A Magical Day at Beningbrough Hall in York

A Magical Day at Beningbrough Hall in York.

Although I was born in Leeds and we’ve now lived in Leeds for nearly 4 years after many years in London, we are still discovering new happy-making places in this beautiful part of the world for all the family. We appeared to find ourselves in a real-time fairytale (Peter’s photos here are some of my all time favorites yet).

Enter Beningbrough Hall– This National Trust owned baroque Italian Palace created by John Bourchier which is perfectly positioned in glorious Yorkshire between York, Harrogate and Leeds…Embellished with National Portrait loaned pieces, currently featuring the British Royal family in their display ‘Royal: then and now’, exhibitions change and are focused on people who have made and are making British history and culture.

Children are most welcome and made to feel that way too, with dedicated play rooms  and interactive galleries bursting with floor jigsaws, magic mirrors and sculptures adorned with ‘touch me signs’ seamlessly weaving art with play for little people.

Lifts offer easy access to the floors too and staff couldn’t have been more kind, placing our buggy in storage and offering insight into the history of the property and what we could expect.

Our highlight was heading out into the grounds where we discovered a working walled garden so magical, we named it the secret garden, sweeping lawns and the prettiest of play areas enveloped by trees that danced in the last of the afternoon light brimming with wooden horses, slides, swings, climbing frames and even a fort.

I adored the sweet touches of scooters, bicycles and tricycles left in opportune spots along the paths and by the house so little people could scoot along and discover the views, playgrounds and hidden wildlife with ease.

The strong, loving bond between my sons has never been more evident. It makes my heart melt.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect.

The boys even picked up these squiggly worms for pennies in the gift shop!

We paid £15.95 for a family ticket, the price for entry to the whole property in winter.

A romantic, captivating palace, accessible and child-friendly, our time there was utterly uplifting and fun. We left feeling soothed somehow, the effect of the Italian inspired mansion had swept over us, the fresh air was invigorating and we simply can’t wait to return.

Linking up to Coombe Mill‘s Country Kids.