardens and house are just over an hour from Cambridge
An adventure playground could open at a manor house with 900 acres of beautiful land – and it’s just over an hour from Cambridge. The weather is finally getting warmer – minus the odd cold and rainy day.
And with that, families can start to plan lots of days out. One to visit soon is Helmingham Estate in Stowmarket, which is just over an hour drive from Cambridge.
The estate spans over 900 acres, with a 500-year-old moated manor house at the centre. On the website, the estate is described as “truly magnificent”. The manor house was built by John Tollemache and his wife, and it has been in the Tollemache family since then.
As well as the house, it is surrounded by Grade I listed gardens that are breathtaking to walk amongst. A pretty part of the gardens is the apple tree walk. This is a walkway lined by trees on the border of the park, which blossoms in May. Spring bulbs line the pathways, adding to the picturesque views.
There is also the walled garden which is famed for the estate’s climbing roses, some varieties which have never been identified. There are also borders of sweet peas, beans and gourds. While walking around, people will also see some wildlife, including herds of deer.
An exciting prospect that’s coming to the estate this summer is an adventure playground. Known as Guildenacre, this new immersive new play experience will feature four themed areas.
Children of all ages will be able to embark on a magical adventure as they step into a world where a glimmer of gold hints at tales untold and join four special guardians who protect the forest with the help of the magical Whispering Oak Tree.
The park will be themed around one of the guardian animals and their habitat. Edward Tollemache, custodian of Helmingham and co-founder of Guildenacre with his wife Sophie said: “This meticulously considered new addition to the Helmingham Estate will be an exciting mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for all its visitors, both young and the young at heart.
“Inspired by the estate’s beautiful surroundings and the animals you would expect to find in the neighbouring habitats, you will see references to our family’s coat of arms in the form of a magical flying Pegasus which we hope our visitors will enjoy discovering too.”
To find out more about Helmingham Estate, visit the website.