Better access to landmark Peckover House in Wisbech as it opens for spring
A landmark property is set to open its doors tomorrow, and it is hoped more people than ever will be able to visit thanks to work to make it more accessible.
The National Trust is opening the doors to Peckover House in Wisbech and the conservation charity has made some changes, which means this historic landmark will now be accessible to more people.
The addition of enhanced facilities for disabled visitors includes a Changing Places toilet in the Reed Barn, which is a larger facility that has equipment designed to support disabled people who need assistance.
This is the National Trust’s 25th Changing Places toilet and the 15th in the Midlands and East of England region. The facility at Peckover was funded thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the assistance of Fenland District Council.
Peckover House is one of the county’s finest examples of a classic Georgian town house and offers a glimpse into the past with a history dating back to the 18th century. The garden provides access to a hidden oasis, in the heart of town.
Ben Rickett, property operations manager, for the National Trust’s Peckover House and Garden, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors back for the 2025 season. Last year, more than 20,000 people visited Peckover House and Gardens, exploring the house, attending community group sessions and visiting the garden for free, a scheme which we'll be continuing in 2025.
“This year, we’re hoping the changes we’ve made will help more people access this space in the heart of Wisbech. Whether that’s because they can now access the ground floor in a wheelchair for the first time, or the Changing Places facility, with its changing place and hoist, enabling people to enjoy a day out with dignity.
“Peckover’s Reed Barn is already home to the Damsons group, which was created for people living with dementia and their loved ones, providing a space to socialise, share experiences or take a break from caring responsibilities. We are always looking at ways we can improve accessibility and hope these latest improvements take us another step in the right direction.”
Highlights for 2025 will include a new exhibition centred on the Cabinet of Curiosities, showcasing more items and stories from the Peckover family’s travels, than have previously been on display.
Ben added: “Alexander Peckover was an avid collector and the Cabinet of Curiosities is testament to his many travels throughout Europe and North Africa. Cabinets of curiosities, also known as 'Wunderkammer', were small collections of extraordinary objects which, like today's museums, attempted to categorise and tell stories about the wonders and oddities of the natural world.”
The Peckover family were Quakers and lived a very simple lifestyle, whilst also running a successful private bank. Inside the house, visitors can explore the Banking Hall, Library and Dining Room, featuring panelled rooms, Georgian fireplaces and intricate carvings.
Younger visitors are encouraged to look out for a new hedgehog trail later in the year, which celebrates the arrival of Fred, Flower and Hope, rescued and rehabilitated hedgehogs, which have been released into the garden, by Emma’s Hedgehog Hospital.
The two-acre Victorian walled garden, is home to a variety of interesting and rare trees, charming summer houses and fruiting orange trees believed to be over 300 years old. The arrival of March sees the return of spring bulbs, adding a pop of colour to the flower beds.
There’s another action-packed line-up of events to make a note of too, including the return of the Easter Egg Trail and Summer of Play.
Peckover House and Garden is open from Thursday to Monday, 10.30am - 4pm, with access to the house from 11am 3pm (last admission 2.30pm) from tomorrow (13). No advance booking is required and access to the gardens is free.
