Summer days at Beningbrough

Family picnic and play by the hall — Pack a picnic and relax in the gardens at Beningbrough

The scene is set, summer is here. Pack up your picnic and grab your rugs. You may have to dodge the odd great British shower, but Beningbrough’s beautiful and extensive grounds can be enjoyed inside and out.

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 some children’s lunch boxes, drinks and sandwiches from the restaurant or ice creams from the shop.

We also have a fun filled summer holiday programme this August. Scheduled activities include Artrageous on Mondays and Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 3pm and 50 things Fridays hunting for the rare Tansy beetle, 11am - 4pm. This is in addition to all the other adventures to be enjoyed in the house and around the gardens.

Summer holiday plans, come rain or shine

Download our handy planner to stick on your fridge or you can pick one up from the visitor reception on your next visit. Beningbrough Summer Holiday Planner (PDF / 0.064453125MB) download

Take a look at what else we have coming up.

Rainy days out at Beningbrough

Don't let the typically varied British weather ruin your plans. With the hall, laundry, interactive galleries and hands-on activities - Beningbrough is pretty weather proof this summer.

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.

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

Video

Explore the Beningbrough gardens

Gardener Mark knows the formal gardens inside out. He's worked in the walled garden for over 20 years and knows all about out the produce we grow and seasonal wildlife. Join him for a short video looking at the summer highlights in some of the borders and what you might expect when visiting at different times of the year.

Short stories and untold tales

Around the gardens you will find chapters from our short stories and untold tales exhibition, relaying fascinating titbits of family life in this grand country estate. The stories continue inside the house with tales of our most recent aristocratic owner, Lady Chesterfield, and her exacting ways. Upstairs, we have the fun, interactive galleries for all to experience. Rain or shine there is so much to enjoy in the house.