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Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill: A Historic Jacobean Estate with Stunning Gardens

Explore a historic Jacobean estate with stunning seasonal gardens, a working watermill, and family-friendly nature trails near Cambridge.

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Anglesey Abbey, located near Cambridge in Lode, is a National Trust property featuring a Jacobean-style house, extensive gardens spanning 114 acres, and a working 18th-century watermill. Visitors can explore the richly furnished house, seasonal gardens including a renowned Winter Garden and Rose Garden, and enjoy family-friendly activities such as woodland play areas and nature trails. The estate offers a blend of history, horticulture, and natural beauty all year round.

A brief summary to National Trust - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill

  • Quy Rd, Cambridge, Lode, CB25 9EJ, GB
  • +441223810080
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during spring for the spectacular snowdrop and daffodil displays or summer to see the Rose Garden at its peak.
  • Book guided tours in advance to learn about the house’s rich history and the extensive garden collections.
  • Take time to explore the woodland play area and nature trails if visiting with children.
  • Try the freshly ground flour available at Lode Mill as a unique souvenir.
  • Use the accessible facilities and mobility vehicle hire for an easier visit if you have mobility challenges.
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Getting There

  • Train and Bus

    Travel by train to Cambridge station (approximately 1 hour from London). From Cambridge, take the bus service 13 or 14 to Lode village, which takes about 30 minutes. Bus frequency is moderate, with fewer services on weekends. Tickets cost around £5-£8 GBP.

  • Car

    Driving from Cambridge city center takes about 20 minutes via local roads. Parking is available on-site with Blue Badge accessible spaces near the visitor centre. Parking is free for National Trust members; non-members pay a small fee around £5 GBP.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Cambridge city center to Anglesey Abbey takes approximately 20 minutes. Fares typically range from £20 to £30 GBP depending on time of day and traffic.

National Trust - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather

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A Historic Jacobean Home with Rich Heritage

Anglesey Abbey’s centerpiece is its Jacobean-style manor house, once the residence of Lord Fairhaven. The house showcases an impressive collection of fine furnishings, paintings, clocks, and silverware spanning over 350 years. Visitors can step back in time through rooms like the Oak Room with its 17th-century wood panelling and the vaulted 13th-century Dining Room, originally a monks' parlour. The house reflects the opulence and lifestyle of the early 20th century, with a lived-in atmosphere that invites exploration.

Expansive and Seasonally Vibrant Gardens

Surrounding the house are 114 acres of landscaped gardens designed to provide beauty in every season. The Winter Garden is famed for its sensory appeal, offering vibrant colors, textures, and scents even in colder months. The Rose Garden, at its peak from June to October, displays over 60 varieties. Visitors can wander along tree-lined avenues such as Jubilee Avenue, planted to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, and discover a rich collection of garden statuary considered among the finest in the UK.

Lode Mill: A Working Piece of History

On the estate stands Lode Mill, an 18th-century watermill fully restored and operational. Visitors can observe traditional milling machinery in action and learn about its history. The mill offers an educational glimpse into rural industry and the estate’s past, with the opportunity to purchase freshly ground flour as a unique souvenir.

Family-Friendly Activities and Nature Exploration

Anglesey Abbey is ideal for families, featuring a woodland play area with climbing frames, swings, and den-building spots that encourage outdoor adventure. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching from hides and explore the 3-mile circular walk through woodlands, wildflower meadows, and historic gardens. Seasonal trails, such as the Snowman™ sculpture trail in winter, add to the engaging visitor experience.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The estate offers several visitor conveniences including Redwoods Restaurant serving hot and cold meals, a Garden Office Café for takeaway refreshments, and a well-stocked shop and plant centre. Accessibility is well considered with level pathways, accessible toilets, mobility vehicle hire, and parking close to the visitor centre. Braille guides and sensory toys are available to enhance the visit for all guests.

Year-Round Appeal with Seasonal Highlights

Open daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Anglesey Abbey offers varied experiences throughout the year. Spring brings spectacular daffodil displays, summer highlights include the rose and dahlia gardens, and winter features the sensory Winter Garden and festive decorations in the house. Special events like guided garden tours and seasonal exhibitions enrich the cultural offering of this historic estate.

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