lyveden new bield

So glad we ignored the weather forecast as after a gloomy start the sun shone on us and offered us a completely different view of Lyveden. Unique meandering moats and viewing mounds make the place so visually beautiful and such lovely staff to help us understand the history of the Bield and offer advice. Despite the flower meadows being bare just now, there is plenty to see and enjoy with miles of good walks. We did the Woodland walk which was quite muddy in places but accessible and found a gate which should have been open locked. Climbed over the gate but those with less mobility would struggle.The café produced a limited but delicious menu and was very reasonably priced. Such a worthwhile NT property to visit. Delightful

I was wondering whether it would be worth a trip to Lyveden and whether it would be any more interesting than a run around a field for my 5 and 1 year olds. We went today and had a really wonderful time and my son said he wants to "every day"! The landscape itself is nicely varied for young children; especially the slopes of the "moat" which are perfect for rolling down. There is a field with a maze (at the moment the maze is just a path mowed into slightly taller grass but it was more than enough to excite my son who wanted to run around the whole thing). The swirly mounds look fun but we didn't manage to have enough time to clamber up them. Inside the building feels more like a castle ruin and altho small is plenty big enough for small kids to explore. The audio tour is surprisingly brilliant and we really enjoyed listening to it. And the volunteers were incredibly friendly and kind. All in all a wonderful trip, hopefully to be repeated very soon!

Of course it is not a ruin as the building was never completed, I live in the area and visited or walked past this building numerous times. There are some lovely walks from the site so when you visit wear those walking shoes, especially if you like butterflies as the purple emperor can be seen nearby. (Walk towards Brigstock park) They tend to fly early in the day so maybe you should walk first. Cafe on site and in the park.

A delightful National Trust venue with wonderful warm tea room and quintessential English volunteers -heart warming. Beautiful ground, great story and looking fantastic in January frosts.

This is a lovely spot especially in the early evening on a summer's day. Quiet and full of atmosphere.

Been here a couple of time for just walking round and a play. It's a great venue. Really lovely walk and friendly volunteer staff.

I visited Lyveden New Build with my son as we had recently become members of the National Trust. I have lived in Oundle for four years and not visited previously. On the day we visited there had been a lot of rainfall a few days previous and this meant that the area surrounding the building was very water logged. Upon entry we were then told that we could not enter the New Bield itself as it was flooded. We decided to take a walk around the surrounding area and take a few photographs but as everywhere was muddy and wet we couldn't set up the picnic we had brought. I think on a hot summers day, this place would be magical and we have said that we will go back next summer.

The building is only part of the experience here. Sir Thomas Tresham planned it as the pinnacle of the development. Below the top level where the unfinished summer house stands, in remarkably good condition, was an orchard and a canal. These have been faithfully restored by the National Trust as well as a flower meadow area. When we visited in August the meadow had been cut so we shall revisit in mid-summer next time. We had a very knowledgeable guide who walked us to the orchard and back along the path to the canal where one can take pictures of the house reflected in the water. She later showed us the interesting features of the building - things one would never notice unless pointed out. Most fascinating - such as the bullet marks where soldiers had fired at the wall decorations during the English Civil War, or the little alcove in one of the rooms which probably was made to house a statue of the Virgin Mary - and which it lit by the sun through a window in that room only on a certain day in November which happens to be a feast day dedicated to Mary. Sir Thomas was a staunch Roman Catholic at a time when the Protestant Reformation was still in its infancy. The whole building is full of religious symbolism reflecting the Tresham family's persuasion.After enjoying the walk around the grounds, the small tea-room serves excellent cake and tea - either inside or out. We sat out and enjoyed the view of the house that we had just visited. Access to Lyveden is up a long hill along a rough stone driveway, having come along a fairly narrow country lane to reach the entrance gate at the start of the driveway. Parking is quite close to the site itself - but when the orchard has developed some more I believe the access will be on foot up the hill, reaching the New Bield at the top as Sir Thomas would have intended for his guests at the turn of the 17th Century.There is an entrance fee, but as Members of the National Trust we just showed our cards at the small hut that serves as the office - and also serves nice ice cream. If you don't want to pay to go into the grounds, you can still get a good view of the New Bield across the ditch from the pathway that leads from the car-park to the tea-room and the little office.

We had not visited Lyveden New Bield for years and on a sunny autum afternoon following a good pub lunch we decided to see it again. The site has been well presented and the lawns and moat surrounding the ruin are well maintained...however it being a Wednesday in November everything was closed. As a tip, just check on the web before you visit.

Its a few years since we were last here, there have been lots of improvements for the visitor. New car parking, a very well-done and atmospheric audio tour and a lovely tearoom. The building is not a normal ruin, it was built just short of roof level when Sir Thomas Tresham died. The builders correctly fearing they wouldn't be paid downed-tools.The family were implicated in the gunpowder plot and never regained their status. The whole estate is now stuck in time with the shell of a house with its Catholic symbolism and even a 3 quarters completed mote and scenic garden walks.The audio tour, included, acts put scens from the buildings history. This is a good place to start an NT membership.

It was beautiful with the sun shinning through the trees showing of their Autumn colours. The national trust lady met us with a friendly smile and took on a guided walk through history. She was well informed and answered all our questioned. After our walk we thought we deserved some refreshments in the delightful cottage tea room, opting for home made scones & jam. This is one of Nothamptonshires hidden gems and well worth a visit any time of the year. Perhaps not suitable for those that find it difficult walking.

Having briefly been told by my wife about the nature of this property I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to the visit which was late in the afternoon. What an amazing surprise, the Nat.Trust free, hand held guided tour brought the place to life in a flexible easy to manage format. Some really interesting historical family links to the Gunpowder Plot.An added bonus was the really nice tea rooms that I thought were the groundsman's cottage!! The welcome staff couldn't have been any more welcoming and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend this site for a visit.

wow what an amazing place, it is hard to find and a bit out of the way but well worth it. we were really lucky to have a sunny october morning and the views and the scenery were stunning. the dictaphones they give you tell you the brilliant history of the place. the building is magnificent and we had a competition between the four of us to see who could find the oldest but of graffiti ...the little garden cafe is also superb, highly recommend the parsnip soup..home made and delicious. staff are friendly, knowledgable and really pleasant. well worth a visit.

As we drove up to this roofless house in the middle of nowhere I thought that we had made a mistake. It was, however a fascinating visit with explained links to the Gunpowder Plot. The NT gave free recorded devices which grout the whole experience to life - they should do this at all of their properties.

Built by Catholic family who had problems with being Catholic and eventually the son was involved in the gunpowder plot which finished it off.The intended function of the house and its layout are interesting.Nice little tea shop attached