Regular readers will know I am a keen member of the National Trust and love nothing more than an amble around a large country house or a mosey through vast beautifully tended English Gardens. However, the longer I am a member of the National Trust the more I realise how much I also enjoy the smaller places, those a little more hidden or off the beaten track. These are the places I think the National Trust does exceptionally well. You may recall my visit last year to Chedworth Roman Villa and how thrilled I was by it. Equally thrilling and just as lovely is Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Issac Newton.
Woolsthorpe Manor is a small farm house set in the very pretty Lincolnshire country side. Issac Newton was born here, and spent his childhood here. After having to return from University in 1665 because of the plague he returned to Woolsthorpe Manor where he studied and carried out experiments which would go on to form the basis of much of science today. It was here that he used a prism to split sunlight into all the colours of the rainbow and of course here where he formed his theory of gravity, courtesy of that apple tree
The House and Science Centre
The visit starts with a short film explaining who Newton was as a boy and an adult, the life he would have lived in Woolsthorpe, with of course lots of detail about his scientific genius. You are then free to wander around the house from room to room, taking in kitchen, bedrooms, sitting room and the study where Newton worked. Each room focuses on a different aspect of Newtons life at Woolsthorpe. It is even possible to see some of Issac Newtons graffiti! Sketches on the walls discovered when wallpaper was removed in the 1920’s are visible. We had fun with a younger member of our party trying to work out what they might have been. The simple furnishings and rustic decor really serve to create an authentic and charming atmosphere. In each room there are guides who are keen to share knowledge and answer questions.
A science centre gives visitors old and young the opportunity to play with light and ask themselves questions about gravity or other scientific conundrums of their own. As in the house there are volunteers to help and to guide.
The Orchard and The Apple Tree
When most people think of Issac Newton they probably think of an apple tree – or is it just me? The orchard with the apple tree under which Newton sat is an important part of the visit to Woolsthorpe. The apple tree itself is said to be around 400 years old and is the tree Newton sat under when he saw and apple fall to the ground and asked himself ‘Why do apples always fall straight to the ground?’ ‘Why do they not fall to the left or to the right?’ This want on to form his discovery of the law of gravitation.
“the notion of gravitation… was occasion’d by the fall of an apple, as he sat in contemplative mood” – William Stukeley
The apple tree as you would expect is rather gnarly wizzened and is protected by a low fence. The tree is said to have fallen to the ground in a storm in 1820, however such was its strength that it roots remained firm and it gradually regrew forming the tree we see today. For years people have been travelling from far and wide to look at this tree and no visit to Woolsthorpe Manor would be complete without a photograph of it and beside it! The tree continues to blossom and bear fruit and cuttings from it have been taken and planted in esteemed academic institutions across the land.
Coffee and Books
Despite the ‘smaller than some’ size of this National Trust Property, there is a cafe and a second hand book shop. The weather was so glorious when we visited we sat outside in the courtyard for tea and ice creams. The book shop is not extensive but there are plenty of well ordered novels and I unsurprisingly managed to pick up a book for the princely sum of just £1 dropped into the honesty box.
Woolsthorpe Manor is compact but very pretty, and of course when the sunshine and blossom are in full force it is exceptionally pretty. Despite visiting on a very warm bank holiday weekend it was not over crowded and we wandered around at our leisure taking in everything we wanted to see. If you are in Lincolnshire then I wholeheartedly recommend it as a place or relaxation, beauty and scientific inspiration!
Visiting
From 16 March – 28 October, the house and garden is open from 11-5 every day except Tuesday
If you are not a National Trust member the cost is £7.70 for adults and £3.85 for children.
Oh lovely! I’ve just discovered the National Trust and hope to visit more of the destinations on future visits! My husband would enjoy visiting Issac Newton’s manor house! Will save for later! #FarawayFiles
Author
I can’t recommend the National Trust enough. If love a stately home or a historic building, or a beautiful garden you will love the National Trust.
What a fabulous place! I know I would love to visit THE apple tree! Thank you so much for sharing this on #farawayfiles
Author
Yes it’s quite something. To be able to see THE tree, was a real treat and one of those ‘I can’t quite believe it’ moments!
Oh Angie, this looks so fantastic and I hadn’t realised you could visit Isaac Newton’s home and even see the apple tree that started gravity (in a manner of speaking). How absolutely thrilling! One of my boys is a budding physics buff and he would absolutely adore a visit here. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Author
Hi Clare, oh you must visit I’m sure your son would love it. We took an 8 year old budding scientist and he had a great time. Its in a beautiful little corner of Lincolnshire too.
I too LOVE the National Trust and only wish my kids weren’t wanting to have “regular” lives at home (school activities, social lives, etc. – haha), we would be on the go to their properties all the time. I actually discovered this one while perusing the NT guidebook, and we almost went one day. Your post gave me a much better idea of what to expect and I know at least two of my kids would really appreciate it. I sense a plan forming for a day out this summer…. Thanks for a great post! #FarawayFiles
Author
Thanks Beth, yes life gets in the way sometimes doesn’t it! I hope you get the chance to go over the summer, it is such a peaceful and inspiring place to visit.
How humble yet so significant. Castles and magnificent structures have been built and adorned for less worthy reasons than the recognition of Sir Issac Newton’s contributions to humanity. I wish I had gone here when I was in the U.K.
Author
You are so right. Maybe if you visit agin you will get the chance to go. It is a very humble place to visit, but one of such significance too.
I love your posts on the National Trust, Angie. I know if I lived in the U.K. I would for sure be a member! How cool to see the tree where Newton made his momentous discovery, and that it was able to regrow after being torn down in the storm! Sounds like a great visit, and bigger is definitely not better ;). Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
Author
Thank you so much. We are so lucky to have the National Trust, so many fabulous buildings and places are restored maintained because of it. I absolutely agree bigger is definitely not always better
We are just about to purchase membership for this year, we don’t get it every year but felt it was time again. And guess where we want to visit first!? We passed this place a few months ago and vowed to return so your post has whet my appetite thoroughly 😉 #farawayflies
Author
Hi Alex, We had a break from membership for a couple of years to when we wanted to do other things but re-joined last year and have probably enjoyed our membership more because of the break. I’m sure you will have lots of fun discovering new places. I hope you enjoy Woolsthorpe Manor when you get there, it will be a lovely place to re-start you National Trust adventures!