Nostell Priory is a Palladian house located in Nostell, near Crofton, close to Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, approached by the road to Doncaster from Wakefield. It dates from 1733 and was built for the Winn family on the site of a medieval priory.
Now looked after by the National Trust it’s approximately 6 miles from the city centre. From our home in Sandal, it’s a merely 15-minute drive and is a regular on our visit list.
It is nestled in the small village of Wragby and can be found via Sat Nav at the following address or postcode. Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield WF4 1QE.
We are lucky that we can cycle directly from our home to Nostell Priory via mostly off-road cycle routes. We reviewed this route here but this article will focus on the National Trust itself.
Nostell Priory is over 300 acres of parkland and woodland. With a beautiful cafe, shop, play park and of course the main house it’s a fantastic place to visit with the family.
Where is Nostell Priory located?
Nostell Priory is located just 6 miles from the centre of Wakefield in the beautiful countryside of Nostell, Wragby.
Nostell has a vast car park as you enter the grounds which will comfortably accommodate all visitors. The car park is £5 for non-members but free for those who are members.
The National trust website details the ways you can reach Nostell Priory by varying transportation methods.
If coming via car use the following postcode for your sat nav. Sat Nav: use WF4 1QE
What is there to do?
Like all National trusts. Nostell Priory has an abundance of things to do for those of all age categories. As this is a family blog we focus on things to do with kids. If you arrive with the Kids it’s a 5-minute walk from the car park to the activities. There are also numerous trails spanning from the Car Park which can be enjoyed too.
Cycle paths:
Nostell has recently introduced family-friendly cycle paths which snake through the wooded area. These are dedicated cycle paths (although there are typically walkers too) and are great for children of all ability levels.
There are two trails which are both 1km in length meaning even if your child is a beginner cyclist they should be able to make it around without issues. They can take as long as they like.
Although the trails are short we enjoy cycling through the forest area and it’s a great introduction to cycling for many.
Treasure house:
Perhaps the main event for many but one you tread easy as a parent of young children 😀
Created an ambitious statement by the Winn family in the 18th century, the house showcases interiors by Robert Adam, a world-class Thomas Chippendale collection, a rare 18th-century dolls’ house, an exquisite painting by Sir Thomas More, one of the first longcase clocks made by the famous inventor, John Harrison and the intricately decorated Hongs punch bowl.
The house is a wonder and well worth exploring. We went over the Christmas period and our children (6 & 2) really enjoyed walking around the rooms and exploring. There are huge fireplaces, beautiful artwork and furniture throughout.
Gardens & Playground:
Surrounding the Treasure House are the beautiful gardens and Playground for the kids to enjoy. For non-members to visit the House and Gardens it’s punchy at £30 for the family however members get this as part of the overall membership.
The Gardens are beautiful as you would expect from a National Trust managed property. There are Rose gardens, a kitchen garden and a menagerie garden.
The Playground is also brilliant too. It’s naturally built into a wooded area and includes a fantastic 30-metre zip wire. There are also slides, bridges and other activities for children of all ages. Both our children really enjoy the Playground at Nostell.
Parkland:
The Parkland surrounding Nostell is vast; with 300 acres of mature woodland to discover and enjoy. There are numerous walking routes around and can be enjoyed depending upon your ability level.
For those with walking aids the primary path is of good surface and can take you down to the small lake area.
Facilities:
Nostell Priory has excellent facilities in the shape of a Courtyard area which is close to the main entrance. Here you will find the Cafe, second-hand bookstore, shop, toilets, bike racks and seating. Some seating is reserved for cafe users however there is plenty available for those who have brought a picnic or a flask.
We really love the Courtyard area. It has a great feel to it and we always end up buying the kids an ice cream (it doesn’t matter what season we are in!).
Would you recommend it?
For those who haven’t visited we highly recommend Nostell Priory. It’s an enjoyable day out for the entire family. With parkland, play areas, house visits and much more it is sure to keep you entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cafe?:
Yes. The cafe is within the courtyard area. It’s typically well stocked and has both inside and outside seating areas.
What is your favourite part?:
The variety. I love that you can cycle, walk, visit the house, the play park and best of all it’s all part of the membership cost. This is incredible value vs the day cost and if living locally means you can visit frequently. We tend to go for a couple of hours at a time as with the membership we can get our money’s worth across days vs a specific day.
Is it suitable for Dog walkers?
Yes. There’s a dog-specific area too at Nostell. They ask that within the busy areas the dog is kept on a short lead at all times but are free to roam the Parkland without restrictions.
How much is it?
Free to park and visit the house/gardens if a National Trust member. For Non-members, it is actually incredibly expensive. It’s £5 to park the car as well as the following ticket prices for those wanting to visit the House and gardens.
A family would have to pay £30 to visit the house and gardens as well as the parking cost. This feels expensive. It’s not mandatory however to visit the house and gardens however the Play area is within the Gardens area and not available if you don’t pay (cheeky I know).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great play park
- Beautiful house and gardens
- Lovely views and varying walks
Cons
- Expensive cafe
- Expensive for non-members
National Trust enjoyment rating
Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.