If you ever wondered where Tolkien’s inspiration came from for The Hobbit, then why not check out ‘The Vyne’ National Trust site to learn more about the genesis of the famous stories? The site is in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and currently has an exhibition on to show off the original ring that is thought by many to have inspired the great writer to create his masterpiece.
Inscribed in Latin with an image of Venus, the ancient gold ring now lies in an exhibition room on a revolving pillow, and a whole area has been designated to the story in conjunction with the Tolkien Society. The ring has also inspired The Vyne’s gardens, with an amazing adventure play area based on the landscapes of Middle Earth.
The ‘Hidden Realm’ features a network of underground tunnels, a wooden fort, with slides and bridges, plus elements of jungle and mountain built into it’s features. It’s a great place for children to explore within the safety of a walled garden, and is a must for any fans of The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings.
Inside the main house itself, there are fun riddles to be solved by intrepid explorers, plus puzzles and dwarf hunting. This is a great place for all the family to visit, so why not pick up a National Trust membership card from our dedicated charity page? Here you can learn more about the amazing work the charity do across the country, and find out how your small monthly donation helps to keep the historic sites of Britain ‘Great’.
