In God’s acres we Trust!
From Nunnington Hall to Nostell Priory, Sue Wilkinson looks at low-cost events for families at treasured properties across the county.
There’s great value family fun to be had this summer at National Trust houses, breathtaking landscapes and a world heritage site in God’s Own County.
The charity that helps protect and care for many of the UK’s best-loved places says there are lots of low-cost ways to enjoy them.
Fay Bland from the National Trust said: “We care for more than 500 places nationally, which means many are on people’s doorsteps".
Continued Fay: "Nostell, near Wakefield, is a good example of that, and easy to get to by bus and train.
"People can soon be here, enjoying a full day of adventure and fun.”
The Trust has picnic spots as an option for eating out.
The charity also says that, by becoming a member, after a few visits people will have covered the cost of membership.
Benefits include free parking at their car parks and entry to their properties is free.
There’s no charge for under-fives and families with under-18s can make unlimited visits from £6.95 a month.
These are places the Trust cares for in Yorkshire …
Rievaulx Terrace, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Nunnington Hall, Treasurer’s House, Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, Goddards Garden, East Riddlesden Hall, Nostell, Wentworth Castle Gardens.
There are also coast and countryside sites Roseberry Topping, Brimham Rocks, Marsden Moor, Hardcastle Crags. Additionally, there are
parts of North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Here families can explore an ancient abbey, the largest Cistercian ruin in Europe, and an awe-inspiring water garden.
Be a nature detective by using leafy clues to name trees on the mini tree sleuth trail until August 16.
Create your own leaf spotter sheet at crafts sessions from August 15 to 21.
On August 17 join a nature expert for "did-you-knows?" about trees and wildlife.
Craft a butterfly coaster from August 22 to Sunday September 4 and don’t forget to follow "Find the Faces" trail, part of a new exhibition by photographer Joe Cornish. Beningbrough Hall, Gallery
and Gardens
An Italian-inspired hall, surrounded by eight acres of formal gardens and walled kitchen garden.
The hall is closed this year for conservation work but there’s an invitation to pack up your picnic and enjoy the great outdoors.
Choose from sessions on what lives in a tree? on August, 16 and 30 to why do bees buzz? on August 23.
Take the butterfly spotter challenge every Wednesday in August.
Hear about the terrific tansy beetles on August 11 and August 25. There’s outdoor storytelling on August 29.
Georgian mansion in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland.
Outside, families can picnic on lawns and try out free sports equipment on Thursdays
Nostell Priory
and Fridays. Or explore shady paths and woodland trails on foot or by bike.
Jump, swing and slide in the popular adventure play area that includes 30 metrelong zip wire.
Every Wednesday Wakefield District Cycle Forum provides help on all things bike-related.
Play archive inspired activities on the main lawn. Inside, there's a new art exhibition Creatures of Curiosity focusing on local folklore.
Add scales to the Nunnington dragon as it coils around the attic, discover stories of Kirkdale caves and fossils of creatures that lived there during the Ice Age.
Meet architect Walter Brierley, who 100 years ago made the family home it is today.
East Riddlesden Hall
Nunnington Hall
Step 400 years back in time to the home of a 17th-century cloth merchant.
Try the new Trim Trail, visit the wild play area and find Discovery Garden with a hobbit house and storytelling chair.
Tick off some of the 50 things to do before you’re 11¾.
Make mud pies (No. 13), wild art (No. 18) and build a den (No. 4).
On lower fields, make friends with insects in the bug hotel (No. 31) and walk on a welly wander (No. 6).
There’s also a self-led 50 things around the garden with lawn games.
Plus free family-friendly yoga sessions every Tuesday.
For bookings and plus cafés details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/ school-holidays-in-yorkshire site.