Discover more at Beningbrough
Find out when Beningbrough is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Beningbrough
Beningbrough is the perfect place for a family adventure. Explore the wilderness play area and build a den, join an activity day or meander through the garden on a steady stroll following the latest trail. 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.
Winter woodland animal trail
Friday 7 November - Sunday 22 February, on open days
Grab your woollies and your wellies and head out into the garden to see who you can spot hiding in the bird boxes. The animals have all been invited to the woodland party, but who will you see on the latest free family trail?
Get crafty at Christmas
Weekends 6 - 21 December, 11am - 3pm
Take some time out of your day together to have a go at the seasonal crafts and letter writing on the top floor of the hall. Make a something special to take home or as a gift including a peg doll elf, tree decoration and door or window hanger - activities vary. And there's a post box with a direct service to the North Pole - if you need it. Tickets to Father Christmas are not needed to join in with the creativity.
Storytime with Father Christmas - SOLD OUT
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.
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?
You might also be interested in
Christmas at Beningbrough
Father Christmas is returning to the hall and new for 2025, he's taken up room on the top floor. Storytime is now sold out but find out about crafting workshops and what else to expect when you visit, including places to eat and what's on offer in the shop.
Eating at Beningbrough
Choose from a range of tasty snacks and drinks at Beningbrough's restaurant and two other eateries, open on selected days. Find out where to refuel with your dog, indoor and out.
Visiting Beningbrough with your dog
Bring your dog to Beningbrough and you'll both have a great day out on one of Yorkshire's finest estates. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your visit. Beningbrough is a three pawprint rated place.
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.
Art at Beningbrough
Discover more about the Reddihough Galleries on the first floor of Beningbrough Hall. Currently on show, Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens is a full sensory exhibition linking history and fashion, with contemporary sculptures and sketching. See past exhibitions and what's coming next.
Family-friendly places in Yorkshire
Plan an adventure in Yorkshire. With play areas, activities for kids, wildlife to spot and plenty of things to do when it rains. Bring the whole family to make memories during your time together.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
