About the National Trust

The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists - Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. Concerned about the impact of uncontrolled development and industrialisation, they set up the Trust to act as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.

More than a century later, we now care for over 248,000 hectares (612,000 acres) of beautiful countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus almost 600 miles of coastline and more than 200 buildings and gardens of outstanding interest and importance. Most of these properties are held in perpetuity and so their future protection is secure. The vast majority are open to visitors and we are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve public access and on-site facilities.

We are a registered charity and completely independent of Government, therefore relying heavily on the generosity of our subscribing members and other supporters. 

Other National Trust Properties in Cambridgeshire

Anglesey Abbey & Gardens
Lode, CAMBRIDGE, CB5 9EJ Telephone +44 (0)1223 811200
Dating from 1600 and built on the site of an Augustine Priory, the house and the 98 acre (40ha) garden was the vision of Huttleston Broughton, the first Lord Fairhaven. Throughout the garden's development Lord Fairhaven acquired one of the finest collection of garden statuary anywhere in the country.

Peckover House & Gardens
North Brink, WISBECH, Cambs, PE13 1JR Telephone +44 (0)1945 583463
A lovely Georgian brick town house in the attractive town of Wisbech. A charming Victorian garden includes an orangery, fernery and croquet lawn.

Houghton Mill
Houghton, NR HUNTINGDON, Cambs, PE17 2AZ Telephone +44 (0)1480 301494
An impressive seventeenth century water mill in working order on the River Ouse in the village of Houghton. Potto Brown was one of its famous millers.

Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse
Abbey School, Ramsey, HUNTINGDON, PE17 2AZ
The gatehouse is richly carved and on the ground floor there is an effigy of the Abbey's founder Ailwyn. Dating from c1250 it is made of Purbeck Marble.

Wicken Fen
Lode Lane, Wicken, ELY, Cambs CB7 5XP Telephone +44 (0)1353 720274
Wicken Fen is the oldest nature reserve in Britain, it is a delight for the naturalist and rambler alike. Experience a unique fragment of the wilderness which once covered much of East Anglia. Famous for its rich plant, insect and bird life.