Summer at Nostell - simple pleasures and family pursuits

Woodland play at Nostell, with bunting on a tree in the foreground

Reconnect with childhood summers past and escape to a world of amazing wildlife, brilliant history and relaxing activities this summer.

Nostell is made for... wonderful family memories

With picture-perfect views of the treasure house, rolling hills and majestic woodland, the vista is a favourite summer spot steeped in seasonal tradition for generations of families.

New for 2021: Lawn Games on the Vista

Roll up and warm up every Monday and Friday for family pursuits inspired by generations past on the treasure house vista between 11am and 3pm.

Embrace your inner Georgian and childhood sense of fun for lawn games including boules, skittles and quoits, suitable for all ages.

Our games equipment is free to use and regularly cleaned to help keep you and our volunteers safe – please play your part too by using the hand sanitiser on offer.

Nostell has many wonderful spaces for a picnic
A picnic basket on the lawns of Nostell, Wakefield
Nostell has many wonderful spaces for a picnic

Nostell is made for...adventures in nature

Jump, swing and slide in the ever-popular woodland adventure play area, and don't forget to hunt for the hidden handmade mouse houses – from miniature thatched cottages to space-aged domes, dotted around the grounds, parkland and gardens for young ones to discover.

New for 2021: Get Set Go! adventures

Grab a Get Set, Go! card from the stables courtyard and discover new ways to play on any given day this summer, with fun activities to complete in partnership with Sport England.

Collect all three cards, tick off each activity and enjoy an action-packed season to remember amid Nostell's outdoor worlds.

Explore the gardens and get closer to nature this summer holiday
Boy tickling his dad's nose with a feather at Nostell
Explore the gardens and get closer to nature this summer holiday

Nostell is made for...unwinding with wildlife

Explore shady paths and woodland trails tailored for gentle walks or leisurely bike rides – and discover the majesty of the historic obelisk lodge on a summer stroll to the edge of the parkland.

New for 2021: Summer Sensory Trail

Awaken your senses and connect with Nostell’s nature each day of the season with a leisurely wander along our summer sensory trail.

Look out for hints and tips to inspire all five human senses amid the great outdoors as you follow the pathway between the welcome hut and stables courtyard.

Explore the sights, sounds and scents of summer at Nostell
Children playing in the Rose Garden at Nostell, near Wakefield
Explore the sights, sounds and scents of summer at Nostell

Nostell is made for... summer escapes

Escape to a world of intrigue and ancestary once alive with the bustle of aristrocrats and servants this summer with a visit to the treasure house, open Wednesday to Sunday inclusive and bank holidays.

Follow in the footsteps of the Georgians, Victorians and generations past and let your imagination unravel with a visit to the the long-awaited Dolls' House display, finally open to visitors after the 2020 lockdown.