Temple Newsam Farm Review: A Lovely Day Out in Leeds

When I lived in Leeds, I never visited Temple Newsam Farm. I did visit Temple Newsam gardens for a Race For Life 10k one year, though. But I’ve never had the chance to explore this beautiful place in detail. And this weekend, we did it! We visited the Temple Newsam farm with our 2-year-old son.

What is Temple Newsam?

Temple Newsam is a beautiful estate that includes a stunning house, beautiful gardens, and a working farm. Nowadays, the estate is managed by Leeds City Council and is open to the public.

History of Temple Newsam

The history of Temple Newsam dates back to 1000, evidence has been found to suggest that people lived there then. There’s evidence of defensive or boundary structures and the outlines of a Romano-British farm.

The first actual mention of Temple Newsam appears in the Domesday Book in 1086 as “Neuhusam”. The site was gifted to the Knights Templar in 1155, who built a preceptory.

Temple Newsam house is a Tudor jacobean mansion house with over 42 rooms. It was built 1500-1520 by Lord Darcy and the estate spans over 1500 acres and is located in the east of Leeds, just on the outskirts of the city. It was then seized by the Crown in 1537 following the execution of Lord Darcy.

The house has played a significant role in English history and has been visited by many historic figures, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

You can read more about the history of Temple Newsam here.

The Farm at Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam farm is a working farm that is home to a wide range of animals. The farm is a fantastic attraction for families, and children will love getting up close and personal with the animals. It is run by a team of experienced farmers who are passionate about animal welfare and sustainability.

Animals to See at the Farm

The farm is home to a wide range of animals, including cows, chickens, lambs, pigs, sheep, and goats. Visitors can watch the cows being milked, feed the pigs, and even help collect the eggs from the chickens. The farm is also home to some rare breeds of animals, including Bagot goats and Gloucester Old Spot pigs. It’s one of the largest rare breed centres in Europe.

Our Visit to the Farm

We bought our tickets online. They only cost £4.50 per adult and we didn’t have to pay for my son as under 4’s go for free.

We got there at around 10:15 am and the farm was pretty empty. We enjoyed most of it on our own before other visitors started to arrive.

The farm is a working farm but also has some old scenes set up that give you a glimpse into how it looked in the past and how life on the farm was. I really liked looking at one of the buildings that showed an old kitchen and dining room stuck in time. And learning about Dovecotes.

About the Dovecotes

Dovecotes are structures used to house pigeons and or doves to keep them safe. They are kept for their egg, meat and feathers. Dovecotes vary in size and shape but most have nesting boxes where the birds lay eggs.

The Dovecote at Temple Newsam were really big! They had brick nesting boxes all the way around. When it was in use, there weren’t actually any windows. It must have been a pretty dark, smelly and grim place!

The children’s play area

There’s a children’s play area at the farm which was a nice place to stop off and let Leo play on the swings and slide. It has a big wooden tractor, a wooden climbing frame, swings and some musical instruments. Although the instruments weren’t that good – like cowbells and metal tubes to hit to sound the notes, there wasn’t anything to hit them with!

Tea Rooms at Temple Newsam

After visiting the farm, we stopped off at the courtyard cafe and tearooms for a bite to eat. They sold sandwiches, snacks, crisps, cakes and ice cream. You can also get a cooked meal. You can view the menu here.

My husband got a pork pie with a side salad and I got a plant-based onion bhaji wrap with mint slaw. The pork pie was okay, just average and the wrap was nice – it was pre-packaged though and not made on-site. I was just happy to have plant-based options, to be honest! They also had a falafel sandwich that looked nice.

Exploring the Gardens at Temple Newsam

The gardens at Temple Newsam are beautiful. They are a perfect blend of beauty and history and offer a chance to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting. They have been designed in a classic English style, with well-manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, and stunning water features.

We took a leisurely stroll through the gardens after visiting the farms, there are loads of different plants and flowers on display. My son enjoyed pointing at the ducks on the lakes. There are also several garden structures and sculptures that add to the beauty of the gardens. One of the highlights of the gardens is the walled garden, which is home to a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

We could have stayed longer, but Leo was getting a bit tired so we left.

Visiting the house

We didn’t visit the house because we didn’t think it would be enjoyable for a two-year-old, but I would LOVE to go when he’s a bit older. You can take a guided tour of the house and marvel at its impressive collection of paintings, furniture, and ceramics.

I’d love to go at Christmas when it’s all decorated! If I do, I’ll be sure to update this post or write a new one all about the house!

Events at Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including exhibitions, concerts, and family-friendly events.

Some events include:

• ghost walks
• tomato planting workshop
• macrame making workshop
• foraging
• lamp making
• Christmas decoration making
• half term activities

The estate is a popular venue for weddings and private functions and can be hired out for exclusive use. Visitors can check the Temple Newsam website for a list of upcoming events and activities.

Temple Newsam is open to the public all year round. The house, gardens, and farm have different opening times and prices

Temple Newsam Opening Times

House : Tues – Sun: 10.30am – 5pm

Prices: £9 per adult, £4 per child, under 5s go free. Family Ticket (up to 2 Adults, 3 Children)  £21.00

Home Farm: Mon – Sun: 10am – 5pm

Temple Newsam Farm Prices

Temple Newsam Farm Tickets cost:

£4.50 per adult, £3.20 per child, under 5s, go free. Family Ticket (up to 2 Adults, 3 Children)  £12.40

Last entry 45 minutes before close.

The prices are correct at the time of writing. Please make sure to check the prices before going.

Address: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE

Accessibility

Temple Newsam aims to be as accessible as possible, with most of the house, farm and gardens suitable for wheelchairs. There are lifts and disabled toilets also. There are some areas that aren’t accessible and some areas that may be difficult to navigate due to cobbled roads and steep hills.

For detailed accessibility information, please read here.

Parking

We parked behind Temple Newsam farm, parking was free and there were plenty of spaces when we got there. We left around 1 pm and it was getting busy! There is also paid parking available.

We’ll be back at Temple Newsam soon!

Temple Newsam home farm is a hidden gem in Leeds. Although I was aware of the estate, I didn’t know there was a farm there. We had such a lovely family day there and can’t wait to go back soon.

See ya soon, Temple Newsam Farm and Gardens!

FAQ:

What animals are at Temple Newsam Farm?

At Temple Newsam Farm in Leeds, you can find a variety of farm animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, donkeys, and ponies. These animals provide a lively and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

What was Temple Newsam used for?

Temple Newsam, a historic estate located in Leeds, has had various uses throughout its history. Here are some of the notable uses of Temple Newsam:

1. Country Residence: Temple Newsam was originally built as a magnificent Tudor mansion in the early 16th century. It served as a grand country residence for prominent families, including the Darcy, Ingram, and Lennox families, who owned and lived in the estate over the centuries.
2. Agricultural Estate: Temple Newsam has long been associated with agriculture and farming. The vast grounds surrounding the mansion were used for agricultural purposes, including farming, crop cultivation, and animal husbandry. The estate’s farmland and farm buildings are still active today.
3. Museum and Art Gallery: In more recent times, Temple Newsam has become a site for cultural and educational activities. The mansion houses a museum and art gallery, showcasing a collection of fine art, furniture, ceramics, and other historical artefacts. The exhibits provide insights into the estate’s rich history and the people who lived there.
4. Public Park and Gardens: Temple Newsam is also known for its extensive parkland and beautifully landscaped gardens. The estate offers visitors the opportunity to explore formal gardens, woodlands, lakes, and park areas. It provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.
5. Events Venue: The estate hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, outdoor theatre performances, festivals, and seasonal celebrations. These events attract both locals and tourists, adding vibrancy to the Temple Newsam experience.

Temple Newsam has transformed over time from a private residence to a public attraction, offering a glimpse into history, art, agriculture, and natural beauty.

Are dogs allowed in Temple Newsam?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Temple Newsam, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. There are some restricted areas where dogs are not permitted, such as the house, formal gardens, and children’s play areas. Remember to clean up after your dog and be considerate of other visitors.

Does Temple Newsam have a playground?

Yes, there is a Temple Newsam playground for children to enjoy. The estate features a designated children’s play area where young visitors can have fun and play on various equipment and structures. It’s a great place for children to burn off energy while visiting Temple Newsam.

What was filmed at Temple Newsam?

Temple Newsam has been a popular filming location for various film and television productions. Some notable productions that have been filmed at Temple Newsam include:

1. “The History Boys” (2006): This British comedy-drama film, adapted from the play of the same name by Alan Bennett, featured Temple Newsam as a filming location.
2. “Death Comes to Pemberley” (2013): A BBC television adaptation of P.D. James’ novel, “Death Comes to Pemberley” used Temple Newsam as a filming location for several scenes.
3. “Gunpowder” (2017): This historical miniseries, which tells the story of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, filmed certain scenes at Temple Newsam.
4. “Victoria” (2016-2019): The popular British television series “Victoria,” which chronicles the early reign of Queen Victoria, filmed some scenes at Temple Newsam. The estate stood in as Kensington Palace in the series.

When did Sir Arthur Ingram buy Temple Newsam?

Sir Arthur Ingram purchased Temple Newsam in the year 1622. He acquired the estate from the Lennox family, who had previously owned it. Sir Arthur Ingram was a wealthy landowner and politician during the Jacobean era. His purchase of Temple Newsam marked the beginning of the Ingram family’s ownership of the estate, which lasted for several generations.

How big is the Temple Newsam estate?

The Temple Newsam estate covers a substantial area, encompassing approximately 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of land. The estate consists of diverse landscapes, including parkland, woodlands, gardens, farmland, and open spaces. Within this expansive estate, visitors can explore various attractions such as the mansion, the farm, formal gardens, lakes, and walking trails. The size and variety of the Temple Newsam estate offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities, leisurely walks, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Does Temple Newsam have toilets?

Yes, Temple Newsam does have toilet facilities available for visitors. These facilities are typically located in accessible areas in the mansion and the cafe. It’s always a good idea to look for signage or inquire with staff on-site to find the nearest toilet facilities during your visit to Temple Newsam.

Who owns Temple Newsam?

Temple Newsam is owned and managed by Leeds City Council. Leeds City Council is a local government authority responsible for various aspects of the city’s administration and services, including the management of cultural and heritage sites such as Temple Newsam. The council oversees the maintenance, preservation, and operation of the estate, ensuring that it remains accessible to the public for enjoyment, education, and cultural activities.

Does Temple Newsam have a lake?

Yes, Temple Newsam features a lake within its expansive grounds. The lake is known as Home Farm Lake and is situated near the Home Farm area of the estate. The lake adds to the scenic beauty of Temple Newsam and provides a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy. The surrounding landscape, with its trees and wildlife, creates a peaceful ambience that enhances the overall experience of exploring the estate.

Before you go..

Have you read my review about our local farm, Beetle Bank in York? It’s close to York, a bit smaller but has an amazing play area where you can sit on benches outside with a coffee and watch your children play. Oh, and you can pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

Are you looking for more things to do with the kids in Yorkshire? See this post with lots of Yorkshire family fun!