Houses & gardens
Catton Hall Catton, Walton-on-Trent, South Derbyshire DE12 8LN
2 miles east of A38, between Alrewas and Walton-on-Trent. Owned by the Neilson family since 1405. The present hall, planned by James Gibbs, was built by Smith of Warwick in 1742. Contains original collection of 17th and 18th century pictures, antique furniture and family and royal portraits.
01283 716311
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 8 miles from Lichfield/Tamworth/Burton on Trent stations.
OPEN 5 April - 11 October - Mondays only, guided tour at 2pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half-price admission.
ACCESSIBILITY Partial wheelchair access. No disabled WC.
Haddon Hall Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LA
1 mile south of Bakewell on A6. Follow brown tourist signs.
Beautiful medieval and Tudor manor house, untouched by time. Delightful terraced rose gardens. Restaurant and gift shop.
01629 812855
OPEN April: Saturday-Monday 12-5pm, last admission 4pm.
May-Sept: open daily,12-5pm, last admission 4pm.
Dec 4-12: 10.30am-4pm, last admission 3.30pm.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Chesterfield (12 miles). Regular bus route from Derby, Nottingham and Manchester.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 tickets for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Limited wheelchair access. Please telephone in advance.
Melbourne Hall Melbourne, Derby, Derbyshire NE73 8EN
A delightful house full of history. Originally a rectory for the Norman Parish Church, it became the home of Sir John Coke in 1628 and has been inherited by subsequent members of the family to the present day. Tearooms, visitor's centre, gift shop and estate workshops. Situated 8 miles south of Derby.
01332 862502
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 6 miles from Derby Station .
OPEN every afternoon in August (except first 3 Mondays) from 2pm. Last entry 4.15pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half-price admission to Hall only but not gardens.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access may be limited when house is busy.
Belvoir Castle Belvoir, Grantham, Leicestershire NG32 1PE
Family home to 11th Duke & Duchess of Rutland. Stunning 19th century romantic castle standing prominent on an escarpment overlooking the beautiful Rose & Statue Garden.
01476 871002
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Grantham Station (9 miles).
OPEN times vary. Please telephone or visit the website for full details.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to ground floor only (access to castle free).
Rockingham Castle Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8TH
On the A6003, north of Corby.
01536 770240
A Royal Castle and a family home for 450 years. The predominantly Tudor building, within Norman walls, has architecture, furniture and works of art. 12 acres of formal and wild garden command a splendid view of 5 counties.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Kettering Station.
OPEN 4 April-May, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays.
June-September, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays and Tuesdays.
Grounds open 12noon, Castle opens 1pm. Last entry 4.30pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access on ground floor only.
LINCOLNSHIRE Back to top
Burghley House Burghley Park, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 3JY
Close to the A1, 1 mile east of Stamford on the B1443, clearly signposted.
01780 752451
The largest and grandest house of the first Elizabethan Age. Built by Henry Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I and still lived in by his descendants. The world famous collection of art and porcelain make Burghley a real 'treasure house'. Fully licensed Orangery Restaurant (in Capability Brown designed building). Gardens of Surprise, incorporating the Historical Garden of Surprises and the Contemporary Sculpture Garden, now open.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 1 mile from Stamford station.
OPEN 20 March-31 October - open daily except Fridays. Garden open every day,11am-5pm, last entry to the house 4.30pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Some mobility required.
Grimsthorpe Castle Estate Office, Grimsthorpe, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0LY
On the A151, 10 minutes' drive from the A1.
01778 591205
House dating from 13th century with fine furniture and paintings. Extensive gardens, woodland walk, park ranger tours, tame deer herd, tea room, shop. Family cycle trail and cycle hire facilities.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 15 miles from Grantham station.
OPEN April-May: Sundays and Thursdays, 11am-6pm
June-September: Sunday to Thursday inclusive, 11am-6pm; castle 1pm-4.30pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access except to 1st floor of the castle.
Normanby Hall Museum & Country Park Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 9HU
4 miles from Scunthorpe Station.
01724 720588
Beautiful Regency hall set in 300 acres of stunning gardens, parkland, woodland and deer park. Award-winning Victorian walled kitchen garden, superb herbacious borders and a fascinating farm museum reflecting Lincolnshire's rural past. Children's playgrounds and trails, plus a full programme of special events. A great day out for all the family.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 4 miles from Scunthorpe station.
OPEN Park open daily, 9am-dusk; Hall and Farming Museum open 29 March-26 September, 1-5pm; Walled garden open daily, 10.30am-4.30pm, 3.30pm in summer.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to farming museum, walled garden and most of the park. Ground floor only in Hall. Accessible toilets.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Back to top
Coton Manor Garden Coton, Guilsborough, Northamptonshire NN6 8RQ
01604 740219
English country garden laid out on different levels surrounding a 17th century manor (not open). Many herbaceous borders with extensive range of plants, old yew and holly hedges, water garden and fine lawns set in 10 acres. Also wildflower meadow and bluebell wood.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Long Buckby station.
OPEN 1 April-2 October, Tuesday-Saturday, 12noon-5.30pm
Also, in April-May, Sundays 12noon-5.30pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 tickets for the price of 1 from 1st June.
ACCESSIBILITY Partial wheelchair access.
Deene Park Deene, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 3EW
01780 420278
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a large park, this Tudor and Georgian mansion has been the home of the Brudenell family since 1514, including the 7th Earl of Cardigan who led the Charge of the Light Brigade.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Kettering approx 13 miles away. 6 miles north east of Corby, off A43. No bus service.
OPEN Easter-Sunday and Monday, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, May to end August
Wednesdays in May and June
Also 8, 15 and 22 September 2-5pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1, gardens only.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to ground floor of house, old kitchen, tearoom and gardens.
Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens Kelmarsh, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN6 9LY
01604 686543
A graceful 18th century historic house, set in beautiful romantic gardens and surrounded by its own working estate. As well as being a delightful place to visit, Kelmarsh Hall is a stylish venue for weddings, private parties, corporate functions and private group visits.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 5miles south of Market Harborough, 11 miles north of Northampton.
OPEN Easter Bank Holiday Sunday till end of September
House: Thursdays and Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays (except 30-31 May, 2-5pm
Gardens: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (except 30-31 May), 11am-5pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1, gardens only
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair stairlift in house. Hard gravel path in gardens. Disabled parking.
Lamport Hall & Gardens Lamport, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN6 9HD
01604 686272
On A508 between Northampton and Market Harborough.
Grade I listed house with fine collection of books, furniture and paintings. Collected by the Isham
family, many from a 17th century grand tour. Remarkable rock garden, fine herbaceous borders, boxbower, large walled garden and small Italian garden with shell fountain. On A508 between Northampton and Market Harborough.
OPEN Easter Sunday-10 October; guided tours 2.15pm and 3pm every Wednesday and Thursday; non-guided tours from 2pm on Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays plus 29 and 9 & 10 October.
New for 2010 - a gardens only ticket 2-5pm on any open day.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Partial wheelchair access.
Prebendal Manor Nassington, near Peterborough, Northamptonshire PE8 6QG
01780 782575
13th century manor steeped in history, the oldest house in Northamptonshire. The largest recreated medieval gardens in Europe, a dovecote, fishponds, ancient rare breed animals, tithe barn houses, museum and tearoom. Free audio tours.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 10 miles from Peterborough station.
OPEN From 16 May, June, July, August, Sundays and Wednesdays 1-5pm. All Bank Holiday Mondays. CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1, except special event days.
ACCESSIBILITY Disabled access.
Southwick Hall Main Street, Southwick, Northamptonshire PE8 5BL
3 miles north of Oundle (A427), 4 miles east of Bulwick (A43).
01832 274064
A family manor house dating from 1300 with Tudor rebuilding and Georgian and Victorian additions. Exhibitions of Victorian and Edwardian life, collections of agricultural and carpentry tools and local archaeological finds.
OPEN 4-5 April, 2-3, 30-31 May, 29-30 August and 13 September - 2-5pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half-price admission.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to downstairs only.
Sulgrave Manor Manor Road, Sulgrave, Banbury, Northamptonshire OX17 2SD
Just off the B4525 Banbury-Northampton road, 6 miles from Junction 11 of M40.
01295 760205
A superb example of a modest manor house and garden of Shakespeare's time. George Washington's ancestral home. Historica Garden.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Banbury station.
OPEN April-October: weekends from 12noon
May-October: Tuesday-Thursday, 2pm
Last admission 4pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1, for normal adult entry
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to grounds and lower floor
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Back to top
Disappointingly we have nothing listed in Nottinghamshire this year.RUTLAND
Barnsdale Gardens The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH
01572 813200
Turn off the A606 Oakham-Stamford road at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, then 1 mile on left.
Geoff Hamilton's 8-acre Barnsdale TV garden, 38 individual gardens and features. Nursery, gift shop and coffee shop.
OPEN March-May, September, October - daily, 9am-5pm. June-August: daily, 9am-7pm
November-February: daily, 10am-4pm
Closed 24 & 25 December
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1, Monday to Friday.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access.
YORKSHIRE Back to top
Bramham Park Bramham, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 6ND
01937 846000
Signposted from the A1 on new access roads.
Early 18th century, French-style formal gardens almost unique in England with grand vistas and unexpected views. Monumental hedges and trees. Temples, ornamental ponds and cascades. Over 150 acres of ground. Ample free parking and picnic areas.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT York or Leeds Stations
OPEN Monday-Friday all year by appointment. Closed Bank Holidays and weekends. Please contact the Estate Office to arrange your visit.
Closed for Bramham International Horse Trials 17 May-11 June and Leeds Festival 9 August-17 September 2010.
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half-price admission
ACCESSIBILITY Limited wheelchair access
Burnby Hall gardens and museum The Balk, Pocklington, Yorkshire YO42 2QF
01759 307125 or 01759 307541
These magnificent, beautifully laid out gardens incorporate two lakes which contain a national collection of hardy waterlilies and fish that can be hand fed. Nine acres of changing vistas, woodland walk, Victorian secret gardens, rockeries, shrubberies and ornamental and indigenous treees. Stewart Museum houses artefacts collected by Major Stewart on his eight world tours.
OPEN 27 March-10 October, 10am-6pm, last entry 5pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Yes (I'm sorry, that's not very informative is it! But it's all the information I have right now... if you could find out more, I'd be grateful if you'd let me know.)
Burton Constable Hall Skirlaugh, Hull, East Riding HU11 4LN
01964 562400
Clearly marked by historic house signs from Beverley following A165 Bridlington Road and from Hull following the B1238 to Sproatley.
The ancestral home of the Constable family, built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. 30 rooms open to view include the gallery, dining and drawing rooms, bedrooms, chapel, Chinese room and lamp room. Collections include pictures and prints, architectural drawings, sporting guns, Chippendale furniture and a cabiinet of curiosities containing fossils, natural history and a collection of scientific instruments.
OPEN Easter-end October, Saturday-Thursday, 12.30-5pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access. Stair lift to 1st floor. Disabled toilets available in car park.
Constable Burton Hall Gardens Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5LJ
01677 450428
Delightful terraced garden of lilies, ferns, shrubs, roses and wildflowers attached to a beautiful Palladian house (not open). Garden trails, herbaceous borders, stream garden and reflection ponds. Impressive Spring display of daffodils and tulips.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 3 miles from Leyburn station.
OPEN 14 March-29 September - open daily, 9am-6pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1 (except for the Tulip Festival 2-4 May).
ACCESSIBILITY Partial wheelchair access.
Duncombe Park Helmsley, York YO62 5EB
01439 770213
1 mile from Helmsley marketplace.
Finely restored home of Lord and lady Feversham, built in 1713. Principal rooms typical of a late 19th century 'grand interior', surrounded by a 35-acre landscaped 'green garden' with temples and terraces set in 450 acres of dramatic rolling parkland. Waymarked walks, orienteering, shop and tearoom.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 14 miles from Malton and Thirsk stations.
OPEN Parkland Centre 11am-5.30pm
Garden 11am-5.30pm
Last admission 4.30pm.
House by guided tour only. Tours 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half-price admission, excluding event days.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to ground and first floor of house.
Harewood House Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS17 9LG
0113 218 1010
Home of the Earl of Harewood and one of England's greatest country houses. Set in stunning Capability Brown landscape with outstanding art collections, a premier bird garden, lakeside and woodland walks, the Himalayan garden, waterfall and Bhutanese stupa, 15th century church, walled garden and intricate parterre overlooking the lake.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Harrogate and Leeds Stations
OPEN April-November, daily 10am-6pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1, 'Freedom' tickets only. Excludes special event days, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access
Helmsley Walled Garden Cleveland Way, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AH
01439 771427
Located behind Helmsley Castle, 500m from the market square. Car park off B1257 (Stokesley Road).
A tranquil 5-acre walled garden, built in 1758 and set beneath Helmsley Castle. New improvements include a physic garden, an exotic border and a stunning 100-metre herbaceous border. Plant nursery, Vinehouse café and ethical shop. Dogs welcome on leads.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Thirsk/Malton 13-15 miles
OPEN daily 1 April-31 October, 10.30am-5pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Full wheelchair access
Kiplin Hall Scorton, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 6AT
Off the B6271 between Scorton and Northallerton.
01748 818178
Architecturally interesting Jacobean house built by George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I, and founder of Maryland. Furnished as a Victorian home with personal possessions, paintings and furniture collected over four centuries by the families who owned the Hall; the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots. Exhibition: 'Beneath the Canopy - new life for Kiplin's historic woodland'. Gardens, woodland and lakeside walks. Tearoom, shop, events.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 8 miles from Northallerton station. Bus 55.
OPEN April-September, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday, 2-5pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half price adult admission to hall and grounds only.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to ground floor.
Knaresborough Castle Castle Yard, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8AS
01423 556188
Explore Knaresborough Castle to discover the King's Chamber, the dungeon and scurry through the mysterious secret exit. Visit the rare original Tudor courtoom and learn more of Knaresborough's colourful history and famous characters. Discover 'Life in a Castle' with replica costumes and games.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 10 minute uphill walk from the train station. 5 minutes from bus stop.
OPEN Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Closes 4pm November-March. Check for Christmas and exhibition changeover closing times.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Yes (I'm sorry, that's not very informative is it! But it's all the information I have right now... if you could find out more, I'd be grateful if you'd let me know.)
Royal Air Force Holmpton - bunker tours RAF Holmpton, Withernsea, North Humberside HU19 2QR
01964 630208
Our award winning tour takes you over 80ft below ground into the 35,000 sq ft command bunker built for the cold war. As you visit the many subterranean rooms, shows, films and demonstrations tetll the story of over 60 years' RAF command history at RAF Holmpton.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Hull station then bus every 30 minutes to Withernsea
OPEN February-November: daily except Mondays and Fridays
Easter and Summer: open every day
Gates open 2pm
Tour 2.30pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY No wheelchair access
Royal Pump Room Museum Crown Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 2RY
01423 556188
Explore Harrogate's history as a spa town. Taste the strongest sulphur water in Europe! Investigate Ancient Egypt through our Egyptology treasures. Enjoy social history exhibitions in 2010 featuring all kinds of people in 'Only Human', objects from around the world in 'Well Travelled', then discover the joys of tea!
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Harrogate Station, 10 minute walk from bus and train station.
OPEN Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 2-5pm, closes 4pm November-March. Check for Christmas and exhibition changeover times.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access
Shibden Hall Listers Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 6XG
01422 321455
Enter a house where you sense the family has just gone out and allow yourself to absorb 600 years of history. Built in 1420. Oak panelled interiors and atmospheric room settings. 17th century aisled barn. West Riding Folk Museum.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 2km on A58/Leeds/Bradford Road. Bus service 508, 224, 577, 548, 549.
OPEN March-November: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm; Sunday, 12noon-4.30pm
December-February: Monday-Saturday, 10am-3.30pm, Sunday 12noon-3.30pm
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Disabled access, except to first floor of the house
Skipton Castle Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW
01756 792442
One of the best preserved, complete medieval castles in England, situated at the head of Skipton's bustling High Street and within easy walking distance of the railway and bus stations. Delightful tearooms, wonderful views, picnic areas, excellent shop. Woodland walks.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Walking distance from Skipton.
OPEN All year round - Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm (last admission), Sunday 12noon-6pm (October-February, last admission 4pm).
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1, except Bank Holidays and special events.
ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair access to grounds only.
Staintondale Shire Horse Farm Staintondale, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 0EY
01723 870458
Situated in an idyllic location on the North York Moors National Park coastline, enhanced by extensive conservation work. Live shows with Shire horses and Shetland ponies. Pretty walks and picnic areas with ponds and small woodland. Excellent facilities with café, gift shop, stables and static displays.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 9 miles from Scarborough. Limited bus service
OPEN 29 June-3 September: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Also Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays. 10.30am-4.30pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 for the price of 1
ACCESSIBILITY Yes (I'm sorry, that's not very informative is it! But it's all the information I have right now... if you could find out more, I'd be grateful if you'd let me know.)
Sutton Park Main Street, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York YO61 1DP
8 miles north of York on B1363 York-Helmsley road.
01347 810249
The Yorkshire home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield built in 1730 by Thomas Atkinson. Georgian architecture. Frequent winner in Yorkshire in Bloom for Best Tourist and Visitor Attraction - Silver Gilt Award 2008.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT York Station. Bus Reliance service 40 from Exhibition Square, York.
OPEN April-September: daily, 11am-5pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE Half price admission, garden only.
ACCESSIBILITY Limited wheelchair access.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum Thorp Perrow, Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 2PR
01677 425323
A wonderful day out for all ages. 85 acres of woodland to explore, with woodland walks, trails and activity booklets to follow. The Bird of Prey Centre has birds from around the world with 3 entertaining flying displays a day. Mammal Centre with meerkats. Licensed tearoom, picnic area and plant centre.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 10 miles from Northallerton.
OPEN Mid February-mid November: 10am-5pm
Mid November-Mid February: 11am-3pm.
CPRE PRIVILEGE 2 adults for the price of 1.
ACCESSIBILITY Fully accessible