I’ve been a bit offline for a couple of months but there has still been a lot going on to write about. I’m now going to play catch up with the posts particularly because we have had some great family days out worth writing about.
The first of these is about Newby Hall – it’s a stately home near Ripon, with extensive grounds, its own garden centre and farm shop – not to mention the miniature railway. I have fond memories of visiting as a child but it’s not somewhere that I’ve heard people mention very often in and around Leeds. It certainly is worth a day trip and only takes about 45 minutes by car.
The things I love about it are it’s grounds – the hall is lovely but the outside space really is fantastic. There is a bit of the old landscaped gardening going on, but much of it is like being in an enchanted woodland. If anyone read the ‘Emma & Grandpa’ books as a child, it is like walking through those woods of bluebells and daffodils. You feel like you can get lost exploring paths and stumbling across hidden benches and gazebos far from the crowds.
When you need to rest your weary legs you can hop on the miniature railway that snakes through the woods and lets you see things from a different point of view. Children & adults love it and people stop to wave every time a train goes past. Millie became frantic every time she heard the whistle and waved until her arm nearly dropped off. A true railway enthusiast from a young age!
For the kids there is also a great adventure playground with forts and swingboats, rope bridges and tyre swings. For the adults, there is a craftily placed ice cream stall nearby to tempt you while little people wear themselves out!
We went for Mother’s day and the atmosphere was fantastic, with families enjoying the fresh air. It costs £8.70 per adult for the gardens and under 4s are free. There is a very decent enclosed picnic area with loads of benches and masses of grass to park you blanket on, so you can keep the cost down and avoid the cafe if you’re on a budget.
If you enjoy getting out and about with the family but are a bit sick of Harewood House & Castle Howard, I’d highly recommend you give Newby Hall a try. Hope you have fun!
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