Winter at Beningbrough

Partly to bed

During winter, the conservation team carry out essential work for the long term care of the building and collection. Parts of the ground floor and the first floor are closed until Tuesday 5 March 2019 but there are still parts of the hall to explore and a great many portraits to see. In December Father Christmas visits for a holiday before his big day and tells stories in the library. The interactive galleries are open too, great for big and little kids alike - dressing up, sculpting a nose or sitting for your very own virtual portrait.

When to visit

• Open weekends throughout winter.
• Open on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
• The gardens, restaurant and shop are open 11am - 3.30pm. 
• Selected rooms in the hall open at 11.30am.
• Open for the local half-term school holiday Saturday 23 February - Sunday 3 March 2019 (closed Monday).

What to expect from your visit

Putting you in the picture

Pick up an updated picture pack for your visit this winter. The handy collection of cards provide some interesting tales and titbits for your visit to Beningbrough and a little more about what might be happening behind the scenes. 

Dogs are welcome to visit with you on winter weekends

Sounds of Winter: Whispering Spaces

From Saturday 10 November on weekends until 3 March 2019, you'll find a series of new sound installations around the garden and outdoor buildings. 

Rachel Sedman was one of the artists featured in last year's Oh Wise Owl exhibition and returns this winter with several pieces of sound...inspired by winter.

Weekends in December

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

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!

Eating and shopping in winter 

After all that exploring you might want to have a rest and refuel and warm up a little. The stables shop has a large range of 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 soup is available for a lighter lunch. Hot food is served 11.30am - 2pm with delicious locally sourced, homemade meals on the menu.

New for 2018 was the introduction of the Brew House - a cafe in the Laundry Courtyard near to the Wilderness Play Area. It's the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink whilst the family plays, dog's are welcome and the new toilets next door make visiting the far reaches of the garden a little more comfortable!

February half-term

Open Saturday 23 February - Sunday 3 March (closed Monday) for the local school holidays. Along with all the regular things to do, expect stories, art workshops and a trail to kick start your spring adventures.

Stretch your legs a little further 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.

Download a winter walking map (PDF / 1MB) download   or see more here.

Or perfect for smaller feet there is an easy walk version than can be enjoyed alongside the seasonal map or independently.

Download the put yourself in the picture easy walk leaflet (PDF / 0.2MB) download