National Trust

Cragside National Trust Review For Families

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Cragside National Trust

Place at a glance

Visit length Half day – Full day
Accessibility Main routes buggy-friendly; some steep/stepped sections elsewhere
Cost NT members free; standard admission for non-members
Dog friendly Dogs on leads in grounds (check house access)
Facilities
  • Car parks · Toilets · Café
  • Play/nature areas & waymarked trails
  • Picnic spots around lakes/woodland
Top things to do
  • Explore the house (hydroelectric heritage)
  • Rock Garden, Pinetum & Nelly’s Moss lakes
  • Carriage Drive viewpoints & The Labyrinth

Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Cragside offers a perfect blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.

We visited Cragside in the February half term when on a short break to Northumberland. It’s a part of the country we love due to its expansive open land and beautiful scenery. Cragside didn’t disappoint on this.

With gardens, stately home, lakes, play parks and much more you could easily spend a couple of days exploring this National Trust location. Unfortunately, we only had a couple of hours but still managed to cram plenty into the trip. 

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Nostell Priory National Trust Review For Families

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Place at a glance

Visit lengthHalf day – Full day
AccessibilityMain routes buggy-friendly; some woodland/garden paths uneven
CostNT members free; admission applies for non-members
Dog friendlyDogs on leads in parkland; house/gardens have restrictions
Facilities
  • Courtyard café · Toilets & baby changing
  • Shop · Bike racks · Play area
  • Formal gardens & parkland trails
Top things to do
  • Explore the house & collections
  • Walled/rose gardens
  • Adventure play & parkland walks

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. 

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Fountains Abbey National Trust Review

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Place at a glance

Visit length Half day – Full day
Accessibility Main routes pushchair-friendly; some uneven/steeper historic areas
Cost NT members free; admission applies for non-members
Dog friendly Dogs on short leads in parkland & gardens (check seasonal restrictions)
Facilities
  • Visitor Centre · Toilets & baby changing
  • Multiple cafés · Picnic areas
  • Gift shop · Parking
Top things to do
  • Explore the abbey ruins
  • Studley Royal Water Garden
  • Deer park & viewpoints
  • Adventure play & family trails

Are you looking for an exciting, family-friendly destination to explore? Fountains Abbey National Trust is the perfect spot! With a range of activities for families to enjoy, Fountains Abbey offers a unique combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures.

Fountains Abbey is a National Trust property located in North Yorkshire, England. The National Trust manages this historic site and features a Cistercian abbey, a water garden, and a deer park, all set within beautiful countryside.

This article will review Fountains Abbey National Trust for families, including the abbey’s history, things to do, family activities, facilities, and additional tips and recommendations.

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Clumber Park National Trust Review

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Place at a glance

Visit lengthHalf day – Full day
AccessibilityWide, mostly level paths; estate distances can be long
CostMembers free; admission/parking for non-members
Dog friendlyDogs welcome on leads
Facilities
  • Multiple cafés/food kiosks
  • Toilets & baby changing
  • Visitor info · Picnic spots
Top things to do
  • Lake circuit & woodlands
  • Walled Kitchen Garden & glasshouse
  • Chapel · Play areas · Cycle trails

As a family, we are regular visitors to the National Trust aspect of Clumber Park (we’ve been 4 times). Shamefully we are yet to do the dedicated cycle paths within the National Trust site (I know it’s one of the main attractions) however Clumber Park has much to offer.

Clumber Park is actually over 3,800 acres in total, including woods, open heath and rolling farmland. It contains the longest double avenue of lime trees in Europe.

Many don’t make it as far as the National Trust site itself and enjoy the country walks and options available outside of the trust entrance. It’s a huge expanse of space and can be enjoyed by members and non-members alike.

The National Trust site includes a wide range of things to do for families including a play park, cafe, picnic areas, lake walks and of course cycle tracks. It’s a great day out and well worth your yearly membership.

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East Riddlesden Hall National Trust Review

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East Riddlesden Hall For Families

Place at a glance

Visit length2–3 hours
AccessibilityCompact site; paths generally good; historic interiors
CostMembers free; day tickets for non-members
Dog friendlyDogs on leads in grounds (not in house/play areas)
Facilities
  • Tea room · Toilets · Baby changing
  • Shop · Plant shop · Free parking
Top things to do
  • Great Barn & gardens
  • House rooms & exhibits
  • Children’s discovery/play area

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, East Riddlesden Hall, a National Trust property, offers a delightful escape for families seeking a day filled with history, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty. Managed by the National Trust, this picturesque estate offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a hidden oasis on the edge of Keighley, promising a blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a range of family-friendly activities that make it a memorable day out for young families.

As we arrived in March, we took a leisurely stroll around the grounds surrounding the hall. Despite the early spring weather, the proximity of the hall to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal provided a picturesque setting. The kids loved taking in the scenic views, and we were struck by the tranquillity of the area.

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Brimham Rocks National Trust Review

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Brimham Rocks For Families

Place at a glance

Visit length2–4 hours
AccessibilityUneven terrain around rocks; some easier waymarked paths
CostMembers free; charges for non-members/parking
Dog friendlyDogs on leads welcome
Facilities
  • Café kiosk · Toilets
  • Picnic spots · Visitor info
Top things to do
  • Scramble unique rock formations
  • Panoramic viewpoints
  • Waymarked trails & family activities

Brimham Rocks is located in the heart of the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, nestled within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a fantastic spot for families looking for a blend of adventure and natural splendour, providing both peaceful surroundings and a plethora of activities to engage little explorers. Our children Matilda and Barney loved venturing around Brimham Rocks but if you have kids under the age of 5 it can be challenging to tempt them away from some of the climbing.

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Hardcastle Crags National Trust Review

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Hardcastle Crags

Place at a glance

Visit length2–4 hours
AccessibilityValley setting; riverside paths can be rocky/rooty and slippery when wet
CostFree to visit; check parking/events
Dog friendlyDogs on leads; very popular with walkers
Facilities
  • Weaving Shed Café (Gibson Mill)
  • Toilets at Gibson Mill & Midgehole
  • Waymarked trails · Picnic spots
Top things to do
  • Woodland & riverside walks
  • Gibson Mill heritage
  • Waterfalls & stepping stones

Hardcastle Crags, located in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, is a hidden gem for families seeking a wholesome outdoor experience. With over 160 hectares of unspoilt woodland and riverside trails, it offers a breathtaking escape into nature’s embrace. 

The crags are a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. But there’s more to Hardcastle Crags than just its beauty. Looked after by the National Trust, this special place has something for everyone. It holds intriguing history, interactive displays for some hands-on fun, and plenty of opportunities to make wonderful memories.

Upon arriving at Hardcastle Crags, we were immediately struck by the beauty of its natural surroundings. The dense woodland, rolling hills, and the soothing sound of water trickling down the Crags all create a tranquil atmosphere that invites families to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a bird-watching enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the outdoors, this place has something for everyone.

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Sizergh National Trust Review

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Sizergh National Trust

Place at a glance

Visit length2–4 hours
AccessibilityMixed gradients & some uneven paths; historic interiors
CostMembers free; day tickets for non-members
Dog friendlyDogs welcome (lead rules/seasonal restrictions apply)
Facilities
  • Café · Toilets & baby changing · Shop
  • Trails & nature play (Wild/Scallop trails)
Top things to do
  • Historic house & gardens
  • Family nature trails
  • Woodland & estate walks

As a parent with two energetic kids, Barney and Matilda, I’m always on the lookout for family-friendly attractions that offer a perfect blend of fun, education, and natural beauty.  Sizergh ticked all the boxes and exceeded our expectations! 

Our recent pleasure of visiting Sizergh National Trust, left us with wonderful memories and a longing to return. Just a short distance from Kendal, this enchanting destination offers a countryside charm that is truly captivating. With its breathtaking countryside charm, a captivating mediaeval house, and gardens, creates the perfect backdrop for an enchanting day out for the families.

In this review, I’ll take you on our adventure at Sizergh and share why it’s an absolute must-visit for families seeking a memorable day out.

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Beningbrough Hall National Trust Review

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Beningbrough Hall National Trust Review

Place at a glance

Visit length2–4 hours
AccessibilityAccessible garden paths; historic house has limited step-free areas
CostMembers free; day tickets for non-members
Dog friendlyDogs on leads in parkland; check garden/house rules
Facilities
  • Restaurant/tea room · Toilets & baby changing
  • Shop · Wilderness play area
Top things to do
  • Walled garden & seasonal trails
  • Art/portrait exhibits
  • Play area & family activities

Beningbrough Hall is like a hidden treasure tucked away in the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire, England. It’s the perfect spot to escape from the crazy hustle and bustle of everyday life. This place has such an amazing history, loads of cool stuff to do, and facilities that are totally family-friendly. When you visit Beningbrough Hall, get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with cherished memories alongside your loved ones!”

As you approach the Baroque mansion, you’ll be greeted by picturesque gardens and parkland, offering a peaceful and refreshing escape from bustling city life. Whether you’re interested in learning about the past, having some fun, or just enjoying some quality time with your family, this place has got you covered. So, let’s explore all the exciting things this historic site has to offer!

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Ormesby Hall National Trust Review

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Ormesby Hall is located in the picturesque village of Ormesby just outside the bustling city of Middlesbrough in northeast England, is a charming destination our family always enjoys visiting. The perfect balance of history and nature, Ormesby Hall offers us a unique escape, and it has become a favourite for creating cherished family memories.

As you enter the estate, you’ll be greeted by the stunning Georgian mansion, which was built in the 18th century and has been beautifully preserved. The architecture alone is enough to take your breath away, but that’s just the beginning of what Ormesby Hall has to offer. The estate has a remarkable collection of art and antiques that are displayed throughout the mansion, adding to its charm and appeal.

As someone with a keen interest in history and nature, I find Ormesby Hall a constant attraction for me and my family. It is a place where rich history, fascinating stories, and diverse activities coexist, making every visit meaningful. Barney and Matilda’s eyes light up with excitement every time we arrive and step into the lush green surroundings, knowing that delightful experiences await them.

Join me as I guide you through this delightful estate, where an adventure is always just around the corner for you and your family.

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