Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

What a fascinating place! Angelesey Abbey is a Jacobean-style house with expansive gardens. The home was in ruins - as an Abbey wrecked during Cromwells reign of disaster and laid to waste for several centuries. An American family, cashed up with money from oil became interested in the area and one of the sons, at the age of 30, bought the ruin with the idea to create an English Manor house and fill it with his treasures.


Lord Fairhaven  wanted to create something that both inspired and surprised his visitors, and had always intended to gift his collections and home to the people through the National Trust.  He lived a very luxurious life which revolved around horse racing and shooting, and having high flying guests visit.
All of this is reflected in the silverware, the paintings and furnishings throughout the manor. its difficult to choose a favourite piece, but the silver clock, with its intricate carving, really took my eye.

I also loved to see some Constable paintings on the walls.


On the event of his death, his will stated that everything must remain as he he left it, which included pens on desks, and cups on mantle pieces. It looks as though he has stepped out and is due to return at any moment.

Its so difficult to rush through these homes as every room deserves hours of contemplation, reflection and research. It was Michaels first National Trust home and it was s delight to allow him space and time to look at the paintings and sculptures; though 2 hours was scarcely enough time to really look at everything.


The kids explored the expansive gardens and delighted us with their creations in the woodlands. Something that I love about National Trust places, is the space (and encouragement) for kids to build tree houses and dens.

The treehouse was incredible!  Three stories high..

 Anglesey Abbey has a wildlife discovery centre, which I know you could spend an entire day wandering around. The rose garden and the formal gardens were beautiful with the vistas of the landscaped areas taking our breaths away, and giving Michael a bigger appreciation of what travelling and experiencing places like this means to the kids and I.