Discover more at Wentworth Castle Gardens
Find out when Wentworth Castle Garden is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Group visits to Wentworth Castle Gardens
We welcome groups of all types and sizes at Wentworth Castle Gardens, whether you’re a local community organisation, a school, a special interest group or part of a coach tour. Read on to discover how we can support your visit, then come and explore what makes this place so special.
Group benefits
Depending on your group, we can offer you:
- Discounts applied for groups of over 15 people
- Coach drop-off outside the Visitor Reception Building
- For coach parties, free entry for the tour leader and driver on the day
- For schools, the option of an Education Group Access pass – which gives your group a year’s free admission and parking to Wentworth Castle Gardens (as well as other National Trust sites)
- For local groups, the possibility to join our 'Out & About' Scheme, allowing you to make regular visits throughout the year and get more involved in the work we do
- For all group leaders wanting to plan a successful visit, free entry for you to come and familiarise yourself with the site and complete your risk assessment
To discuss options and book your group visit, email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01226 776040
How long should I allow for my visit?
We’re a large outdoor site, so allow the whole day to explore if possible.
On a two-hour visit, you’ll be able to reach the formal gardens and look round the Victorian conservatory, with time for a drink and snack in the café.
A four-hour visit will allow you time to discover more of the gardens – all the surprises within the recently re-created Union Jack segments, as well the folly castle at the top of the hill (climb the tower for great views!)
Spending a whole day here will give you the opportunity to fully appreciate the garden and also get a taste of the parkland – where you can walk through ancient woodlands, see the herds of deer and admire the monuments, such as the Rotunda and Serpentine Bridge.
Please note that the mansion house is run by Northern College, so not part of the visitor route. In partnership with the College, we run monthly house tours, but these are not available for large group bookings. See here for more information on how to book on a house tour as an individual or small group.
When can I vist?
We’re open every day from March to October, and Wednesday - Sunday from November to February. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year. See full information on our home page.
Whatever the season, there will be things to enjoy in the gardens and parkland. We also run a wide variety of events throughout the year.
We can only accommodate up to two group bookings at one time, due to limited space in the car park. We’re unable to accommodate large group bookings on weekends or bank holidays.
Facilities and access information
Complete your visit with a stop for refreshments at the Long Barn Café, which serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes and ice creams throughout the day. There is a designated outdoor picnic spot outside the café.
In terms of accessibility, please note that Wentworth Castle Gardens is built on a hill so paths can be steep as well as uneven. We run a buggy shuttle service from the Visitor Reception to the Café, and up into the gardens, which can accommodate five passengers at a time.
We also have three powered mobility scooters available to hire, free of charge – these must be booked in advance.
You might also be interested in viewing our sensory story or borrowing a backpack, which will help your group engage with the sensory experiences on their visit.
For further information on accessibility, see the tab on our homepage or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Organised group tours
If you’re planning a group visit, please get in touch to discuss your booking.
We’d like to make sure your visit meets your interests and requirements, so a conversation is always best.
If history or horticulture is your passion, talk to us about the option for a short, guided walk or talk by one of our knowledgeable volunteers.
For groups over 15, we can offer you 15% discount on admission fee, as well as free entry for the tour leader and driver.
Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust, please direct them to our membership page or call 0344 800 1895.
If you’re already ready to book your day, return this form directly to wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk
Educational visits
If you’d like to bring a group of learners to Wentworth Castle Gardens, we recommend that you get in touch to talk through your objectives for your visit.
Schools and education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access pass which gives the whole group a year’s worth of free admission and parking at most National Trust places.
Interested in a workshop?
We work in partnership with Barnsley Schools to deliver a ‘Creative writing & wellbeing workshop’, aimed at Key Stage 2. Pupils will be inspired by the beautiful landscapes and outdoors spaces to develop ideas for poetry writing, whilst also picking up tips on being mindful in nature. All of this can be taken back to the classroom to support pupils’ learning and personal development.
Find out more and make an enquiry via Barnsley Museums’ website.
Interested in a self-led visit?
Many schools have enjoyed their own learning journey round the gardens and parkland. We can support with ideas and resources, if you let us know in advance.
Community group visits
Does your group or organisation work with or in the local community? Do you have a focus on health, well-being, social connection, skills and learning, the creative arts, heritage, or nature and the outdoors?
Through the 'Out & About' Scheme, we invite local groups to come and get to know Wentworth Castle Gardens. Different levels of involvement and commitment are possible.
You will have the option to book the community space and kitchen for your own activities or to explore the site in the company of a National Trust volunteer.
Once you’ve become part of the scheme, admission for groups is free.
See here for more information or drop us a line at wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk to find out more.
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