Trifter

DRAMA, MUSIC, WALKS AND ENVIRONMENT AT THE HALL

WALLINGTON Hall, the home of the Trevelyan family of historians lies near the head of the River Wansbeck, about 20 miles to the north-west of Newcastle upon Tyne.  The gardens contain some of the earliest work by locally born landscape gardener Lancelot (Capability) Brown.

The hall is situated in the centre of a large country estate with lawns, ponds, woods and open parkland.  A line of carved stone griffins’ heads guard the east Lawn.  A children’s play area lies in the Main Park.

Wallington Hall has two large sites that are reserved for disabled parking.  On is at the main parking area for cars and coaches and the other at he Walled Garden.  A large number of seats and benches are scattered along the many paths and trails.

These visitors’ routes are of varying difficulty.  They do have different types of surface ranging from tarmac tracks to rough grass paths, often with muddy ground and gravel.  There are three distinct types of gate.  One type is suitable for wheelchairs and most classes of electric scooters, the second can be negotiated by most manual wheelchairs while the final type is completely unsuitable for most categories of wheelchair.                       

There are narrow bridges, steps, stiles, stepping stones and steep inclines on some of these walks.  The bridges over the spillways at the edge of the West Wood are of a stone slab type with a varying width of about three to four inches.  There is an alternative bad weather route with a kissing gate for use when the river breaks its banks.

Visitors are to examine the Pump House, Portico House and the Ice House.  Nature can be observed from the wildlife hide above the Middle Pond.  Sightseers can go into the Walled Garden, though there is wheelchair access only to the conservatory.

After touring the house and gardens, visitors are able to cross the Courtyard to the Restaurant, shop and plant centre.  This building also accommodates the Estate Room and toilet block.                                      

Many events are held by the National Trust at Wallington Hall throughout the year.  The guided walks which are of an average seven miles length and can contain stiles, hilly slopes and muddy paths are normally well attended.   It is recommended that only people with the correct clothing and footwear who have experience of walking in the countryside should take part in the more arduous of these.                          

The nature events, whether woodland activities or bat evenings are always popular with visitors, there are seasonal celebrations, such as Easter events, Mayday celebrations with the May queen presiding over the maypole dancing, Halloween, autumn lantern processions and Christmas proceedings.

Regular displays of vintage, veteran and classic cars regularly take place in the Courtyard and Wallington Hall is renowned for staging dramatic productions.

Musical events range from Northumbrian pipers to the Proms, string quartets and Scottish country dancing.

There are Krafty Kids arts and crafts events.  Teddy Bear’s picnics, garden parties, a Royal Family day, team challenges, orienteering training and events, art exhibitions and conservation days.  In fact Wallington Hall and its surrounding estate offers something for everybody.

Wallington Hall is at Cambo, near Morpeth in Northumberland and more details can be obtained from 01670 773600