Wimpole Estate & Home Farm

Wimpole Estate lies 12 miles south of Cambridge as a working farm and National Trust property combining Georgian mansion with operational rare breeds livestock. The property spans 3,270 acres of farmland and woodland, featuring the 18th-century house with period rooms, a working Home Farm where you can see cattle, sheep, and poultry breeds, and a Gothic-style tower folly. The estate appeals strongly to families because children can interact with farm animals while adults explore the mansion and wider countryside. This is an active farm rather than a museum, offering insight into both historic and contemporary agricultural practices. Best for families and those wanting countryside experience. This is a easy activity lasting 6 hours. Group size: max 20. You meet at Cambridge rail station. Key highlights: Working rare breeds farm with cattle, sheep, poultry visible from viewing areas, Georgian mansion with period rooms spanning 18th and 19th-century domestic life, Gothic folly tower offering views across the Cambridgeshire countryside.

Price: £40

Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 20

Best for: families and those wanting countryside experience

Best time: April to October during open season; May-September offers the best weather and most active farm operations with younger animals. Spring (April-May) features lambs and calves. Summer (July-August) can be crowded; visit weekdays if possible. Farm hours and activities vary seasonally.

Meeting point: Cambridge rail station

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Morning departure Coach departs from Cambridge Railway Station - Approximately 30-40 minute journey through Cambridgeshire farmland to Wimpole Estate.

Late morning Arrival and farm orientation - Guide explains the estate layout, its working farm status, and the rare breeds kept at Home Farm.

Late morning to midday Visit to Home Farm with animal viewing and demonstrations - See rare breed cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry; farm staff explain breeding programs and historic farming methods.

Midday to early afternoon Guided or self-guided tour of the Georgian mansion interior - Explore period rooms with original furnishings, paintings, and domestic arrangements across multiple centuries.

Early afternoon Lunch break and exploration of estate grounds - National Trust café serves hot meals and light refreshments; visitors can explore woodland paths and see the Gothic tower folly.

Afternoon Additional free time for farm activities, tower climb, or woodland walks - Families may spend extra time at the farm, climb the Gothic tower (if accessible that day), or walk further into the 3,270-acre estate.

Return journey Coach departs back to Cambridge Railway Station - Approximately 40 minutes to return to Cambridge.

The whole experience takes 6 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Cambridge rail station.

• Working rare breeds farm with cattle, sheep, poultry visible from viewing areas
• Georgian mansion with period rooms spanning 18th and 19th-century domestic life
• Gothic folly tower offering views across the Cambridgeshire countryside
• 3,270-acre estate with woodland walks, farmland, and open views
• National Trust farm demonstrating historical and contemporary agricultural practices
• Accessibility: Georgian mansion has limited wheelchair access; ground floor rooms accessible. Home Farm has uneven terrain; mobility assistance available. Accessible parking and restroom facilities provided. Contact operator regarding specific accessibility needs for tower access.

What is included: Coach transport from Cambridge Railway Station, Professional guide for estate introduction and orientation, Entry to Home Farm animal viewing areas, Entry to the Georgian mansion, Access to estate grounds and woodland paths, National Trust facilities (café, gift shop, restrooms).

Not included: Meals (café available at standard prices), Parking for personal vehicles, Special farm activity charges (some handling experiences extra). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for farmland paths, Waterproof jacket (farm is exposed and muddy after rain), Sun hat and sunscreen for open farmland areas, Camera for animal and landscape photography, Hand sanitizer or wipes (after animal contact), Spending money for café, gift shop, or special farm activities. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: April to October during open season; May-September offers the best weather and most active farm operations with younger animals. Spring (April-May) features lambs and calves. Summer (July-August) can be crowded; visit weekdays if possible. Farm hours and activities vary seasonally..

Tip: Farm activities best for children

Tip: Seasonal opening times vary

Accessibility: Georgian mansion has limited wheelchair access; ground floor rooms accessible. Home Farm has uneven terrain; mobility assistance available. Accessible parking and restroom facilities provided. Contact operator regarding specific accessibility needs for tower access..

Operator: Country Estate Tours | Book directly (opens in new tab)

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Cambridge Railway Station Architecture Tour (Departure point walk)
• Cambridge University Botanic Garden (25 min from station walk)

This activity is run by Country Estate Tours.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 14 days before departure; cancellation 7-14 days prior subject to 25% fee; cancellation within 7 days non-refundable.

Accessibility: Georgian mansion has limited wheelchair access; ground floor rooms accessible. Home Farm has uneven terrain; mobility assistance available. Accessible parking and restroom facilities provided. Contact operator regarding specific accessibility needs for tower access..

Best time to go: April to October during open season; May-September offers the best weather and most active farm operations with younger animals. Spring (April-May) features lambs and calves. Summer (July-August) can be crowded; visit weekdays if possible. Farm hours and activities vary seasonally..

Is the farm suitable for children, and what ages enjoy it most?

Wimpole Home Farm is designed with families in mind. Children aged 4-12 typically enjoy the animal viewing and farm demonstrations most. The mansion tour suits older children and teenagers better. Toddlers may find farm walking tiring over full days. Special family activities (animal handling, tractor rides) are sometimes available at additional cost; check with the operator.

What rare breeds of animals are kept at the farm?

Wimpole keeps heritage breed cattle such as Longhorns and Herefords, rare sheep breeds including Cotswold and Lincoln Longwool, heritage pigs, and traditional chicken and duck breeds. The farm prioritizes breeds that were common historically but are now endangered. Farm staff provide demonstrations explaining why these breeds are important for conservation.

Can you climb the Gothic tower at Wimpole?

The Gothic folly tower is visible from the estate grounds and stands as a striking architectural feature. Tower access varies seasonally and depends on weather and maintenance schedules. Check with the guide on arrival whether the tower is open for climbing that day. Climbing involves stairs and is not suitable for those with mobility limitations.