If there’s something else you can rely on, it’s the National Trust to offer a great day out for all ages of the family, grandparents too. With membership to the national charity, we’re spoiled for choice of places on our doorstep with free entry, from the Yorkshire coast to popular Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks.
A firm favourite for us is Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, nestled in the countryside between York and Harrogate, it is a perfect place to meet up for us.
The house is currently closed as they’re working to keep it standing for another 300 years, but, especially with Mr Mumbler being a keen gardener, it’s the gardens we love to explore. Along with their everyday offer, there’s always something new in the school holidays and this Easter is no exception. If you want to see a reel of our day, head over the the York or Harrogate Mumbler account on Instagram, and see more details below…
Easter at Beningbrough
The Easter adventures in nature is a new trail unique to each National Trust place. Pick up a trail pack as you arrive for £3 per participant, complete with a map and pencil and head off in search of 10 nature challenges. Peek around a pond, dream of home like a queen bee and spot spring colours as they burst into life are just some of the activities you can experience in the gardens at Beningbrough. And the magic words everyone wants to hear at Easter, there’s a chocolate reward at the end.
It’s worth keeping an eye on their ‘what’s on’ section of the website for additional activities, led by one of the team and a great way to get involved around the garden. This easter there’s helping a plant to grow, literally sowing their vegetable crops with the gardeners. Or making a paper pot and sowing sunflowers to take home and nurture.
Play Area
Although smaller than some, their play area, set to one end of the garden hidden in among trees is a good option to let any remaining energy work off. There are clamber stacks for little legs and the more adventurous, a multitude of swings – the large bucket pendulum is a group favourite. For more natural place there’s an area set up with frames to help start off the beginnings of a den, the rest is up you to complete.
If you’ve not been before or for a while, it’s good to know the essential toilet and drinks points. Along with the restaurant there’s a relatively new additional outlet for drinks and snacks close to the play area, and a toilet next door.
If you’re not a National Trust member, Beningbrough also welcome RHS members and those with Yorkshire’s Great Houses, Castles and Garden passes. Otherwise, a family tickets starts at £18 with one adult and £30 with two. As under fives are free and adult tickets start at £12.
Plan your Beningbrough visit, at Easter or any other time, on their website: Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens | National Trust or their social media channels are FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM