Discover more at Nostell
Find out when Nostell is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Things to see in the gardens at Nostell
Pause for a while and enjoy the sound of birdsong and the seasonal blooms in the gardens at Nostell. Take a stroll by the lake, explore the woodland play area or see what's growing in the kitchen garden.
The gardens in spring
Enjoy a spectacle of cheerful spring daffodils, vibrant tulips and bright magenta cyclamen as the gardens burst into colour.
Fill your lungs and enjoy some aromatherapy on a breezy day, courtesy of the swathes of hyacinths which give off a sweet scent and paint the long straight borders a deep shade of purple.
Take a peek in the pond under the statue in the rose garden from mid-March to spot signs of new frog life before heading down to the bottom of the kitchen garden to see new shoots, including the bright green leaves of the first rhubarb.
Stretch your legs with a walk to through the enchanting menagerie garden at the other side of the lake and prepare yourself for a springtime spectacle of pink-and-white magnolia blooms overhead and underfoot. Find a bench and wait a while to enjoy the spring bird song.
Blossom watch
As the days slowly extend, blossom opens, and pollinators get busy. Different types of blossom appear over spring, starting in early March with our sweet almond tree ‘Robijn’ leading the way. As the season progresses, watch out for the beautiful spring-time blooms of cherry, pear and apple blossom.
Join in with the excitement of the season and share your photographs using #BlossomWatch
Rose garden and orangery
Beside the cool white walls of the orangery, you'll find plenty of places to pause and enjoy this tranquil space. Look out for the spectacular climbing 'Iceberg' rose which spans the entire length of the 100-metre red-brick wall leading along to the orchard and Rhubarb Row.
You'll also find the rose garden fountain, a witness to tales from generations past and a vessel for coins cast in search of wishes, now catching the light on bright sunny days.
Kitchen garden and orchard
Nostell’s working kitchen garden is lovingly tended to by the garden team who look after more than 100 crops in the peaceful walled garden.
The growing espalier of rare heritage pear trees bordering the orchard's wildflower paths and peaceful benches are inspired by the original Georgian grand plans by garden designer and author of The Practical Fruit Gardener, Stephen Switzer.
It realises part of Switzer's 1731 blueprint never previously liberated from the drawing board, in part due to a change in fashion towards a more natural landscaping approach. The team now use carefully sourced rare plants nurtured in the national Plant Conservation Centre.
Woodland play area
Turn left as you enter the gardens and head on past the kitchen garden to discover the woodland play area which is great for a wide range of ages. Little ones will enjoy the slide, swings and spinning cups. The wobble bridges, and zip-wire and Queen swing are loved by children of all ages.
Menagerie garden
Step through the gothic archway into the historic menagerie garden, enclosed by stone walls and shaded by woodland. Created in 1743, it still supports plants and wildlife cared for by generations of residents.
The garden also recalls its past as home to exotic animals with the keepers menagerie house, designed by Robert Adam. Though the animals are long gone, their presence remains part of the site’s story.
Pleasure Gardens
Sweet chestnut and oak trees line the circular pathway of the Pleasure Grounds, once walked by Victorians and Georgians. From here, you can also glimpse the Lower Lake in the distance.
Along the route you’ll find our Silent Space. Take a seat on the bench overlooking the water to watch the birds, wildlife, and trees. It’s a peaceful spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy being close to nature.
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Visiting Nostell with your dog
Nostell is a two pawprint rated place. Find out how to make the most of your visit to Nostell with your dog and why you and your canine friend will enjoy taking in the Yorkshire air here.
Exploring the estate at Nostell
Follow the paths and tracks at Nostell to discover ancient woodland, an abundance of wildlife and rolling views across this enchanting Yorkshire landscape.
Visiting the house at Nostell
Explore one of the grandest houses in the north of England, furnished by Thomas Chippendale and home to one of the few remaining doll's houses from the 18th century, and a rare John Harrison clock.
Eating and shopping at Nostell
Visit the Courtyard Café with its range of seasonal treats, then head to the National Trust shop, where there’s a range of products inspired by the places we care for.
Group visits to Nostell
There's a rich variety of things to see and do for groups of all ages at Nostell, from exploring lakes and woodlands to exploring the house and stables.
Gardens and parks
From 18th-century water gardens and Arts and Crafts landscapes to intimate woodland gardens, there are so many places to discover.
Gardening tips
Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.
Gardens and parks in Yorkshire
Enjoy Yorkshire's spring gardens and parks, from the landscaped views at Fountains Abbey, to the gardens within a garden at Wentworth Castle Gardens, pathways and borders at Nostell, and the Mediterranean Garden at Beningbrough.
