W HETHER the warm reverie of the walled garden, the bustling wildlife of East Wood or simply the stately silhouette of the hall itself, many people have a favourite view of Wallington Hall, a treasured mental vignette to return to.

This summer, visitors can explore the secrets behind Wallington’s 13,000 acres of stunning scenery.

Throughout July and August, the hall is hosting a series of events and activities to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Born just two miles away from Wallington, at Kirkharle, Brown went to school in the estate village of Cambo and would walk through estate farmland on his way to lessons.

After leaving Northumberland in 1739, Brown went on to design gardens for royalty and a series of Prime Ministers in his role as England’s most sought-after landscape gardener.

His impact on Wallington is debated, with some historians suggesting he offered advice on the present location of the famous walled garden.

A number of other events throughout the year will also explore the ‘Capability’ Brown connection, including guided walks and special talks, an exhibition of textiles produced by the Embroiderers’ Guild and a new display providing an insight into the part Brown played in developing the Wallington estate.

The National Trust is exploring the Capability Brown connection with Wallington as part of anniversary celebrations.

This weekend, Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, The November Club is giving a promenade performance of The Perfect View.

Guests will join the celebrity landscape gardener on a playful guided walk around the grounds of Wallington to discover the estate through the eyes of Capability Brown.

The unique performance will give visitors the chance to learn how to build a ha-ha, how to change the course of rivers, create lakes, transport villages and use a tree-moving machine, all in pursuit of a that elusive perfect view.

Performances will take place from 1.30pm to 3pm and 4pm to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Booking is required, tickets are £10 each and guests are advised to wear suitable footwear and bring warm/waterproof clothing.

For budding landscape gardeners, there is Blackett’s Grand Design Challenge. Running between 10am and 5pm, from July 23 to August 11, visitors can uncover their own capability by following a trail about the grounds to decide how they would redesign Wallington’s landscape for Sir Walter Calverly Blackett.

Also available from July 23 to August 11 is Playful Planning with Capability Brown.

Young visitors can make the most of a special indoor space to learn about Capability Brown and his landscapes by dressing up, designing their own garden and moving soil in the new area outside.

Until July 27, the Landscapes of Capability Brown exhibition will be displayed on the ground and first floors of the house.

The textile art from the North East Embroiderers’ Guild is inspired by designs of Capability Brown and many other landscapes and gardens.

Also open until July 27 is a display of original Capability Brown drawings. Five of Brown’s original drawings from the Wallington collection will be on display in an upstairs space on the first floor.

For more information and booking details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington