The stunning historic hall with ‘peaceful’ gardens where you can enjoy an afternoon tea

The hall was once rented out by royalty to stay in while studying at the University of Cambridge

A historic hall in Cambridgeshire known for its peaceful grounds could be worth visiting with your family this summer. Madingley Hall and Gardens has a storied history and is open to the public, who can walk around its old corridors and gardens.

The hall was built in 1543 after John Hynde acquired the Shire Manor of Madingley. He built the hall to feature the south wing containing domestic buildings, a kitchen, and a garderobe. The east wing had a few rooms for sleeping and two large halls.

In 1861, the hall was rented out by Queen Victoria for her son, Edward, Prince of Wales, to stay in while he studied at Cambridge University. However, his stay was fairly short, as he returned home after the death of Prince Albert.

The hall, along with the surrounding park and farmland, was sold to Cambridge University in 1948 for £50,000. Today, the hall is open to the public to take a look around with tours available. It is also a popular venue for celebrations and corporate events.

If you are lucky with the weather, you could also spend some time in the extensive gardens with winding gravel paths. In 1756, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was commissioned to design the garden with lawns and meadows.

The formal terraces and Croquet Lawn were added by Colonel Walter Harding between 1908 and 1914 with many of the trees he planted still a part of the estate’s tree collection to this day. In 1927, Ambrose Harding added the Yew Topiary Gardens.

After looking around the hall and gardens, you might want to treat yourself to an afternoon tea. This can be enjoyed in one of the hall rooms, at the terrace bar, or overlooking the gardens in the summer. The afternoon tea comes with finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and a range of sweet treats such as mini Victoria sponge cakes and macaroons.

A traditional afternoon tea costs £21.50 per person or £30 if you want a glass of sparkling wine with your meal. The afternoon teas are available on the last Sunday of each month and need to be booked in advance.

You could also visit the café where you can enjoy a coffee and a slice of homemade cake or a more substantial meal like a steak and ale pie or classic fish and chips. The terrace bar is also open for you to have a beer or glass of wine during your trip.

Madingley Hall and Gardens is around a 22-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A603. There is a car park on site that is free for visitors to use.