Tours of estate’s gardens launched

ONE OF the largest houses in Europe is set to have a souvenir shop and garden tours.

The changes at Wentworth Woodhouse, in Rotherham, are being brought in to mark the first anniversary since it was taken over by a preservation trust.

This month, guided tours of the gardens will be introduced and a shop in the house, once home of the Fitzwilliam family, will be opened.

The chief executive of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, Sarah McLeod, said: “Wentworth Woodhouse has been a central part of the community for many years.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response we have had over the past year and we are excited about the coming year and the exciting developments ahead.”

Since taking on ownership of the Grade I listed building in March last year, the preservation trust has begun a major project to restore the house and open it to the public. Special guided tours have been taking place within the house as part of the trust’s bid to raise funds for vital repair work.

Over the winter, volunteers have been helping a small team of gardeners restore and clear parts of the estate that had previously been hidden away, ready for tours. The gardens were opened for a limited time in February during the snowdrop season for guided tours.

The grounds will be opened for guided garden tours from this weekend’s bank holiday