Brodsworth Hall English Heritage Review For Families

Located close to Doncaster, Brodsworth Hall is a fantastic place to visit as a family if you are in West/South Yorkshire.

Managed by English Heritage, this Victorian country house is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, making it a wonderful spot for a family adventure. With its expansive grounds, play park, picnic spots, and café, Brodsworth Hall offers something for visitors of all ages. 

If you’re like us, you’re always on the lookout for family-friendly destinations where your kids can burn off energy in a safe and positive environment then Brodsworth is a good addition to your weekend fun. It’s become one of our favourite places as it just feels so safe and easy to let your kids roam and have fun.

We’ve written a little more below about the history of Brodsworth Hall, what there is to do and some pros and cons (there aren’t many cons that’s for sure).

Where is Brodsworth Hall Located?

Brodsworth Hall is located near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, approximately a 15-minute drive from the town centre. It’s easily accessible from the A1 and well-signposted, making it simple to find. Brodsworth Hall offers free parking and it’s never too busy meaning it’s a really nice experience all around.

History Of Brodsworth Hall

Brodsworth Hall is a snapshot of Victorian life, with much of the house remaining as it was when it was originally built in the 1860s. Commissioned by Charles Sabine Augustus Thellusson, the hall became a grand home for his family. What makes it unique is that after generations of Thellusson family occupation, it fell into decline, only to be restored by English Heritage in the 1990s. The hall has been kept in a “conserved as found” state, meaning it retains much of its original charm while giving visitors a real sense of history.

As you wander through the house, you’ll discover rooms filled with period furniture, paintings, and personal items, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of a Victorian family.

What is There to Do For Families?

Bolsover Castle offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages. Let us take you through some of our favourite experiences

The Gardens:

The stunning gardens are the star of the show at Brodsworth Hall. They’re perfect for little explorers, offering vast, open spaces where kids can run around freely without restrictions. As parents what we find liberating about English Heritage/National Trust locations is that the children are free to roam without busy roads, litter, pavement parking and cars making things difficult. They feel like unspoilt places of Britain’s past and we like the freedom they offer.

For us, the gardens are one of the main attractions for the reasons stated above. We can admire the beautiful flowers and attention to detail but ultimately it’s the freedom they offer.

The Play Park:

Located near the café and picnic area, the play park is a hit with young families. It’s a smaller play area compared to some of the National Trust sites we have been to however our children seem to love it! One particular feature I like is that it’s all essentially wooden meaning it fits in nicely with the surroundings.

It just feels ‘natural’ and there is enough for the children to do while not all-consuming so they are happy to move on to the next activity.

Exploring the House:

Although the house may not be the first thing that springs to mind for young children, our children actually really enjoy exploring the traditional houses. We tend to last around 15-20 minutes and wouldn’t be able to occupy their minds for a guided tour

The house is an educational experience, and there are often interactive elements to engage young minds. It’s a relic of times gone by and it’s something we are keen to educate the kids on.

Seasonal Events:

Brodsworth Hall hosts a range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from garden tours to children’s activities during school holidays. Check their website for details before you visit—it’s always a bonus when there’s an event that can add to your day out.

We’ve been on several occasions in school holidays and enjoyed an archaeological dig event amongst others. It’s incredibly fun and adds to the experience.

Facilities at Brodsworth Hall

To ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable, Bolsover Castle provides a range of facilities for families. Here are some of the amenities available:

Parking

Free parking is available, with accessible spaces for families with young children or those with mobility needs.

Cafe

The café offers a selection of tasty treats, from sandwiches to cakes and, of course, ice cream! It’s a great stop for families who enjoy indulging in a little something sweet after a morning of exploring. We tend to picnic and then buy ice cream so we can’t comment on the quality of the food. The cafe does always seem busy though!

Picnic Areas

There are plenty of picnic spots throughout the gardens. We love bringing a packed lunch and setting up on one of the wide-open lawns. You are also free to use the benches outside the cafe area as the English Heritage is quite chilled when it comes to picnics.

Toilets & Baby Changing

Clean, well-maintained toilets and baby-changing facilities are available, which is always a big plus when you’re out with young children.

Areas for Improvement

As much as we love Brodsworth Hall, there are a few things that could make it even better for families:

Indoor Children’s Activities

On rainy days, more indoor activities for children would be great. While the house is educational, it’s not enough to keep younger kids like Barney entertained for long. I would recommend an additional educational area for kids or some garden games under a shelter for rainy days. We get a lot of these in the UK!

Accessibility for prams:

The gardens are lovely but not entirely pram-friendly, with some gravel paths making it a bit tricky for families with younger kids in pushchairs. This is less of a criticism but more of something to be mindful of for families. I would recommend a sling or backpack carrier instead.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! Brodsworth Hall is a fantastic spot for a family day out, particularly if you’re looking for a mix of outdoor play, a bit of history, and safe strolling without the worries of cars. It’s the perfect place for kids can roam freely and explore. It’s just ‘really nice’ and there’s nothing more to add than saying you will enjoy the visit 🙂 The pictures certainly help sell how great it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café on-site?

Yes, Bolsover Castle boasts a lovely cafe where you can enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks. The prices are reasonable, and the ambience is perfect for a relaxed meal or snack.

Is Brodsworth Hall suitable for young children?

Yes! The gardens provide plenty of space for children to run around and a play park for younger visitors.

Are dogs allowed at Brodsworth Hall?

Dogs are not allowed on site due to the gardens being listed. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Can we bring our bikes?

Although bikes are not allowed inside Brodsworth Hall and its grounds you are more than welcome to cycle to Brodsworth Hall via bike and use the bike parking provided.

Can you bring a picnic to Brodsworth Hall?

Yes, there are designated picnic areas throughout the grounds, making it a great spot for families who love outdoor dining.

Pros & Cons

English Heritage enjoyment rating

Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Ryan