Situated in the peaceful North Yorkshire countryside, between Ripon and Boroughbridge, Newby Hall is a stunning stately home with attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages, including dollhouse and teddy bear collections, an adventure playground, river cruises and even a miniature railway.
Still owned by the Compton family, the hall was built in the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren and later remodelled by the famed neoclassical architect Robert Adam. Its exceptional 18th century interior features the most complete Chippendale room in existence and its gardens were named as the country’s best in a 2019 poll. Newby Hall reopens for 2025 on the 29th March and, If you don’t mind a short stroll, it can be reached by bus. Simply hop aboard East Yorkshire Buses’ No.84 service in York or Ripon and disembark in the pretty village of Skelton-on-Ure. You’ll need to take a 20-minute walk through the estate to reach the hall but the scenery is well worth the exercise.
Images – @newbyhallandgardens
Spring is the perfect time to visit Newby, as its gardens awaken from their winter slumber with golden daffodils, tulips and magnolia blossom. The estate’s gardens were created relatively late, in the 1920s, and current highlights include the 172m-long double herbaceous border that runs up to the house and a beautiful curving pergola which is decked in vibrant yellow laburnum each May. There are a variety of formal and informal gardens to take in, including a water garden, rock garden, rose garden and orchard garden. The hall even has its very own variety of apple tree, The Strawberry Pippin.
If you’re planning to bring little ones along for a family day out, they certainly won’t be bored. Newby Hall boasts a thoughtfully-designed adventure play garden that features a sand pit, climbing frames and an aerial slide, as well as pedalos and a dancing water play area designed by the sculptor William Pye. Further fun can be found in the form of Bear House, which houses Newby’s Teddy Bear collection. You may also like to take a short ride on the miniature railway or a relaxing cruise along the River Ure, where you can sometimes spot kingfishers, herons or otters.
Newby’s onsite eaterie, the Garden Restaurant, serves a wide range of tempting options, from sandwiches, salads and cold platters to filling dishes such as a gratin of fish or traditional farmhouse sausages with a buttery mash. You’ll also have a chance to try its famous freshly-baked scones. Alternatively, you can bring your own food to enjoy al fresco in the picnic area.
