Vist Anglesey Abbey is part of my meta bucket list to visit every National Trust property. I am starting on those properties in my local county then I will move on to those further afield. Anglesey Abbey was the second National trust property that I have now visited for that bucket list. Anglesey Abbey is just under 9km north east of Cambridge close to the village of Lode.
History of Anglesey Abbey
Originally there was a priory on the site, however during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536 the proiry was destroyed. The stone of the destroyed priory was used in the construction of Madingley Hall, a university in Cambridge. The land and what was left of the priory was purchased in 1595 by the Fowkes family who then built the country house and landscaped the grounds. Anglesey Abbey was left to the National Trust in 1966 by Lord Fairhaven after his death. Along with the house he left an endowment of £300,000 for the upkeep of the house along with wishes that it was left fully furnished and with the character of an english country home.
Vist Anglesey Abbey
Getting to Anglesey Abbey is quite easy with a car, just be aware that its postcode will attempt to take you to the main house. You need to enter the visitors entrance with the brown national trust signs. When I was there it was quite busy in the carpark. There were a few spaces here and there free, although the overflow carpark was still empty so there was spare room.
After you enter the estate you can either go straight to the house. Or a better option I found was to turn right and follow the path through the trees and gardens. This path takes you to the water mill in the Abbey grounds. Sadly when I visited it was closed for repairs, but it still is amazing walking along river bank next to the mill.
The gardens are amazing at Anglesey Abbey at times you feel that you have the place totally to yourself. The winding paths and trees hide you away in your own little world. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a picnic in the garden. There are even deckchairs out for you to enjoy too.
The house may not look as grand as some of the larger countries homes. However, I was actually quite surprised once I went inside. The house is jam packed with artwork, furniture, thing to look at. Whereas some country homes feel a little empty, Anglesey Abbey is the opposite. It feels more like a home that has been lived in with the owners possessions and treasures still in the rooms.
The house also houses quite a significant number of paintings by the famous landscape artist John Constable. You are able to tell which of the paintings in the house are by constable by the little red and white castle sign next to the painting.
I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed my time at Anglesey Abbey. From strolling around the peaceful grounds to enjoying the house with all that it has to show you. I world recommend anyone to visit the abbey if they get an opportunity to. The second hand bookshop it quite nice for people like me who also loves to read.
Useful information
Getting to Anglesey Abbey
- Latitude: 52.237
- Longitude: 0.24
- Postcode: CB25 9EJ This is quite a new postcode so it may not work in some older Sat Navs. If it is not accepted search for the village called Lode instead.
Entrance
- Adults: £15, Children £7.50, Family £37.50
- Entrance is free for National Trust members.
- There are some off peak time prices too, but those don’t include entrance to the house.
- The house is open every day from 11:00 until 14:00. The garden is open from 09:30 until 17:40
