Wolterton Park
The Hall was built by Thomas Ripley in the 1720s for Horatio Walpole: politician, diplomat and younger brother to Britain's first Prime Minister - Sir Robert Walpole.
Other members of the family made alterations in the early 19th century, including adding a wing and enclosing the Park. On the death of the 3rd Earl in 1858 the Hall was abandoned and his son moved to Mannington.
The property was restored when the Earl moved back in 1905.
The present Lord Walpole inherited the property in 1989. Since, there has been a programme of reorganisation, conservation and research into the history of the family, Hall and Park using extensive and previously neglected archives. There is an extensive family portrait collection.
The Park contains evidence of the village of Wolterton with its round church tower which can still be seen. The 18th Century walled garden is now let and run by Barker Organics as a smallholding.
A special exhibition for 2009, Walpole Children, contains paintings, photographs and documents from the collections. These illustrate the life of the family’s children through the ages, together with clothes and toys.
The Park is open everyday (9am - dusk) for walks, with views of the lake and Hall.
Car park £2.00.
Wheelchair accessible lavatory is available.
There is a permanent orienteering course and a children's adventure playground.
The Hall is open every Friday from 24th April 2009 – 30th October 2009 2pm - 5pm (last entry 4pm). Entry £5.00.
