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Family-friendly things to do at Beningbrough

Two children running in the parkland at Beningbrough Hall, Yorkshire, on a sunny day
The gardens are perfect for adventures | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Beningbrough is the perfect place for a family adventure. Explore the wilderness play area to build a den and climb some trees or meander through the garden on a steady stroll. Whatever you do when you visit, here's what to expect from your family day out.

Planning your family visit

  • The main car park is around 50 yards from the main entrance
  • There are baby-changing facilities and toilets by the shop and entrance/exit area and in the laundry courtyard, close to the play area
  • Please leave your pram or pushchair behind when you first enter the hall, there are indoor alternatives, hip seats or baby slings available to use in the hall
  • There's even terrain in the garden but the parkland paths can be uneven and muddy in wet weather so pushchairs might struggle
  • Balance bikes and foot-propelled scooters for under fives are welcome in the garden but we ask that you use larger bikes and e-scooters in the parkland only.

 

Watch as you wander

There's a ha-ha with a sudden drop running the length of the southern edge of the garden. The garden has several open water features and ponds, part of the parkland runs alongside a river.

May half-term

Crafts in the garden

Tuesday 27 & Thursday 29 May

Drop in 11am - 3pm and have a go at the servant trail themed activities in the garden. 

 

Good day, bad day - a servant's game of life

24 May - 31 August, on open days 

Step into the shoes of a servant at Beningbrough. Spin the wheel to discover whether it’s a good day or a challenging one as you take on the role of the groom, a kitchen maid, or other hardworking staff. Experience the highs and lows of life behind the scenes in this fun, interactive family adventure in the garden. 

 

Summer of Play activity days

Wednesdays from 23 July - 27 August, 11am - 3pm

More chances to make the most of a summer play day. Along with the servant's game of life trail, the play area and den zone, and all the wildlife to spot, on Wednesdays try out a new activity and find new ways to play. Come back soon for details of Wednesday play days. 

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank

 

Things to do in the rain

Once you've finished splashing in puddles and testing the build quality of your den, it might be time for something indoors or with a little more shelter. Test your little people to spot the faces in the carvings and count animals in the tapestries. Call into the laundry and imagine life before machines and electricity. 

Two children on a swing in the play area at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, North Yorkshire
How high will you go? | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

 

Discover the wilderness play area

Unleash your wild ones on the 7-metre pyramid tower and slide, or explore the zone for smaller children, where they can climb and get creative in the Wendy house or soar to new heights in a bucket swing.

There's the ever-popular den zone and, for older children, the cantilever swing and clamber stack will test their adventurous spirit.

 

We always laugh and eat ice cream when we're there. Those are the best days...Oh and fish are always happy to see me!

A quote by Wesley Age 4

Perfect picnic spots

Bringing a pack up? There are plenty of great places around the hall and gardens where you can make the most of the weather and eat your lunch alfresco. Head down to the laundry courtyard where there are generous sized outdoor tables with shade or shelter, take a pew on the benches in the garden or find your patch of lawn.

 

Fancy a snack?

Conveniently placed by the play area, and dog friendly, the brew house is a great place to pick up refreshments to take away and serves scoop ice cream - it is open Friday - Sunday, Bank Holiday Mondays, and every day during the school holidays (unless it's a very wet day!)  

 

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

What better way to spend your day than trying new activities from the list of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'? Beningbrough is a great place to become an explorer and you can do around half the '50 things' activities here throughout the year.

Here's just a few ideas to get you started:

  • No. 1 Get to know a tree: With so many to choose from, which will you get up close and personal to? Look out for leaf shapes, textures on the bark and tiny creatures that might live on the tree.
  • No. 12 Have fun with sticks: Let your imagination run wild. Build a den, make a trail or create your own game...they make perfect wands. 
  • No. 44 Watch a bird: To be a successful bird watcher, you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. What will you spot?
Overhead shot showing countryside, gardens, hall, walled garden and tree lined avenue

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Find out when Beningbrough is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

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