National Trust

Programme 2025

National Trust

Visit to Wentworth Castle and Wentworth Garden Centre.

• Stainborough Castle
  This almost ancient castle is the crowning glory of a visit to Wentworth Castle Gardens. Although it looks medieval, this folly was actually completed in 1731 by Thomas Wentworth. Born out of a fierce family rivalry, the folly was designed to give the impression that the Wentworth family had lived here for centuries. Today it’s a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic, surrounded by medieval-style turrets.
• Gardens within a garden
  The Union Jack Garden -Thomas Wentworth created the landscape at Wentworth to showcase his wealth and status, and the Union Jack Garden is no different. This 18th-century wilderness garden was planted in 1713. Its distinctive criss-cross pattern marks the union of England and Scotland in 1707. It was largely replanted in 2005. John Arnold Garden – Named after the Head gardener in the 18th century, this garden offers views across the wider countryside and colour in every season. Enjoy a myriad of smells and textures as you weave through this space on your way towards the rest of the formal gardens. National Collections -The gardens are home to several collections of Magnolias, Williamsii Hybrid Camellias, Species Rhododendrons and Hardy Hybrid Rhododendrons, including three national collections. That’s over 100 different Magnolias and 300 different wild rhododendrons. Between these and the Azalea Garden, the result is a vibrant and colourful spring and summer with large spreads of colour, delicate floral patterns and in some cases, fur lined leaves.
• Monument to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu -Framed by the trees, this monument has a powerful story to tell. Originally erected by Thomas Wentworth, it was later dedicated by his son William to Lady Mary Montagu in honour of her efforts to inoculate children against smallpox. A symbol of Mary’s achievements, it’s believed to be the oldest monument in the country dedicated to a non-royal woman. Lady Lucy’s Walk Wentworth Castle Gardens is an oasis of calm, and there’s nowhere more peaceful than Lady Lucy’s Walk, an avenue of towering lime trees. Believed to have been named after one of Thomas Wentworth’s daughters, this line of trees stretching through the garden was planted around the time of the First World War.
• The Victorian Conservatory As the next generations of the Wentworth family took over the estate, they sought to modernise Wentworth Castle Gardens. The Victorian era saw the Vernon-Wentworths move in, creating an impressive conservatory to grow unusual and exotic plants. This was among the first places in the country to have electric lighting – even before Buckingham Palace.
• Venue: Wentworth Castle & Wentworth Garden Centre.
• Date: Wednesday May 21st.
• Cost: £16 Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at March meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at 8.30am.
• Returning time: Departing Garden Centre at 4.00pm.
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

************************************************************************************

Visit to Lyme Park    (Change to National Trust List 2025 instead of Fountains’ Abbey we are going to Lyme Park.)

• House – Step back in time to a house with six centuries of history. Explore beautiful features and the fascinating collection. Park – The 1,400-acre grounds encompass formal gardens, ancient woodland and rugged moors, with various fascinating follies to explore. Garden – Wander through Lyme’s glorious gardens and enjoy the contrast between cascading water and still reflections.
• Unlike many great estates, Lyme was a much-loved home to generations of one family and their valued and loyal workers. Living through England’s most troubled times, the Legh family hung on to their home and (mostly) their heads, and this impact can still be seen across the estate today. The largest estate in Cheshire, Lyme has been designed on a grand scale over a number of centuries. It has been a place to receive occasional royal guests, take friends hunting or to entertain on a lavish scale.
• Venue: Lyme Park.
• Date: Tuesday August 19th.
• Cost: £20 Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at June meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at 8.30am.
• Returning time: Departing Lyme Park at 4.30pm.
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

**************************************
Visit to Attingham Park

Attingham’s Walled Garden is a hive of activity, with seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers grown throughout the year, and a haven for wildlife, including the Attingham bees. Bright splashes of colour can be seen in the Walled Garden and orchard at this time of year, look out for the dahlias in bloom in September and early October.
In the frameyard, you’ll find our wildlife-friendly bed. With a variety of plants, a small pool of water and hedgehog house it’s a great place for ideas for your own garden or to take a moment and see what wildlife you can spot.
As you follow the Mile Walk through the Pleasure Grounds, look out for the various trees and seasonal shrubs, historic planting schemes and landscaped views designed to impress. You’ll find benches located around the walk where you can sit and take in the views and surroundings. Soak up the scents, sights and sounds of Attingham’s restored Walled Garden. Originally created in the 1780s, the team has been bringing this important part of the Attingham Estate back to life and production. After falling into disrepair, and having different uses in the 20th century, this Georgian kitchen garden is both beautiful and bountiful today.

• Venue: Attingham Park.
• Date: Wednesday October 15th.
• Cost: £20 Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at  August meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at
• Leaving Mansfield outside Iceland at
• Returning time: Departing
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

**************************************

• Venue: 
• Date:
• Cost: £ Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at  August meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at
• Leaving Mansfield outside Iceland at
• Returning time: Departing
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

**************************************

• Venue: 
• Date:
• Cost: £ Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at  meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at
• Leaving Mansfield outside Iceland at
• Returning time: Departing
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

**************************************

• Venue: 
• Date:
• Cost: £ Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at  meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at
• Leaving Mansfield outside Iceland at
• Returning time: Departing
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

**************************************

• Venue: 
• Date:
• Cost: £ Cheques payable to Sherwood u3a or BACS payment please.  You can now pay by your card.
• Bookings open at  meeting.
• Leaving Morrison’s Woodhouse at
• Leaving Mansfield outside Iceland at
• Returning time: Departing
• For further details contact Liz Wilson or Denise Whitsed.

**************************************

We are open to suggestions (polite ones!) or we may just pick from Irene’s previous visits. We are also hoping to choose an area with several National Trust properties and fit in several of them with an overnight stay.