Wallington Hall
Come join me as I share a few hidden secrets in my Northumberland series.
The Cotswolds, Kent, Cornwall - magnificent places of England. Some may dare travel further up north and reach the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales. But what of Northumberland, the ceremonial county that borders Scotland?
Northumberland is a quiet county and one of the most sparsely populated areas in England. So, if you’re looking for more nature and less humans, this is the paradise to visit. In this mini series, I am going to share some hidden gems of my favourite county and I can’t wait for you to explore them yourselves.
Let’s begin with one of my most recent excursions to Wallington Hall.
The family and I travelled to this grand estate which boasts a whopping 13,500 acres that was donated to the National Trust in 1941. The house is surrounded by a landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland and farmland. A beautiful vast landscape to explore, all thanks to Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan.
The Central Hall is a particular highlight, with huge pre-Raphaelite paintings that explore the history of Northumberland. During Christmas time, the hall is transformed into a musical space, where visitors can dine on afternoon tea, and listen to a pianist perform classical music.
There are beautiful rooms to explore, like the entertaining spaces of the dining and drawing rooms, the library that holds an impressive book collection, and the ‘below-stairs’ areas like the kitchen. Look out for the portrait of ‘Suky’ Trevelyan in the dining room - it was painted and then re-painted over by two of the greatest portrait painters of the time - Gainsborough and Turner!
The ‘Suky’ painting. Gainsborough had created a romanticised country girl painting in his typical fashion, but the family wanted something that gave a more regal look and feel. Turner was contracted to paint over and modern ‘photoshop’ it.
There are beautiful rooms to explore, like the entertaining spaces of the dining and drawing rooms, the library that holds an impressive book collection, and the ‘below-stairs’ areas like the kitchen. Look out for the portrait of ‘Suky’ Trevelyan in the dining room - it was painted and then re-painted over by two of the greatest portrait painters of the time - Gainsborough and Turner!
After touring the beautiful home, which looked incredible all dolled up in Christmas décor, we braved the wintery cold and headed towards the walled garden. It is a delightful walk through the woodland, the walled garden is nestled in amongst the trees. Enter through the gate and sweep down the stone staircase that wraps around the Mary Pool (named after Lady Mary Trevelyan). It is tranquil and quiet, and you can find yourself lost in thought.
During winter, nothing grows, everything is resting, waiting for spring seeds to come to soil. What I am saying is, if you visit during the winter period, you won’t see much in the gardens. But I have always found a strange affinity towards blank canvases. Nothing is dead, it is simply waiting for its opportunity to bloom. There are plenty of scenic walks around the home, including the river walk. This, we enjoyed very much, especially hopping across the stones over the calming river. Look out for red squirrels which can be spotted in the woodlands.
Overall, Wallington Hall was a surprise hit. In that, I didn't know much about the site or anything about its rich history. Sir Charles Trevelayn was a very interesting character, considered far too socialist as an MP and it is rather shocking for him to have left such a massive estate to a charity, instead of passing it onto his living relatives.
Dad and my younger brother, Neville enjoying the walled garden.
His books show how knowledgeable he was on a great matter of politics, history, economics and sociopolitical issues. The photographs of him standing with President Theodore Roosevelt and his letters to Russia, supposedly to Joseph Stalin directly, provides insight to a North East Englishman who mingled amongst the powerful and influential figures of that era. This unassuming place in Northumberland, holds strong ties and connections to a greater, wider world. Its land expands as far as the horizon and the landscapes were designed beautifully, even Capability Brown had a hand in it.
It’s one of my favourite National Trust homes to have visited and I am definitely keen to visit again during a different season. Before you leave, don’t forget to treat yourself with a cuppa in the cafe, found in the stableyard. Sip and overlook the majestic home that sits across the green lawn. I sipped and thought of how one person, one home, could have such a huge impact on world politics. No person is too small to make a similar change.
Wallington Hall is generally open all year round. Be sure to check the website for specific opening times.
