Wrest Park

About

Explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park. From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks, Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Explore the 92 acres of award-winning gardens, gold winner of Anglia in Bloom Awards 2017. Zip along to the children's play area, take tea in the café and explore the hidden treasures in the archaeological stores.

Discover our hidden gems including an ornate marble fountain, the 18th century Bowling Green House and a striking Chinese Bridge and Temple. The Chinese Temple and Bridge originally formed part of a tableau imitating scenes found on Chinese willow pattern plates. Marvel at the fancy French curves and intricate Italian geometry of the restored bedding displays. From autumnal reds to lush greens in the summer, explore Wrest Park’s gardens a new throughout the seasons. 

The Long Water is encased on either side by walkways leading to the spectacular Archer Pavilion. Built by Thomas Archer between 1709-11, this baroque pavilion, with its stunning interior, is the focal point of the gardens. Take a trip to the Dairy Sculpture Gallery, which showcases some of the estate's most beautiful statues, now restored to their former glory. The dairy which used to supply butter and cream for the de Grey family, was converted into an gallery, bringing together precious garden statues too fragile to remain outside. Look out for a magnificent Portland Stone Neptune and an elegant bronze sundial from 1682.

Make sure you join a Wrest Park volunteer guide for a tour around the gardens. These free tours (with admission) cover one of a variety of routes which take in the delights of both the Upper and Great Gardens or one of our popular tree tour routes. Tours start at 11.30am and 1.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday between April and October. From June, tours will also run on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.  Please ask at the Visitor Centre for details of which tour is operating and for the departure point. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

Join our collections team in the Archaeological Collections Store and discover a treasure trove of unique and special objects spanning 2,000 years of England's history. These are objects not normally on display, and form around a third of our total stored collection. Tours take place on the first Monday of every month (except Bank Holidays). Contact Visitor Reception on 01525 860000 for details. Tours cost £3 for both members and non-members in addition to the normal admission price.