Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens

Beningbrough, on the outskirts of Harrogate, with its eight acres of gardens and art gallery in the hall, is a real treat to enjoy all year round.

Coronavirus update: the gardens, restaurant for takeaway drinks, play area, parkland and toilets are open for the local community to exercise in. The hall, galleries and shop remain closed. 

You will need to book your visit in advance via the What’s On section of  the website to guarantee admission. You may be turned away if you arrive without a booking.

Please follow the latest government guidance on travel and exercise during the current lockdown in England. 

Pre-book tickets via the website by 3pm the day before you wish to visit to avoid disappointment.

Outside, you can explore the beautifully arranged formal gardens, several herbaceous borders, less formal areas managed for wildlife as well as sweeping lawns. There are many perfect spots for a picnic and visitors return time after time to watch the seasons changing when different plants are at their best. 

Picture postcard views can be seen from the garden and the 370 acres of parkland offers opportunities to explore riverside walks, ancient trees and hidden wildlife on walks from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

For garden lovers

The garden is experiencing something of a renaissance with designs by RHS Gold Award winner Andy Sturgeon slowly taking shape. The year starts with 300,000 spring bulbs along the ha-ha walk. The blossom of the fruit trees in the walled garden comes next and the newest addition, the Pergola adds to the summer borders. 

For historians

With a diverse history of prosperity and loss, ranging from the dreams of a wealthy teenager, to tenants paying just £1 a week, Beningbrough is a place of reinvention. Find out more about the different owners through its 300 year history  and how the estate has changed from centuries long before. The historic showrooms in the hall are currently closed so access to these stories are through the website or chat to one of the team when you visit the galleries.

For art lovers

The collection inside the house includes changing exhibitions of artwork from a number of artists and partners, as well as intricate craftsmanship on the wood carving, plasterwork and wrought-iron work visible as you wander. Extended until 31 October 2021, the current exhibition, In the moment: the art of wellbeing was created in partnership with the Arts Council Collection. Explore sculpture, print, paintings, photography and dance from artists including L.S Lowry, Tracey Emin and Marc Chagall.

For families

The wilderness play area is perfect for children to let off steam; popular activities include building a den, swinging high on the cantilever swing, balancing on the clamberstack or sailing off in the boat. Take yourself on an adventure and tick off some of the '50 things to do before you're 11 3/4' playlist. 

During the school holidays there are often trails and activities for a full day out, these are updated on the website and social media.

Eating and shopping

The walled garden restaurant serves morning coffee, afternoon tea and hot lunches made from seasonal home grown and locally sourced produce as well as children's lunch boxes with sandwiches, snacks, drinks and fruit.

The brew house close to the children's play area is open on busy days and serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes and ice creams and offers a dog friendly place to stop for a pause and grab your takeaway.

The stables shop has an extensive home and garden range with the local ranges from Yorkshire businesses and others inspired by places in the care of the National Trust.

Useful Information:

• Lift access available for the galleries. • Toilets including accessible and baby change are open behind the brew house • Payment is by card only • Electric scooters (for outdoor use only) available to borrow - pre-book to ensure available • Dogs on leads are welcome in selected parts of the garden and in the parkland See other National Trust properties around the Harrogate District.