Last weekend we visited Sewerby Hall and Gardens with some friends and ourr toddlers. It was a great trip, the place has a lot of history and fun activities for all ages, making it great for family days out.
Sewerby Hall & Gardens: Quick Review Summary
Overall Rating
4.5/5 Stars
Excellent family day out
Cost
Adults: £12
Children 3+: £8
Free parking & under 3s
Time Needed
4-6 hours
We spent 5 hours
Best For Ages
All ages, especially families
Toddler-friendly with play areas
Highlights
Historic hall, mini zoo, gardens, playground, coastal views
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Something for all ages
- Beautiful historic setting
- Free parking
- Interactive activities for kids
Cons
- Limited vegan food options
- Mostly outdoor activities (weather dependent)
- Can be difficult to see everything with toddlers
What Is Sewerby Hall and Gardens?
Sewerby Hall and Gardens are in Bridlington, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It is an Edwardian country house with a long history. There are many things to do, such as woodland walks, walled gardens, a small zoo, and spectacular views of the North Sea.
With easy access from nearby towns and cities, getting there is easy whether you’re driving or using public transport. The site sits close to several must-see spots such as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Bridlington Animal Park, Bondville Miniature Township, and Flamborough Beacon.
History
The historic country house at Sewerby Hall dates back to the 18th century. I loved the stunning architecture and exploring its grandeur inside the hall! Over the years, it has hosted numerous events, attracting people keen on history and culture.
The stately home continues to be one of the best places for those looking to experience a piece of living history surrounded by beauty.
Attractions
Sewerby Hall and Gardens has a mix of natural beauty, history, and fun activities. From stunning landscapes to a family-friendly zoo, it offers something special for everyone. Sewerby Hall and Gardens has a variety of activities for children, such as the children’s adventure playground and giant games. You can also go to the animal encounters and enjoy dining options at the Clock Tower Cafe.
- Sewerby Hall sits in a dramatic clifftop position, with breathtaking views over the East Yorkshire coast.
- The history enthusiasts will love exploring the heritage of the house. It has elegant rooms filled with fine furniture and art, telling stories of days gone by.
- The Pleasure Garden is great for garden lovers. It features beautifully maintained flower beds, imposing monkey puzzle trees, and a serene rose garden.
- Animal encounters at the mini zoo provide close-up experiences with animals, including Humboldt penguins. Both adults and children enjoy learning about these creatures.
- Children have a great time at the adventure playground. Climbing frames, slides, and swings are set amongst trees, making for exciting play times.
- The road train or land train offers rides around the estate. This journey gives visitors a break from walking and adds fun to their visit.
- Golf lovers can try their hand at the nine-hole pitch or putt golf course. There’s also a crown green bowling area for some friendly competition.
- Events keep the calendar full at Sewerby Hall and Gardens. With a number of events throughout the year, families find reasons to return next year.
- Cafes like Clock Tower Café offer lovely day treats with reasonable prices so that no one goes hungry during their visit.
- Lastly, shopping at the gift shop means taking home souvenirs from your visit. Unique gifts like wood carvings will give you memories of Sewerby Hall.
Admission prices
Admission prices at Sewerby Hall and Gardens are clear and budget-friendly. An adult ticket costs £12. This fee gives full access to the wonders inside, including the zoo and the stunning gardens. Good news for drivers: parking comes at no extra cost and under 3’s are free!
Here’s a quick look at the admission prices.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £12 |
| Child 3+ | £8 |
| Parking. | Free |
Activities for children
Sewerby Hall and Gardens has many activities that keep young ones entertained. There are outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there’s something for every child to enjoy. Here are the highlights:
- Amy Johnson film viewing – Children get inspired by the record-breaking aviator from Hull, with a short film about her incredible journeys shown in the welcome area.
- Dressing-up room in the Hall – Young visitors step back in time and try on costumes from different eras, making history come alive.
- The Play Room – Next to the Dressing-up room there is a playroom that has children’s toys such as a toy house and instruments.
- Mini zoo experience – The well-organised mini zoo lets kids meet friendly animals up close, learning about their habitats and habits.
- Engaging play areas – Sprawling green spaces invite children to run freely, with dedicated zones equipped with safe structures for climbing, sliding and swinging.
- Special half-term events – During school breaks, Sewerby Hall hosts activities for younger children, which are fun for the whole family.
Dining options
- The Clocktower Cafe has good food, quick service, and friendly staff. They have food such as sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes and breakfast sandwiches. The vegan options are lacking, though, the vegan sandwiches had vegan cheese, which is a no-go for me as I’ve never tried a nice vegan cheese! They do offer jacket potato and beans or cheese on toast, though the beans were those horrible cheap beans, so they weren’t the best, even my toddler didn’t eat them! They also offered a plant-based sausage burger.
- Picnic Areas give families the chance to enjoy their meals outdoors. Many visitors recommend bringing packed lunches to save money and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Sewerby Hall and Gardens. It’s a great option if you love eating outside.
- There are other Cafes around the ground,s ranging from light snacks to full meals.
Animal encounters.
The mini zoo has a small range of animals. Visitors can find species ranging from endangered to near-extinct, providing a rare chance to see these animals up close. We saw a variety of birds and parrots, goats, pigs, penguins, guinapigs and emus.
Weather plays a big role in how much you’ll see. On sunny days, many animals come out to play and bask in the warmth. However, if it’s raining or cold, some might prefer staying hidden away.
This portion of your visit promises excitement and learning opportunities for all ages, making it a highlight of your trip to Sewerby Hall and Gardens.
Practical Visitor Information
Sewerby Hall Opening Times 2026
| Facility | Opening Times (Sat 28 Mar – Sun 27 Sep) |
|---|---|
| Sewerby House | 11am – 4.30pm (Last admission 4pm) |
| Sewerby Zoo | 10am – 4.30pm (Last admission 4pm) |
| Walled Gardens | 9.30am – 5pm |
| Clock Tower Cafe | 9.30am – 4pm (Last hot food 3.30pm) |
| Stables Gift Shop | 11am – 5pm |
| Ice Cream Parlour | 12noon – 4.30pm |
| Welcome Centre | 10am – 4pm |
| Car Park | 8.30am – 5.30pm |
| Toilets | 9am – 5.30pm |
| Facility | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Pitch ‘n’ Putt | 9.30am – 4pm (Last clubs 3pm) |
| Putting Green | 10am – 4pm (Last clubs 3.30pm) |
| Land Train | 10.30am – 4.30pm (Last train from Sewerby) |
| Worklink | Monday – Friday: 11am – 2pm |
Opening times at Sewerby Hall and Gardens vary by season and facility. The management reserves the right to close due to poor weather conditions, so it’s recommended to telephone before setting off on your visit. Check the official website for current opening times as they change seasonally.
Contact Information
- Address: Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1EA
- Website: www.sewerbyhall.co.uk
- Online Contact: Use their online contact form for enquiries about visits, group bookings, and feedback
- Note: They are currently experiencing telephone issues, so email contact is recommended
Accessibility Information
Due to conservation issues, motorised wheelchairs are not permitted in the house or Orangery. However, they have a small amount of hand-pushed and self-propelled wheelchairs available for use inside.
For specific accessibility enquiries about the website content, you can email web@eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 393939 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm).
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn offers the best weather for enjoying the gardens and outdoor activities. Weather can affect what you’ll see – facilities may close during poor weather conditions.
Seasonal Events: The venue hosts seasonal events and activities throughout the year, including special Christmas events and school holiday activities.
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing – Much of the experience is outdoors
- Comfortable walking shoes – Lots of grounds to explore
- Camera – Beautiful gardens and historic architecture
- Packed lunch (optional) – Picnic areas available, though cafe food is reasonably priced
- Cash/card – For gift shop purchases and additional activities
Planning Your Visit
Allow 4-6 hours for a full visit including the hall, gardens, zoo, and playground areas. Families with young children may want to plan for a full day to avoid rushing.
Group Visits: School and group visits can be arranged – use their online contact form for enquiries.
Holiday Accommodation: They offer holiday cottage rentals on-site for extended stays.
Current Facilities Status
Please note: The courtyard toilets are currently being redecorated, with temporary toilet facilities provided nearby. Staff can assist with alternative arrangements if needed.
FAQ Section
Is Sewerby Hall worth visiting?
Yes, especially for families. With a historic hall, beautiful gardens, mini zoo, playground, and stunning coastal views, it offers excellent value at £12 for adults. The variety of activities means there’s something for all ages.
How long do you need at Sewerby Hall?
Plan for 4-6 hours to see everything comfortably. Our family spent 5 hours and could have stayed longer if the children hadn’t gotten tired.
Is it good for toddlers?
Absolutely! There are dedicated play areas, interactive activities in the hall, a mini zoo, and plenty of space to run around. Many rooms in the hall have child-friendly activities like the magnet letter board that was a hit with our 3-year-old.
Can you bring your own food?
Yes, there are designated picnic areas throughout the grounds. This is a popular option for families looking to save money while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Is parking really free?
Yes, parking is completely free, which is a nice bonus given that many attractions charge for parking.
What happens if it rains?
The hall itself provides indoor activities, and there are covered areas, but much of the experience (gardens, zoo, playground) is outdoors. Check weather conditions before visiting, as some facilities may close during poor weather.
Nearby Attractions
Flamborough Head
Flamborough Head is a popular tourist destination in England, there’s stunning coastal views and outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of seabirds and marine life.
You can explore the famous chalk cliffs, the nearby Flamborough Lighthouse, and the historic village of Flamborough while enjoying photo opportunities amidst the scenic beauty.
Bridlington Seaside Town
Bridlington Seaside Town, located just north of Sewerby Hall and Gardens. You can explore the beautiful cliff tops and enjoy the sandy beaches. There’s a small fairground on the seafront, and it’s a typical UK seaside town with things you would expect, such as mini-golf and amusements.
Our Trip To Sewerby Hall
We had a lovely time at Sewerby Hall. We spent about 5 hours there. We could have spent longer, but the toddlers were getting tired, as they do. We didn’t get to see as much of the gardens as we would have liked or the house. I loved the house, but it’s difficult to really take it all in with a 3-year-old! There were many parts my son loved about the house, a lot of the rooms had little areas for children to play, colour or do interactive activities. His favourite was a big magnet board with letters for children to play with!
It was a great day out, and I’d love to visit again.
Related posts:
Looks beautiful.