This year’s Brockenhurst WI’s August outing was a day trip to Wilton House, near Salisbury. Fourteen ladies made they way there in groups, on one of the hottest days of the year. Some took scenic routes, some even managed some retail therapy at a nearby outlet before arriving!

We assembled in the cafe for some refreshments.

We then had a guided tour of the house and learnt that Wilton House has been the country seat of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. It was built on the site of the medieval Wilton Abbey. In 1544 when the buildings and land were granted by Henry VIII to Sir William Herbert.

We learnt that as well as being a family home, Wilton House has been linked to the political and artistic circles of England over the years, including William Shakespeare!

We saw the large collection of sculptures and art work, including this Van Dyke, which is thought to be his biggest. The sofa underneath was designed to seat four daughters and their ball gowns!

With it’s magnificent house, splendid state rooms and landscaped parkland, Wilton House is frequently used film TV Programmes and films. Amongst other programmes/films, it has been used for Bridgerton, Emma, Tomb Raider, The Crown and Young Victoria.

After our tour, our guide kindly took a group photograph.

We then had lunch. Some ate in the cafe, others under the shade of a tree in the grounds.

We then had a stroll around the grounds, enjoying the flower beds, magnificent trees, water garden, boathouse and Palladian bridge on the River Nadder. One member even had a paddle in the River Nadder!

Kim and Elaine found time to enjoy an ice cream before heading home.

It was a very enjoyable day and a good time was had by all.

Thanks go to Karen for arranging the trip and to Christine and Kim for the photographs.