We love visiting National Trust Properties, especially ones we haven't been to before. So when we were recently in the area we made sure to stop off at Nostell as it had been on our must visit list for years.
Nostell is a Palladian house located in West Yorkshire, dating back to 1733 and it was built for the Winn family which was once the site of a previous monastery. Nostell sits on 300 acres made up of parkland, woodland, huge play area, courtyard and of course the main house.
About our visit
We arrived early afternoon and it wasn't too busy, the main car park is a 5 minute walk away with a long path leading up to the house. If you have a blue badge you can park a little bit closer.
We headed to the house first, the house is set up so you follow the arrows through some of the 100 rooms and each room has something different to look at, including some gorgeous paintings, furniture and décor. The volunteers told us that when they acquired the property, it was pretty much empty so a lot of what you see has been brought in from other houses but it does look like it is all from Nostell, it all fits so well. In the house on our visit we explored some of the rooms and we spotted the 18th century dolls house which was huge! Thomas Moore paintings, Chippendale furniture collection and lots lots more. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to see the kitchen as it wasn't on show, I love looking around a historical kitchen. We spent around 40 minutes in the hall It could have been longer if there were things to read like descriptions for the paintings etc.
After our walk around the hall we then headed to the lovely old courtyard which houses a shop, café, toilets, book shop and more. There are lots of plants to purchase and a seating area inside and out. One of the things I wasn't keen on was how many times we got stopped by staff and had to show our national trust passes again and again. Maybe this is something that could be re-worked so people do not have to this all of the time.
Keep scrolling for more on Nostell
The grounds are vast and there's lots to explore including a huge play area that has a zip line, slides, climbing and more. We didn't go in the play area as the boys think they are a bit old for them these days but it did look like kids could have so much fun.
You can also explore the rose, kitchen and menagerie Gardens which are lovely and there are various walking trails that you can choose to follow. We followed one of the trails that took us around the lakes, its such a pretty place to have a wander and we spotted quite a few birds, butterflies and bunnies. The walk takes you through woodlands which is lovely in the heat providing you with much needed shade (it was warm on our visit)
As always I recommend purchasing the guide book
Good to know
Dogs are only allowed in certain areas so please check out the website for more details.
Café prices are a bit too much so it could be worth taking a picnic
Lots of picnic areas to enjoy
If you are walking around the grounds sturdy footwear is a must
To get upstairs in the hall you have to walk up quite a few steps
Kids play area for most ages
Parking is £5 for non members
Toilets including baby changing rooms in the courtyard
You can enjoy the Wildflower and pollinator trail for May Half Term
Opening times vary so it is best to check online
There's different tickets for non members House OR garden £8 for Adults & £4 for kids
combined ticket £13.20 Adults & £6.60 for kids. It is worth considering purchasing a membership which saves you a fortune if you visit National Trust properties. Even if you do one per month it saves you money.
Getting to Nostell
A638 towards Doncaster
Sat Nav: use WF4 1QE
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