Winter at Beningbrough

South side of the hall and conservatory in a frosty day — Bright and frosty days help to blow the cobwebs away

The days may be shorter but Beningbrough opens weekends in winter for bracing walks and warming refreshment with plenty still to see and do including the Winter Wildlife in Print exhibition in the gardens and Hayloft.

When to visit

Open winter weekends from 9 November to 1 March 2020.
Open on Boxing Day to Sunday 29 December plus New Year's Day.
The gardens, restaurant and shop are open 11am - 3.30pm.
Open for the local half-term school holiday Saturday 15 - Sunday 23 February 2020 (closed Monday).

See full opening times to plan your visit. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives or normal winter admission prices apply.

Wrap up warm and explore Beningbrough's indoor and outdoor art exhibition...

Large room contemporary art on the walls and seating

Art at Beningbrough

Immerse yourself in the new art exhibition at Beningbrough created in partnership with the Arts Council Collection and explore how art can help you to relax and disconnect from life’s daily worries. Experience how the different mediums of art can aid mental wellbeing through 14 thought provoking artworks by artists such as L.S. Lowry, Tracey Emin, Marc Chagall and Henry Moore until 1 November 2020.

And to bed...

During winter, the conservation team carry out essential conservation work for the long term care of the building and collection. This year the work is more extensive so please note the entire hall including Saloon Galleries will be closed from 4 November 2019, re-opening on 3 March 2020 with a brand new Arts Council Collection exhibition, In the Moment: the Art of Wellbeing. The new winter art exhibition will give you plenty to see in the gardens, outdoor buildings and Hayloft.

The Victorian laundry

During the colder months the fragile linen collection needs protection and it's the perfect opportunity to have a gentle clean. Typically through winter therefore the laundry has less on display than during the main season.

Eating and shopping in winter

After all that exploring you might want to have a rest, refuel and warm up a little. The stables shop has a large range of seasonal gifts and cards or things to help you enjoy your outdoor adventures. Browse with the contentment knowing all the profits made help the conservation work of the National Trust.

In the walled garden restaurant cakes are made fresh each weekend and hot meals for a warming lunch. Hot food is served 11.30am - 2pm with delicious locally sourced, homemade meals on the menu.

New in 2018 was the introduction of the Brew House - a cafe in the laundry courtyard near to the wilderness play area, open until 3pm. It's the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink whilst the family plays and this winter they will be serving soup and mulled wine. Dog's are welcome and the new toilets next door make visiting the far reaches of the garden a little more comfortable.

See 300,000 spring bulbs on the ha-ha walk

Carpet of snowdrops along the ha-ha walk — A carpet of spring snowdrops

Many visitors helped in 2016 with the challenge to plant 300,000 bulbs to commemorate the 300th year of the hall. As winter turns to spring, wander along the ha-ha walk and soak in the views over the south parkland. The colour will flow from the whites of the river of snowdrops into pale purples of crocus and yellow of daffodils. The challenge is to spot which patch you planted!

Dogs are welcome to visit with you on winter weekends

Bring your dog to Beningbrough

Bring your four legged friend to Beningbrough for a walk with the dog around the North Yorkshire gardens any day we're open.

Stretch your legs a little further in the parkland

Backs of legs of small children walking in wellington boots — Boots and a coat are all you need to enjoy a walk in the parkland

The formal gardens sit in the middle of 380 acres of parkland full of ancient trees and wildlife habitats. This is free to enjoy and open everyday in daylight hours......but come prepared as it can be muddy and all facilities will be closed except on a weekend. It's free to park and walks can be enjoyed through wooded glades and along riverside paths from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Dogs are welcome in the parkland, but please keep dogs on leads or under close control and pick up after your four-legged friend.

Little girl having a piggy back with her mum

Head out for a walk at Beningbrough

Surrounded by parkland and with historical links to the neighbouring village, explore a little further on a visit to Beningbrough. Pick the right route for you, through woodland and along the riverside spotting wildlife as you wander.