Summer days at Beningbrough

A family day out

After a busy time charging around the wilderness play area den building and climbing trees, or a steady stroll around the gardens and parkland, shake out your rugs, lay out your picnics and relax on the south lawn.

You can grab children’s lunch boxes, drinks, bakes, sandwiches and of course ice creams from the restaurant or brew house.

 

Pick up the free nature trail

Brilliant butterflies launched for May half term, if you haven't yet had a go or want to improve your results last time, grab a sheet then head off to search out the strange facts and giant butterflies as you explore the garden. There are two to choose from depending on what suits your family, or try them both if you span a range of ages. 

If you pause in among tall grasses or along the flowering borders, you'll spot some for real. They especially love the buddlejas on the south border, so much so, it's known as the butterfly bush. 

Pick the right day for you

• What lives in a tree? Tuesday 2, 16 & 30 August.
• Why do bees buzz? Tuesday 9 & 23 August.
• Butterfly spotter challenge. Every Wednesday in August.
• Arty butterflies - get creative. Thursday 4 & 18 August and 1 September. 
• Terrific tansy beetles. Thursday 11 & 25 August. 
• Outdoor story telling with Stories Alive. Monday 29 August.

Find timings and a few more details on the What's On page. 

Plan your perfect family day out...

Wonderful walled garden

If you're looking to explore the flora and fauna the pear arch is a welcoming sight into the tranquillity of the walled garden. It is now full of bergamot, catmint, alliums and lady's mantle to smell and to savour. The bees and butterflies will also be busy enjoying the nectar and pollen.

As you wander around the edge there are many of the herbs, fruits and vegetables that provide ingredients for the restaurant.

Beautiful borders bursting with colour

Bursting out from the borders are the striking Allium Cristophii, the impressive and towering Echiums dominate the Italian border along with the rich crimson Chilean lantern tree. Head to the south border for Rosa ‘City of York’, the beautiful white roses have been associated with the county of Yorkshire since the fourteenth century. These creamy white semi-double flowers are wonderfully fragrant, with a hint of lemon. Take a pause on the bench in front of them to soak in the scent. The Pergola is looks more magnificent as the year's pass on and a real show stopper in early summer.

Please note the hall and galleries are currently closed for ongoing conservation work. 

If you want a sit down there are lots of benches and shelter spots in the restaurant and shop...

Here are a few ideas to try at home...