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.

A summer of wonderful wellbeing

Immerse yourself in the ‘five ways to wellbeing’. Slow down, kick off your shoes and enjoy the feel of grass between your toes. Find a quiet spot and listen to the hum of nature, perhaps with a picnic on the lawn. Come back week after week until early September to experience something new - there’s no rush!

From Saturday 24 July

Have a go at the new nature themed summer sense-ations trail - all day, every day.

From Monday 2 August 

Alongside the trail, join one of the themed days, based on the '5 ways to wellbeing' linking with the exhibition in the Saloon Galleries.

Mondays - keep learning with the bees' knees and find out why bees are so amazing. Drop in at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. 

Tuesdays - be active and walk a Beningbrough mile, with some extra activity challenges along the way.

Wednesday - take notice and take part in some citizen science, spot the different butterflies as they get busy in flower borders.

Thursday - connect and create some wild art as you get stuck in with sticks. Drop in 11am - 3pm. 

Friday - find your own Fridays, ideas include following the labyrinth path, make up a story in the den, bird watch in the bird hide, chase shadows in the sun and bring a ball for south lawn games. 

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.

What to expect in the hall

A number of rooms in the hall remain closed for ongoing conservation work, the Saloon Galleries on the first floor are open until 31 October. Head inside through the Great Hall for the latest exhibition.