Parkland explorer walk (green route)
Put on your walking boots and discover historic monuments, woodland and a herd of deer in Stainborough park. This green route guides you the other way round the original pink trail.
Map
Start:
The parkland entrance gate near to the HaHa bridge
1
Standing with the Palladian wing (pillared front) of the house directly behind you, enter the parkland through the wooden gate (noting the sign about dogs on leads and the free roaming deer and livestock). Walk straight ahead down The Great South Avenue following the green arrow. You might be able to see the deer behind the fence on your left.
The Great South Avenue
Lined with Beech and Oak trees, this was the former principal approach from the south, dating back to 1771. The driveway is no longer visible.
2
As you approach the marker post at the bottom of the avenue, bear right towards the small wooden gate at the edge of Broom Royd Wood.
Broom Royd Wood
The original wood was blighted by open-cast mining. However, in 2006-7 thousands of trees were re-planted and the woods are now home to a wide variety of species of birds, animals and wild flowers.
3
Go through the gate and take the right-hand woodland path towards the Duke of Argyll monument as indicated by the wooden signpost.
Duke of Argyll
The Argyll Column was built in 1744 by William Wentworth as a monument to his father-in-law, the 2nd Duke of Argyll.
4
Retrace your steps and go back through the small wooden gate and up the slope, following the fence on your right. Go through the metal gate into the deer park, signed with a green arrow.
5
Keep following the path with the woods on your right, past the wooden seat with the green arrow. Notice the dens that have been built in the woods. As you come to the next marker, turn right and head up to the Rotunda. A perfect place for a picnic.
The Rotunda
The Wentworth family added many features to ‘improve’ their estate, including this 1746 building in the style of a Roman temple.
6
Retrace your steps back down the path and then turn right at the green arrow, keeping the trees on your right. Look out for the great views of the house across the park, often with deer in the foreground.
From Stainborough Hall to Wentworth Castle
Originally called Stainborough Hall, the house was renamed Wentworth Castle after being bought and extended by Thomas Wentworth in 1708.
7
Follow the path round to the right, following the edge of the woods, towards the Serpentine River.
8
The path bends to the left alongside the Serpentine River on your right.
The Serpentine
The Wentworths created this water feature to resemble a long and winding river, although it is much less impressive today than it would have been in the 18th century.
9
You will come to a green gate and information board at the bottom of the hill. Turn left here, following the green arrow.
10
Walk up the hill, between the many oak trees, to the green metal gate.
End:
The parkland entrance by the Long Barn Café. Take a break and enjoy some refreshment back at the Long Barn Café, which serves a selection of snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks.
