Discover more at Nunnington Hall
Find out when Nunnington Hall is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
The garden at Nunnington Hall
The organic gardens at Nunnington Hall are the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet. Peaceful hidden spots, colourful peacocks and colourful flowers offer a great day out.
The garden in autumn
As the days get shorter and the temperatures starts cooling, we enter the most atmospheric season of the year.
The vines on the wall at Nunnington Hall start turning from green to orange and all shades between. The Black Walnut and the Liquidambar by the footbridge welcome our visitors with their bright colours of yellow and bright red, as they shed their leaves and leave a carpet of autumn colour on the lawn by the river.
Seed-heads are left on the herbaceous plants to keep providing height and structure in the garden. As the season progresses these seed heads will be covered with morning dew and sparkling cobwebs, as well as providing seeds for birds and habitat for insects.
Now the orchard meadow grass has been cut, the fruits become the stars of the show. Varieties of apples, such as Yorkshire Beauty, Yorkshire Cockpit, Golden Pippin and Beauty of Kent hang down on fruit laden branches. The mistletoe on the apple trees starts to produce its berries which will continue through the autumn and into winter.
The last flowering plants of the year continue to provide some seasonal interest. Nerines and Cyclamen flower throughout autumn and Calendula, Nasturtium and Dahlias will continue until the first frosts.
Nature and wildlife
The gardens are planted with berry laden plants and the orchard trees are laden with fruit ready to be used by the tearoom and some left for the for the wildlife. Windfall apples are left on the ground, as they rot away, they provide late season sugars for bees, moths, and other insects, helping them build up strength for overwintering. Ground feeding birds like blackbirds and thrushes feast on the fallen apples, and if we are lucky, we may get some fieldfares and redwings coming down to feed on apples after their journey from Scandinavia to overwinter here in the UK.
The ivy on the trees is providing a much-valued late nectar source for insects.
As the leaves disappear from the trees, we see more of the river meandering through the garden which affords us increased sightings of otters as they feed and play along the River Rye.
Redesigning the Iris Garden
This year, we completed a new project at Nunnington Hall to reimagine the Iris Garden, one of the few historical gardens remaining at the property.
To discover more, visit the dedicated web page on the National Trust website and don't forget to explore it during your next visit.
Living organically
The garden has been managed fully organically since 2002, reviving traditional horticultural methods while also embracing modern techniques and technology. You can see much of this work in practice as you explore the garden. This includes such things as a four-bay composting system, a wormery, fruit cages and an organic vegetable patch.
Each year sheep fleece is packed around the base of young fruit trees which acts as an organic mulch. Not only does it suppress the weed growth and help the soil to retain moisture, but slowly releases nutrients directly to the tree roots as the fleece decays. Additionally, the birds, mice and bumblebees enjoy the opportunity of collecting luxurious bedding for their nests.
Relax by the river
The garden sits alongside the River Rye which plays host to much wildlife. Spend a while by the river and you may just catch a glimpse of brown trout, otters, kingfishers and swans.
Accessible for all
The garden is fully accessible for all visitors with gravelled paths and grassed slopes.
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The hall at Nunnington
A dwelling is recorded here since 1249, but the current house grew out of a Tudor Hall. Over 450 years the house has been altered to create an atmospheric and comfortable home.
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Our conservation work at Nunnington Hall
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There's plenty for all of the family to do on a visit to Nunnington Hall. From art exhibitions to games, crafts and more, including our Lion's Den play area.
The 'Ryevitalise' project on the River Rye
The River Rye’s valleys and waters have been prized for millennia but its health and diversity has always been at risk. Find out how the 'Ryevitalise' scheme is tackling that
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