We have been National Trust members for years now and thoroughly enjoy visiting the collection of properties they have. Out of the ones we have been to so far, Nunnington Hall is one of my favourites, particularly the gardens. I just love walking through the vast amount of plants and flowers and exploring.
The hall has passed through many hands during it's time in 1362 the Grene Family purchased the estate and in 1512 Sir Thomas Parr and Maud Grene became the owners. Sir Thomas and Maud were the parents to Catherine Parr, who later in 1543 married King Henry VIII. Skipping a few years of amazing history (you can read all about it in the guide book) the hall was left to the National Trust in 1952 when Margaret Fife passed away.
What can you do at Nunnington Hall?
Wander through the dreamy gardens and admire the beautiful plants. You can enjoy an array of wildflowers here and you can also watch some fab insect houses on the wall. As you make your way through the gardens you can wander through the orchard. This was the only thing that was a bit disappointing because when the boys were little they used to have a wishing tree that you could tie a ribbon onto this looks like it has gone. You then make your way through to the "allotment" which is growing some fantastic seasonal veggies and some delicious looking Rhubarb. We came into contact with a Peacock who let us take some photos and then chased us which was a laugh watching the boys trying to get away.
In the growing section of the garden you will find a small shed which has been set up to sell second hand gardening books.
As you follow the path round you are met by a rather large Bug House/Bee house/Birds nests it is huge, and some hedgehog houses too. We love to look and see what we can see hiding away in the bug houses although we don't mess and touch because we wouldn't want to disturb any critters. (Especially not spiders!)
You then come to a lovely quaint play area with some climbing frames, rope walk and stepping stones. We also spotted a few bee hives which are well out of the publics way and a horse sculpture.
After we were finished taking loads of photos in the gardens we headed for the house. There was a wait to get in, not because of the amount of people (only a few others about) but they have some Covid guidelines in place which only allows so many people in a room at the same time I totally understand this but further through in the room with the Greyson Perry tapestry there was quite a few people in at the same time so we waited for a few minutes before we entered. I feel staff need to be consistent with the numbers or it is just going to end up causing arguments with people.
In the house you can see a variety of furniture from different time periods along with a wildlife exhibition in the attic which was great. When you first enter the house, the first room has a cylindrical display about Rhinos and conservation.
For some reason they have turned what was the shop into an empty space really, we were told by a member of staff the shop won't be returning because it doesn't make enough profit. I though this was a bit of a shame to be honest, other then the café there no other way for them to make money plus the shop was always popular and busy when we have been in the past.
Speaking of the café, we have ate here once years ago and it was ok. The main issue was the peacocks snatching food from the hands of the kids. Obviously not the fault of the peacocks but it is something people need to think about before you feed them from the café tables.
We now take our own food instead and eat somewhere else.
I will let you make your own mind up about the prices..... Menu from the day we visited.
There is a bridge on the way in from the car park which is perfect for playing pooh sticks, however at the minute you are not allowed to play pooh sticks or pass anyone on the bridge due to Covid restrictions.
Important info
Booking is necessary check out the National Trust website for further info
I would suggest booking a few days in advance
Face masks for the indoor areas are a must
Toilets are inside the house along with changing facilities
Pushchair friendly
Café with outdoor seating (be careful if the peacocks are there)
No shop, just the kiosk at the entrance in the car park.
Play area
Plenty of parking available
Opening times
10.30-3.30 Hall
10-5 Carpark
10-5 Garden
10.30-3.30 Café
I recommend buying the Guide book if they have one on sale anywhere. We didn't see any but already have one from a previous visit. The little kiosk on the way in may have some for sale.
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