Last week, we visited Beningbrough Hall. It’s a beautiful hall with gardens. The mansion is hidden in the stunning countryside of North Yorkshire, just a short distance from my lovely city of York.
This Georgian mansion is a mixture of history, art, and natural beauty, making the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. Let’s find out more about Beningbrough Hall.
The History of Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall is a grand red brick mansion with plenty of history behind it. It was built in 1716 by York landowner John Bourchier III, it replaced the family’s modest Elizabethan manor. After over a century in the Bourchier family’s hands, the estate passed to the Dawnays, distant relatives who faced the challenge of preserving this architectural jewel. Luckily, in 1916, Lady Chesterfield, a wealthy heiress, acquired the property and went on a passionate restoration journey. Her efforts ensured the survival of Beningbrough Hall, and in 1957, the National Trust took over, preserving its heritage for future generations to enjoy. And that’s exactly what we did.
Exploring Beningbrough Hall
As you approach Beningbrough Hall, you will see the breathtaking countryside surroundings. The Baroque mansion stands proudly, overlooking the River Ouse. It’s an elegant and charming site. I would absolutely be happy living here!
The Art Collection
Beningbrough Hall was hosting a remarkable art collection, of over 100 portraits on loan from the prestigious National Portrait Gallery. These captivating works of art provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of historical figures, including Samuel Pepys, George Frideric Handel, and Alexander Pope.
The gallery is currently closed as it switches over to an exhibition of contemporary and traditional artwork; Inspired by Italy which opens on 16th September 2023.
The Interior
The interiors of Beningbrough Hall are full of treasures of architectural marvels and exquisite craftsmanship. Explore this mansion and get a glimpse into the past. Downstairs, you can see the house restored back to the Georgian era, it features bedrooms, drawing a drawing room and stunning hallways. They have volunteers in the rooms that are ready to tell you all about the history of the hall. It reminded me a lot of the lovely Fairfax House.
Laundry courtyard
There was an interesting laundry room that taught you how laundry was done back then, about the clothes and how they were made and prepared.
The Enchanting Gardens
The gardens in Beningborough Hall are stunning. There is loads to explore here. Well-manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and lush greenery. Beningbrough Hall’s gardens are so peaceful and beautiful.
The Walled Garden
One of the highlights of the gardens is the walled garden, I could not believe how pretty this was. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the fragrant aroma of more than 5,000 lavender plants. It was stunning and I even said to my husband that we need to plant lots of lavender so our garden smell like this! There are plenty of benches to sit on and take in all the vibrant colours of the flowers in Beningbrough Hall’s gardens.
Fruit and Vegetables
There are lots of fruit and vegetables being grown at Beningbrough Hall. We got to show our toddler an apple tree – he loves apples at the moment so it was great to be able to show him trees with apples growing on them. There were also pear trees, pumpkin patches, onions, berries and much more being grown. These gardens must take so much upkeep!
This is a great time to teach children about where food comes from, I saw another little boy with his mum taking about the berries.
The Playground Area
For those little adventurers, the Wilderness Area is the place to be. Designed with children in mind, this playground allows for lots of exploration and fun. Let your little ones climb, swing, and slide to their heart’s content. They can test their skills on the towering climbing frames, go on imaginative adventures in the mini wooden Beningbrough Hall, and release their energy!
Food & Drink
No trip to Beningbrough Hall is complete without a coffee stop. The on-site restaurant and coffee house ensure that your taste buds are well taken care of. Treat yourself to a delightful meal, savouring the flavours of locally sourced ingredients and traditional dishes. From a hearty Sunday roast with all the trimmings to a scrumptious afternoon tea, the food at Beningbrough Hall is highly recommended – though we didn’t try the restaurant ourselves.
We went to the coffee shop where I had a decaf latte and a scone with jam and cream. It was delicious, the only issue is that the wasps agreed with me! My husband had a coffee with an ice-cream and we had brought snacks for our toddler (as always!).
Events and Activities
Throughout the year, Beningbrough Hall hosts a range of events and activities to make your visit special. They host family-friendly activity days, special art exhibitions, guided tours to uncover hidden stories, or simply enjoy a picnic on the lovely grounds while soaking in the delightful atmosphere. Check the Beningbrough Hall website for the latest updates on upcoming events and make the most of your visit.
Plan Your Visit
Beningbrough Hall is open to visitors throughout the year. It’s open 10am – 5pm Monday to Sunday.
Be sure to double check the opening hours in case it’s changed and make note of any special events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
Beningbrough Hall
Correct as of August 2023.
| Ticket Type | Gift Aid Price (£) | Standard Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £13.20 | £12.00 |
| Child | £6.60 | £6.00 |
| Family | £33.00 | £30.00 |
| Family 1 Adult | £19.80 | £18.00 |
Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera to take photos of the beautiful garden!
Getting There
Beningbrough Hall is just a short distance from the city of York. Whether you choose to drive, take public transportation, or arrive on a scenic bike ride, reaching this mansion is simple. For those driving, plenty of parking is available on-site.
If you prefer public transportation, buses and trains provide easy access to the area. Visit the Beningbrough Hall website for detailed directions and transportation options tailored to your needs.
Enjoy a day at Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall is a lovely day out that combines history, art, and natural beauty. I always enjoy stepping into the past and seeing how others lived and I enjoyed exploring the grande interiors. The gardens were enchanting, too. My toddler particularly liked the pond where he could spot the fish!
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a nature admirer, Beningbrough Hall offers something for everyone. So visit Beningbrough Hall, a lovely spot in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Looking for more things to do in Yorkshire? Check out my guide – things to with kids in Yorkshire.
It looks like a beautiful place to visit, thank you for sharing. The pictures you have in the post really capture its character!
It looks like a lovely place to explore and enjoy. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Lauren
Wow, this place looks wonderful, and haven’t been there before. However, will definitely add it to the list. Than you for sharing!
The garden is my favorite.
What gorgeous pictures! Definitely adding to my travel list. Thanks for sharing!