Discover more at Beningbrough
Find out when Beningbrough is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Art at Beningbrough
Explore The Reddihough Galleries and exhibitions past, present and future, on the first floor of Beningbrough Hall.
Beningbrough's changing exhibitions are thoughtfully curated. Working with artists, in partnership with museums and galleries, and drawn from National Trust collections. Over the coming years, the gallery will showcase high quality contemporary and historic art. A special thread running through the exhibitions will be the relationship to the gardens at Beningbrough, and the developments being led by garden designer Andy Sturgeon.
Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens
2 September 2025 – 12 April 2026 on open days
Step into a world where art and nature intertwine in a celebration of Beningbrough’s Wilderness Garden, past and present.
Large scale sculptures
In the year that garden designer, Andy Sturgeon breathes new life into the landscape with enhanced planting and reimagined vistas, artist Laura Ellen Bacon brings the essence of the garden indoors with her striking, large-scale willow sculptures. Inspired by nature and rooted in place, Bacon’s flowing, organic forms transform Beningbrough Hall, capturing the movement and energy of the wild.
In the Great Hall, woven willow sculptures spill over the sides of plinths suggesting nature untamed and wild. The shapes create movement like grasses and stems swaying in the wind, whispering to us. In the Saloon Gallery, a huge willow sculpture forms an airy, knotted thicket which invites you to step within its curves and tangles - an immersive reflection on nature’s resilience and our connection to the land.
Wilderness Gardens through time
Alongside these contemporary works, nine historic pieces from the National Trust collection trace the eighteenth-century passion for wilderness gardens and their role as sensory retreats.
Look out for sculptures by the fireplace, beautifully illustrated historical books, landscape sketches, paintings and maps.
The Drawing Studio
For those inspired to get involved, artist Tanya Raabe-Webber has designed a new drawing studio. You're invited to pick up a pencil and join in with your contributions and sketches. Laura Ellen Bacon’s artistic process of responding to nature starts through sketching. What will you start?
The accessible space is designed for all, beginners and more experienced artists, young and... those with more life experience. Work side by side, join the collaborative drawings, create miniatures, explore the sensory materials and be inspired by the artist's bench. Whether you’ve never drawn or regularly doodle we encourage everyone to join in and take a line for a walk.
It's created as a place to relax, to be inspired, to have a go.
An experience for all the senses
Around the galleries...
- Breathe in the scent of fragrant willow as you wander
- Head to the designated touch spaces to get a feel for the willow and the basic knots and weaves that form the foundation of the sculptures
- See Laura's sketches as she initially develops her ideas from place to page to design
- Relax in the audio chair to hear extracts from Mansfield Park and Pride and Prejudice
- Read new poetry inspired by the exhibition, from University of York students
- Lose yourself in a new nature inspired soundscape by artist Gaia Blandina
Book on a sensory walk
On Sunday 28 September, Gaia Blandina, sound artist and creator of the wilderness soundscape, with eco-poet Bryony Aitchison will lead a short group around the gardens at Beningbrough. A chance to be in the moment and let all modern trappings go, to tune into creativity and connect with the rhythms of the world around you.
Sessions last aound 90 minutes and run at 10.30am and 3pm. £12.50 per person, plus normal admissions charges / free to National Trust members. Book your place as spaces are limited.
Free exhibition talks
Running the second Friday of the month, meet one of the specialists involved in the exhibition, from artists to historians, archaeologists to gardeners. Most are in person talks at Beningbrough, with Octobers facilitated online.
- 12 September - Exploring the history of Wilderness Gardens with Dr. Grace Murray. Sign up on the day.
- 10 October - Online drawing workshop with artist Tanya Raabe-Webber. Booking details via the events page below.
- 14 November - Willow whispers with artist Laura Ellen Bacon. Sign up on the day.
- 12 December - Gyre, a sonic exploration of nature with sound artist Gaia Blandina. Sign up on the day.
- 9 January - Drawing with willow, the work of Laura Ellen Bacon with Louise Lohr, Deputy Curator from Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Sign up on the day.
- 13 February - Stories piled beneath our feet with National Trust Archaeologist Mark Newman. Sign up on the day.
- 13 March - Revitalising the Wilderness Garden at Beningbrough with the Head Gardener. Sign up on the day.
The Reddihough Galleries
The late Mr Ian Reddihough, a proud Yorkshireman and avid supporter of Beningbrough Hall, has left a lasting gift in his will to support the conservation and care of this cherished place.
To commemorate Mr Reddihough’s exceptional gift, the first-floor art gallery spaces have been named in his honour. His generous contribution will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and history of Beningbrough.
Mr Reddihough’s gift serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that gifts in wills can have. Whether it’s a gift to plant a new sapling or a gift to build an entire garden, we hope it inspires others to consider leaving a lasting legacy – no matter the size – of their own.
Find out how gifts in wills play a vital role in supporting the preservation of our nation's heritage and the special places that you love.
Don't miss
The gallery entrance panel, inscribed with Mr Reddihough's name was the winning entrant from a competition for Design Students at nearby York St. John University and designed by Hilary Pitcher.
Previous exhibitions
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Beningbrough's garden vision
Discover how award-winning garden designer Andy Sturgeon is collaborating with the National Trust to transform Beningbrough’s gardens. Explore the progress made so far and what exciting developments lie ahead in the long term vision for the Yorkshire estate.
Things to see in the garden at Beningbrough
Discover the formal gardens, walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders and wildlife areas, each with its own style and beauty. Experience the tranquillity of the Mediterranean Garden, the latest new space designed by Andy Sturgeon. Find out more about this RHS partner garden in Yorkshire.
Things to see in Beningbrough Hall
Explore what to expect visiting the historic rooms on the ground floor, from feats of engineering, striking architecture and symbolic pieces of the collection marking moments in time. Find out about the next exhibition in the first floor Reddihough Galleries.
Exhibitions at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Between Chaos and Light is a new immersive installation by Ed Kluz at Fountains Hall on the Ripon Estate.
Exhibitions at Nunnington Hall
Nunnington Hall hosts a programming of changing exhibitions throughout the year. Recently we have welcomed established artists, photographers, illustrators and sculptors alongside new artists and community groups to display their work in the gallery.
Special exhibitions
Connect with nature, beauty and history at an exhibition near you. From showcasing art and collections, to exploring the connections between people and places, there's something for everyone.
Gifts in wills
From restoring world-famous art to protecting wildlife habitats, gifts in wills are used right at the heart of the work we carry out at special places. Please consider leaving a legacy to help look after the places you love for future generations.
