Anglesey Abbey - Cambridge

Anglesey Abbey: A Heritage Gem in the Heart of Cambridge

Anglesey Abbey stands as a remarkable historical landmark, nestled along the tranquil Quy Road in the village of Lode, just a short distance from the vibrant city of Cambridge. With its rich past and beautifully maintained gardens, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into 18th-century architectural elegance and natural beauty. This property is managed by the esteemed National Trust, a renowned organization dedicated to preserving Britain's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Located at Address: Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ, Anglesey Abbey is easily accessible by car. The website provides comprehensive details for planning a visit, including opening times, ticket prices, and guided tour information: nationaltrust.org.uk. Visitors can also reach the site by phone at +44 1223 810080 for any preliminary inquiries or assistance.

Specialties and Core Offerings

The site is primarily known for its heritage building, the magnificent Anglesey Abbey house itself, rebuilt in the Palladian style by the architect Henry Bell in the early 19th century for the banker John Brownlow. Beyond the house, the estate boasts extensive grounds featuring stunning gardens, ancient woodland, and the historically significant Lode Mill. Key specialities include:

• Historical Landmark: Exploring the grandeur of Anglesey Abbey, its architecture, and the stories of the Brownlow family who commissioned it.
• Gardens: Wandering through the meticulously designed gardens, which are considered among the most important in the country. These include a wide formal garden, an Alpine garden, and a wild garden.
• Visitor Center: The site functions effectively as a visitor center, providing information, refreshment facilities, and an immersive experience into its history.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Anglesey Abbey is committed to ensuring a pleasant visit for all. Key features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park: Designated parking is available nearby, ensuring easy access for visitors with mobility needs.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance: The abbey building is accessible, allowing visitors to explore the main reception rooms and learn about its history.
• Good for Kids: The expansive grounds offer plenty of space for children to explore and enjoy, accompanied by the educational aspects for curious adult minds.
• Free Parking Lot: While the National Trust generally charges for parking on its properties, Anglesey Abbey often promotes free parking days or periods to encourage visitor attendance. It's always wise to check the official website for the most current details on parking charges.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Planning a visit to Anglesey Abbey involves considering several factors:

Opening Times and Admission: The abbey is typically open to visitors from late March to early November, though specific dates and times change annually. Admission fees apply for entry to the house and grounds, with specific rates available on the National Trust website. Seasonal events and occasional special openings also occur, so checking the website regularly is recommended.

Exploring the Site: A visit allows ample time to explore thoroughly. The house itself houses extensive collections and offers guided tours to delve deeper into its history. The surrounding gardens are vast, covering numerous acres, so visitors are encouraged to allocate sufficient time for exploration. The accompanying maps are particularly helpful for navigating these expansive grounds.

On-site Services: Amenities cater to visitor comfort. The main entrance provides access to toilets and a main restaurant. A smaller cafe near the house offers refreshment options. However, according to visitor feedback, the food choices in the main restaurant have been found wanting, with suggestions to bring a packed lunch, especially during peak times or if particular dietary requirements are known. This ensures visitors have a full range of food options throughout their visit.

Based on visitor experiences shared online, particularly during open days when entry is complimentary, Anglesey Abbey consistently receives high praise. The gardens are frequently lauded for their exceptional quality, particularly highlighting the impressive flower displays, notably the vibrant roses and dahlias. The knowledgeable staff on guided tours significantly enhance the visitor experience by providing valuable context about the house's history and significance. The grounds, while large, are well-managed and offer diverse scenery, making it an ideal setting for a relaxing day out.

With an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 from 7,636 reviews on Google My Business, Anglesey Abbey represents an outstanding destination for those interested in history, architecture, and horticulture. It successfully combines the preservation of a significant heritage building with the enjoyment of beautiful outdoor spaces.

Why Visit Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey offers a truly rewarding experience for a variety of visitors. History enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to see a magnificent Palladian house and learn about its past. Families enjoy the ample grounds where children can safely play and explore, while being educated about the surrounding nature and history. The gardens are a particular draw, celebrated for their scale, design, and seasonal beauty. The combination of architectural interest, horticultural excellence, and a commitment to accessibility makes Anglesey Abbey a highly recommended destination in the Cambridgeshire region.

👍 Reviews of Anglesey Abbey

Eddie R.

5/5

I was fortunate to visit during an open day so entry was free. The house and gardens are very impressive. The grounds are very big and the accompanying map was helpful. The flower displays are excellent especially the roses and dahlias. The house is worth visiting and there are staff in most rooms to explain about the history of the house. There is a main restaurant and toilets at the main entrance and smaller cafe near the house but food choices were poor. I would suggest taking a packed lunch with you. Overall a great day out with lots to see.

PJane E.

5/5

Excellent National Trust property with lots of the Abbey open to view. The gardens are more naturalistic rather than formal but lovely to walk around. The autumn leaf colour is very striking. The cafe had a different menu to other NT that we have been to, which was a refreshing change. I woukd definitely recommend a visit.

David S.

5/5

Beautiful house with magnificent gardens and woodland. It's a lovely place to walk through the different gardens, lawns and avenues, with dozens of statues dotted around, and there are plenty of benches to take a breather or just enjoy a quiet moment.
The dahlias were simply stunning, and the walk to the mill was carpeted with cyclamen. The office cafe is very small and just offers drinks and snacks, but the restaurant by the visitors entrance offers a better choice and has plenty of seating inside and outside.

Jim P.

5/5

Purchased in 1926 by an oil baron this place is amazing. So many examples of how life used to be lived by the very rich. There was a clothes exhibition on when we visited, this guy new how to dress! Amazing clothes, shoes, hats and accessories from history. The garden was amazing too set out in different zones and cleverly planted. Great place to visit

Alison B.

5/5

I took my 91 year old dad for a few hours out in a quality garden. We couldn't have asked for more. The dahlia display was jaw dropping. The silver birches divine. The carpet of cyclamen was a joy to behold. We loved our few hours at Angelsey Abbey gardens. The entire garden walk was spectacular.
Dad used the NT wheelchair which was really good as it had rough terrain tyres.
The reception staff were so nice and accommodating. We also had lunch in the cafe. Perfect!

Emma H.

3/5

Nice National Trust house and gardens. Really enjoyed the display of Dahlia's in the Dahlia garden. It is expensive to get in if you aren't members. Hard to look mobility scooters as they stop answering the phones early (3pm) and take 3 days to respond to emails, so no last minute visits! Garden office café is very limited and has no trays (very difficult if you have a disability). Sandwiches were disappointing (as in all NT properties). Staff gave me two hot teas without lids in Paper cups (remember no trays, have a disability) to try and get over to area for lids etc. No stirrers left. Got a paper cup holder but was still difficult to juggle. Children's play area is a long way from house...it says 15 minute stroll (implying leisurely walking)...it was not. I don't know why they leave something for people with small legs so far away (and tricky areas for prams/strollers) and don't use a distance to give you an idea. Getting a wheelchair down and back was very hard work. Similarly map has no scale so no idea how far it really is. Of course no toilets and you are as far as you can get from the house! Gardens are lovely though, lots of colour. Gets quite busy. Parking is easy, toilets clean.

Duncan P.

5/5

An astonishing experience. Almost to much to take in on one visit. The most opulent of buildings packed with objects of a wide and varied nature. Just simply packed with artefacts, furniture, paintings ..and, iinevitably, as he seems to have clearly been inordinately vain..his many many suits. Fortunately this is just a temporary exhibition. The rest are well worth a visit. Very busy. Shops, restuarant etc. Acres of walks..when the weather permits. We didn't walk, or visit the working mill...it was bitterly cold. So cannot comment on those features. Nor the restuarant.

Zen K.

5/5

Wow what a really memorable and lovely day out. Enjoyed roaming round the house. Such a lot of art and treasures to admire. Excellent guides who answered questions.
You must see the rose and dahlia gardens. Picture taking opportunities. So much selection and colour. Loved the dotted around statues, well
Kept grounds, serenity and walks.
Highly recommend this NT property.

Wish the shop was more affordable. Lots of people browsing but could sell much more if their pricing was more justifiable, competitive and affordable. Lovely selection of things to buy but too pricey.