Visit Wentworth Woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse, East Front, Yorkshire — East Front, Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire | © Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is truly a hidden gem and is full of remarkable stories. With the longest façade in the UK, a suite of grand State Rooms and 50 acres of private gardens, there is plenty to see and do.

National Trust and Wentworth Woodhouse

The National Trust initially partnered with Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust to help visitors enjoy this historic attraction through working together in different ways.

National Trust members receive a 25% on general admission and guided tours. Perfect to partner with a visit to nearby Wentworth Castle Gardens.

Telling the story of Wentworth Woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest Georgian houses in England, built for the 1st Marquess of Rockingham from circa 1725. Work was carried out on the house for over four decades before it was passed to the Fitzwilliam family. After years in private ownership, it was bought in 2017 by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (registered charity number: 1155374), whose sole purpose is to restore and regenerate the site.

Wentworth Woodhouse is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the year for guided tours and free-flow visits to the House and Gardens.

Whistlejacket Room, Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire | © Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

Things to see and do during your visit

House free-flow and tours

For those who like to explore at their own pace, the House & Gardens are open to free-flow visitors each day. Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about the unique stories of the house, book onto a Guided Tour with one of Wentworth’s expert guides. There are six tours to choose from all offering a different perspective, delving into the House’s chequered past and interesting former residents. All tours need to be booked in advance and National Trust Members benefit receive 25% discount on all guided tours.

The gardens

Explore more than 50 acres filled with wildflower meadows, ancient trees, 18th century follies and historic plants. Open every week from Tuesday to Sunday, the Gardens offer hidden delights and fun activities for families and garden-lovers alike. The NEW Forest of Bewilderment natural play area is filled with exciting activities for young explorers and there is plenty of space to sit and enjoy a family picnic during your visit. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome too.

Garden border, Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire | © Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

Events

Discover a programme of spectacular events across the year from large-scale art festivals to intimate dining experiences. In recent years, Wentworth Woodhouse has seen a host of exciting events including WE Wonder art festival, Grayson Perry’s The Vanity of Small Differences exhibition, outdoor theatre performances, car shows and much more. Check out their upcoming events.

Stay for refreshments

Visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch, prepared with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, in the Butler’s Pantry Café from Tuesday to Sunday (also Bank Holiday Mondays). Alternatively, for a more unique experience, book Afternoon Tea in the Long Gallery and enjoy views out over the beautiful Gardens.

A table is laid for afternoon tea with a white china patterned teapot and a cake stand with sandwiches and cakes in the centre. There are two glasses of champagne and a buttered scone with flowers on the table. — Afternoon tea at Wentworth Woodhouse | © Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

Restoration project at the house

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is embarking on a major project to restore the House and aim to use the site as a catalyst for positive change in South Yorkshire. Parts of Wentworth Woodhouse will continue to be open to the public while phased repairs continue. Follow their journey.