Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Wentworth Woodhouse

After our lovely lunch, our host told us that we were going for a walk. I got excited about that. I love long walks, especially in countries that I was visiting cause I find it was the best way to explore a place. The place we were walking to was called Wentworth Woodhouse, or the Big House as our friends call it.

Before the walk, we got some history lesson on the surroundings and a little bit about the Woodhouse. I recall something about some tower that looked like a needle, and something about a camel going through it.... lol. Let's just say, I'm a terrible student and couldn't hear a word he said when there is such a beautiful country side in front of me to run wild in!

It was just a short walk. Above is Tom and my husband walking pass the very large building that was just the stable where they used to keep the horses. If the house for stable looked like that, how big was the actual Big House???

Here is a a clearer front view of the stable.... We did went in on our way back as we saw the doors were opened. More on that at the end of this post.

A small gate to enter into the grounds of the Big House. You could also drive all the way there, but since we just had a heavy lunch, it was nice to walk off the calories! Plus it was so nice to be out in the open, sunshine, cold wind, and just horizons for us to walk on.

You could visit the house inside, with a fee. You could also hold events here. There is also some dining cafe inside. We went into just take a look around the free area. My friend didn't recommend we visit the paid area, so we skipped that. I would rather be spending more time outdoor anyway.  Later that year, I also visited a palace in Hue, Vietnam that reminded me of the Big House and told my friend about it. I did went inside the palace in Hue as I was part of a day tour, and it beautiful inside as well.

Side view of the Big House as we were walking towards it. I could imagine riding inside a carriage drawn my horses up to the main entrance. I've just finished watching Season 3 and Season 2 of Bridgerton  (yes, in that order, it's a long story....), and the Big House was even bigger than their house!

A side profile of Tom leading us on our walk.

The main entrance of the building. It wasn't crowded at all. Perhaps it isn't really a touristy place. Maybe more suited for people who were interested in old buildings or history of local towns? I can't picture a tour bus filled of Chinese tourist coming all the way here, even thought I think I would love it! It's a lot more peaceful here which leaves you being able to enjoy the place better.

The welcoming info sign inside the building. Everything upstairs is with paid entry only. We did managed to look around the gift soup and cafe area. 

We walked around the grounds in front of the building too. 

Here is a view of the Big House from a far. I love the trees framing the photo. From this picture, you could see just how huge it was. I mean, huge as in for a British palace or building, which is kinda cosy. After coming back from the Balkans, I have seen monstrous buildings built by the Soviet Union era showcasing power and wealth. But the European style buildings are a lot more charming, and elegant. 

A full front view. 

On our walk back to the car, we walked by the stable again and noticed that the gates were slightly opened! So we decided to go check it out. I guess this is why you make friends with people who likes to explore, they don't mind walking into any place.

Tom and my husband, inside the stable main gate. Inside, it looked like a ground where gladiators fight. Everything was just concrete. There was a fountain like structure in the middle that servers kinda like a round about. Renovation was being conducted at the buildings surrounding it. I think there's going to be some restaurant there in the future.

 

But just imagine, this as a stable. All the small houses being used to keep horses. And the grounds for them to wander around on. Perhaps the stable boys and workers also stayed in this building? I think it's lovely that I get to visit such places. I think every trip is special to the individual, and each is unique. So visiting this place, this stable made my trip to the country side unique too!