Skip to content
back to Nostell

Visiting the house at Nostell

Visitors outside the 18th-century mansion at Nostell Priory
The 18th-century mansion at Nostell Priory | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Nostell is one of the grand houses of the north of England and home to countless treasures, stories and secrets.

Built to impress

Nostell is one of the great houses of the North of England, built by the Winn family in the 18th century as a bold symbol of wealth, taste and ambition. Step inside to uncover a world of elegance, craftsmanship and intrigue – from Robert Adam’s exquisite interiors and a rare John Harrison clock, to one of the most important collections of Thomas Chippendale furniture in the world.  

Wander through grand rooms and hidden corners, discover stories of the people who lived and worked here, and enjoy treasures ranging from historic paintings to a Georgian dolls’ house. Every visit reveals a new layer of Nostell’s history, making it a place of discovery for all ages.

The interior of the library at Nostell Priory showing a large desk and ornate bookcases on the walls
The library at Nostell | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

A house of art 

Nostell painting collection ranges from landscapes and still lifes to famous portraits. Explore our collection highlights in our picture gallery with works by Hogarth, Pieter Breughel the Younger and the famous Angelica Kauffman self-portrait. On the ground floor below a life-sized and amazingly life-like, rare Tudor portrait of Thomas More and his family allows you to step into the distant past. 

Must-see’s at Nostell

Our Curator has selected their four favourite pieces for you to look out for...

A close-up of some of the rooms in the 18th-century dolls' house at Nostell Priory, with intricate details such as bedroom furniture, curtains and fireplaces.
The 18th-century dolls' house at Nostell Priory | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

The Nostell Dolls’ House

A miniature masterpiece nearly 300 years old and with all its original fittings and decoration, complete with tiny furnishings and hidden details, this rare treasure offers a playful window into 18th-century life.

1 of 4

House highlights  

The Dining Room 
This was one of the first grand rooms to be finished at Nostell under architect James Paine and is one of the finest examples of his interiors. Designed to impress, this room shows off the virtuoso plasterwork with the walls and ceilings sprawling with lifelike forms.  

The State Bedroom 
Be transported to an exotic far away world in Nostell’s State Apartment with its design inspired by the far east. The room includes original Chinese wallpaper and a showstopper suite of Chippendale furniture in the Chinese style. 

Sabine Winn’s story  

Nostell is a house of beautiful treasures but behind this there is also a powerful set of human stories. Explore the poignant life of Sabine Winn in our introductory exhibition. Discover more in Sabine’s private dressing room through an immersive film created by Mindful Movers, a local wellbeing group. 

The exterior of the mansion at Nostell Priory and Parkland on a damp day in winter

Discover more at Nostell

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

Plan your visit

You might also be interested in

The history of Nostell 

Step back in time and discover the history of Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire, built by the Winn family to advance their social status.

Oil painting on canvas of Sir Rowland Winn and his wife Sabine Louise d'Hervart in the library at Nostell Priory, by Hugh Douglas Hamilton RHA

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.

Obelisk lodge at Nostell with leaves in autumn colours

Things to see in the gardens at Nostell 

Discover edible delights in the kitchen garden, unwind beside the orangery or escape to the menagerie garden before exploring the winding paths of the pleasure grounds.

Orange marigolds in the long border at Nostell with the historic Riding School in the distance

Nostell's collection 

Learn about the fabulous furnishings, paintings by world-renowned artists, ornate plasterwork and rare examples of early nautical clocks among the collection at this opulent home.

A green and gold-japanned serpentine dressing table by Thomas Chippendale, part of the collection at Nostell in Yorkshire

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.

A member of staff smiles as she pours steamed milk for a customer at the Courtyard Café at Nostell Priory

Volunteering opportunities at Nostell 

From conservation projects to keeping the garden spic and span through the seasons, there’s a lot to get involved in at 18th-century Nostell.

A group of people gardening at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire

Houses and buildings 

Historic houses and buildings are full of stories, art and collections. Learn more about their past and plan your next visit.

Gibson Mill in autumn at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire

Houses and buildings in Yorkshire 

Discover Yorkshire's history with visits to the grand halls of Nostell and Beningbrough, and the family homes of East Riddlesden and Ormesby Hall, while the ruins of Fountains Abbey will give you a different perspective.

Visitors outside the 18th-century mansion at Nostell Priory

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.