Menagerie Garden walk at Nostell
Enjoy some peace and tranquility as you traverse the pretty lakeside paths that meander through the gardens at Nostell. Along the way, discover the enchanting Menagerie Garden which used to be home to exotic birds and monkeys.
Near to
NostellStart point
Stable Courtyard, Nostell. Grid ref: SE404174Trail information
*This route takes you through the gardens and is made up of even paths with no steep slopes. Free entry for National Trust members and under 5's. For further access details, please see Terrain section.
**This trail is suitable for those with reduced mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Stable Courtyard, Nostell. Grid ref: SE404174
Stage 1
Follow the footpath opposite the garden entrance, signposted 'Lakeside walks'. This path will lead you towards the back of the house. On the way, look out for views over the lake towards the Menagerie Garden.
Stage 2
Go through the small gateway and follow the footpath on the right. Look out for the gravestone marking the final resting place of Barny, one of the Winns' dogs. At the bottom of the slope, follow the path to the right, into the Pleasure Garden.
Stage 3
As you meander through the Pleasure Garden, enjoy views of the sparkling Lower Lake. Continue down the slope until you reach the lake at the bottom.
Stage 4
Continue along the footpath, passing Druids Bridge. Glance back for a view of the Obelisk, then scale the steps. (To avoid the steps, branch left away from the lake, then keep right until you see the Middle Lake.)
Stage 5
At the top of the steps, you'll see the Middle Lake. Turn right and go over Swiss Bridge to continue your lakeside walk.
Stage 6
*TEMPORARY DETOUR* At the fork in the path, take the right-hand route that runs away from the lake. - this is an alternative entrance to the Menagerie Garden as the Gothic Arch is currently closed for conservation.
Stage 7
Beyond the colourful acers, you'll find the Menagerie House, built as a keeper's house. Hidden in the trees behind is an ice house, where ice was stored once it had been collected from the lake. The ice house is now unstable and therefore not safe to enter.
Stage 8
Leaving the Menagerie Garden, you'll pass by the dell. From here, return to the lakeside path and head back, passing golden hazel and cut leaf beech trees. Retrace your steps over the Swiss Bridge, then turn right up the hill and back to the courtyard.
End point
Stable Courtyard, Nostell. Grid ref: SE404174
Trail map
Map of the Menagerie Garden walk at Nostell | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Nostell Obelisk walk
Take a wander through Nostell's picturesque parkland and its mosaic of natural habitats, from ancient woodland to colourful wildflower meadows.
Get in touch
Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE
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