A Visit to Wallington Hall

Turn in a slow circle, taking in the history that surrounds you, a timeline captured on stone beneath the watchful eyes of the owls. Between snaking wild flowers, attracting the love of insects, lies the story of the north. Meticulous in its panelling, we see the Romans, Bede and Armstrong’s industrial endeavours painted out in the most vivid scenes. This is the central hall of Wallington, a property now owned by The National Trust but once the stronghold of the Trevelyan family. This property, located between Morpeth and Rothbury, is a fine example of the many architectural gems on offer in the county of Northumberland. The estate stretches across the road, totaling 13,500 acres of garden and woodland, being perfect for a walk come rain or shine.

Until recently this was a place that boasted more exterior appeal than interior, with only the downstairs of the Hall being open for visitor perusal. Now, the gallery has been reopened and one can venture up the beautiful double staircase and walk around the famous murals from above. The space is packed full of books and paintings, extending the extensive collections of the the ground floor. Yet, it is Lady Wilson’s cabinet of curiosities that holds the greatest draw. Unlike the suggestion of the name, this cabinet is in fact an attic room stuffed with specimens that range from eggs and taxidermy to archaeological artifacts and a scale model of the treacherous bridge that you are likely to have crossed on your approach to the property. It provides perhaps one of the best insights into the people here, how the tastes of certain owners ran and how they filled their time.

An equally indicative insight into the history of the Hall can be found in the afore mentioned murals. Central to the beautifully furnished ground floor is the open, courtyard or quad-like gallery room. Lit from above by a glass roof, this large room is adorned with murals which tell the tale of Northumberland’s history. Painted by Scottish artist William Bell Scott (1811-1890), these incomplete murals are painted directly onto the walls of the house, becoming even more closely connected to the landscape. The lower level of artistry chronicles the history, interspersed by flowers, while the panels around the gallery show battle and hunt scenes with men and hounds and hinds. These are interspersed with a family tree, but remain regrettably incomplete. This is the true draw of the property, a marvel worthy of staring at. The scenes are incredibly detailed and lifelike, pulling you into the moments.

About this glorious centrepiece are your usual array of rooms – a small but well adorned dining room, drawing room, library filled with rare books, and office. There is also a room filled with antique dolls houses, a quirky collection from various origins that fascinates children and adults alike. A personal favourite is the kitchen, however, with its decoration set out for an array of seasonal dishes and the Fortnums basket in the window. It is the sort of kitchen many vintage hearts dream of.

Beyond the house there is plenty to explore, with the lawns to front and back of the property and a rambling woodland across the road. Even if you are not overly mobile, it is worth adventuring into the woodland as hidden amongst the trees is a beautiful walled garden and greenhouse. If you have a penchant for old greenhouses, you will love this one. Unfortunately, it is currently closed for renovations, but you can still peek through its windows! The flowers are in full bloom, the gardens bursting with life. And keep your eyes peeled for baby moorhens in the ponds!

If you are the sort of person who tends to gravitate towards the more famous sites such as Alnwick Castle and Cragside, perhaps it is time to branch out during your Northumberland adventure and try a new property. With the Trust’s usual child friendly atmosphere and the house’s stunning interiors, there is plenty to enjoy. This is a day out well worth it!