Winter at Beningbrough

The days may be shorter but Beningbrough opens weekends in winter for bracing walks and warming refreshment with plenty still to see and do.

Partly to bed

During winter, the conservation team carry out essential work for the long term care of the building and collection. The ground floor and parts of the first floor are closed until 4 March 2017 but there is still half of the hall to explore and a great many portraits to see. 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 to send home.

When to visit

• Open weekends throughout winter.
• 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 18 - Sunday 26 February 2017 (closed Monday) .

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

Many visitors helped in 2016 with the challenge to plant 300,000 bulbs to commemorate the 300th year of the hall. Visit on weekends in spring to wander along the new walk created 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!

What else to expect from your visit

Putting you in the picture

Pick up a new picture pack for your visit this winter. Choose some of the cards and uncover tales of the unexpected or have fun learning a little more about Beningbrough. Create your own route and focus on the stories that appeal to you the most. 

Maps and Memories continues

Visitors have enjoyed the autumn display so much, it is being extended through winter. See how the estate has changed over the years with personal accounts, replica maps and photographs from the archives. The Hayloft room hosting the display is located in the stables and accessed by stairs only. This is a multifunction room and sometimes family art activities will be running - but you're still able take in the display on the walls.   

The family trail

There's another brand new trail for winter from the Beningbrough Buddies - this adventure features Millie the Mouse and is perfect for younger visitors. In the hall you can pick up an explorer backpack, containing the essentials for more seasonal exploring.

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 a roast dinner on the menu on Sundays.

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, not beyond the pay barrier and in the formal gardens, 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