Picture this – a serene day in the heart of Bedfordshire, where tucked amidst its green expanse lies the enchanting Wrest Park, a county estate steeped in layers of history and natural beauty. A month ago I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the charm of this property and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you all.
As we drove through the entrance, 90 acres of estate and landscaped gardens greeted us. Once past the visitors centre, there were neatly pruned Italian and Rose Gardens and beautiful statues lined everywhere.
Towering over the expansive gardens was the magnificent Wrest Park. The French Chateau-style building, constructed in the 1830s, was an absolute marvel, grandiose yet delicately beautiful. Inside, the house is rather grand, with a spectacular library and grand staircase! There is no access to the upstairs rooms, which was a bit disappointing, but from what the lady working inside the house told us, they are still getting furniture for the building, so maybe one day in the future, the upstairs will be open. There was an exhibition explaining about the wallpaper in rooms that are not open to the public which was extremely interesting!
Each detail in Wrest Park carries a piece of history, the orangery once housed exotic plants from global expeditions, though it is best not to enter when it is hot! Or expect to be sweating quite a bit! Every path felt like you were following a breadcrumb trail leading to something fascinating.
It was so tranquil by the Long Water, a canal that draws your gaze straight to the artistic Archer Pavilion. The swan on the water, the fish jumping out, the dragonflies and the reflection of the sky above really created this serene ambience that called for a few moments of quiet contemplation.
The tearooms were located in the historical stable block, it had delicious handmade treats, and of course, cream teas which all added to the charm of Wrest Park. There were plenty of spaces for indoor and outdoor dining, which just made it the perfect place to sit and eat lunch.
To sum up, my day at Wrest Park was nothing short of a great time. The park is a tribute to England’s history and architectural grandeur. It offered a fascinating journey through time, and an opportunity to connect with nature and just sit back and take in the world. If you are ever in Bedfordshire, I highly recommend setting aside a day to explore this mesmerizing estate. For anyone who loves gardens, nature, English Heritage, and a tranquil day out, Wrest Park is going to bewitch you.