Unleash your inner explorer - New outdoors offer opens to visitors at A la Ronde

Calling all outdoor explorers, as part of the ‘A la Ronde: Conserving the Past, Creating the Future’ project, there are lots of new things to see and do in the meadow and grounds.

An accessible, multi-user pathway has been installed, emulating the original historic pathway around the edge of the estate. Perfect for wheelchairs and prams, the pathway is punctuated by delightful and beautiful seating, handmade by local craftspeople. Informed by research and archaeological investigation, the materials and surfaces are historically appropriate.

New benches have also been installed, designed to respond to and reflect the spirit of A la Ronde. Decorative benches were mentioned in Mary Parminter’s will, but their designs have been lost over time. Now, these contemporary interpretations of original ideas have been brought to life by local makers. Visitors can discover these beautiful, fun-to-use seats dotted along the path.

Children from Exeter Road Primary School have co-created a family trail, with animals found in the house and grounds drawn on a map, for visitors to find and enjoy. This pilot will inform a permanent family trail offer that will be continually improved over the coming years.

In September, local residents, schools, families and community groups are invited to visit and join in celebrating nature, firstly on 3 September with Devon-based author and practitioner Richard Irvine who will explore water, where it comes from and how we treat it.

There will also be two days of willow crafting on 10 and 11 September with Weird Sticks CIC, where large, co-created willow sculptures will be brought to life. The final sculptures will take pride of place in the meadow for the remainder of the season.

Normal admission applies, with free entry to workshops. There are a limited number of places, so please book via our website to secure your place.

Project funding of £300k has allowed the National Trust to carry out improvements to the house and grounds, and invest in community engagement. This vital work means that the unusual 16-sided house is protected for future generations.

David Collings, Head Gardener at A la Ronde said, “We're delighted to be launching this new way of experiencing A la Ronde. Our pathway and new seating, inspired by the themes of the house and made using local craftspeople, mean that everyone can enjoy this brilliant offer. We’re pleased to improve access and look forward to sharing A la Ronde with even more people.”

Salli Carr-Griffin, Property Operations Manager, said: "This has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase how the house and grounds connect, and reflect one another - the motivations of the Parminter cousins who created A la Ronde were so focused on nature, and the path and benches offer a new view of the unique features which makes this a very special place.”

The project has been enabled thanks to generous funding from the Wolfson Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust – in addition to the generous support of visitors to A la Ronde.  

A la Ronde is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 5:30pm until November 1 2024. Normal admission applies. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk.