Wrest Park in Bedfordshire has revealed its range of guided tours currently available for groups.
The diverse collection of tours vary from Garden History Tours to Aladdin’s Cave Archaeology Tours and not only give an insight into the history of Wrest Park, but also into the 2,000 years of English history.
The Garden History Tour takes place in some of the 90 acres of landscape at Wrest Park, which represents nearly 300 years of garden design. The tour takes in restored buildings and garden areas, and highlights include the French Parterre, the Orangery, Bath House, Bowling Green House, Chinese Temple and Bridge and the original Dairy, which houses a sculpture gallery.
The Aladdin’s Cave Archaeology Tour, meanwhile, is run by volunteers and takes groups behind the scenes for a sneak peek at some of the 153,000 historical artefacts at Wrest Park. The artefacts span 2,000 years of English history.
The highlights of this tour include viewing small fragments of 17th century painted window glass, buckles, brooches and coins, as well as larger objects such as fireplaces, staircases and a large crane used for changing street light bulbs in Covent Garden.
Another tour, the Historical Wallpaper Tour, gives groups the chance to view the original hand painted oriental wallpaper on the walls of some of the rooms on the first floor of the mansion.
Also at Wrest Park
Groups wanting to make a day of it will find plenty to do at Wrest Park.
Inside the 18th century French style mansion, groups can view the Countess Henrietta Sitting Room, which is furnished as it was in the 1840s, or can find out more about the history of Wrest Park with an interactive exhibition.
Another exhibition explains the role of the mansion as a convalescent home during the First World War.
For Groups
The Wrest Park visitor centre houses a café with inside seating for up to 70, and outside seating for up to 50, an introductory exhibition, shop and plant sales area.
There is a large on-site car park for coaches, and groups of 11 or more can receive a 15% discount.
For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrestpark.
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