Enjoy a wonderful day out at Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens, near Bridlington, Yorkshire. Get the lowdown on fun days out in the UK with the 'Unofficial Guide'. We love this unusual little spot....
Burton Agnes House and Gardens is one of our favourite days out in the UK. It's great for a fun-filled, relaxing day - especially good, as we can take the dog!
We met up there with friends recently for my birthday - together with 3 greyhounds! We were lucky with the weather, and had a fantastic day.
Burton Agnes Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan house, with really lovely and interesting gardens - great for wandering around and exploring, or just relaxing.
Visiting Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens
As you drive up to the house, park in the car park on the left. There are pleasant picnic areas here to use, if you have brought your own picnic with you (we often do).
Walk up to the house, through the gatehouse opposite, past the massive dark yew hedges, passing the artist in residence on the right. You pay for your visit inside the house.
You can choose to visit the house and grounds, or grounds only. Access to the restaurant and shops are free.
Admission prices at our last visit (Summer 2009)
Adults: House and Garden: £7 (OAP: £6.50)
Gardens only: £4 (OAP: £3.50)
Children: House and Garden: £3.50
Gardens only: £2.50
Inside the House
Unless you have a dog with you, do take time to take the tour of Burton Agnes Hall.
Personally, I'm not a great one for stately homes, but did enjoy this one, with it's simple, but grand, medieval feel.
The downstairs halls are beautiful, dark oak panelled, whilst the top floor houses a white-washed, modern art gallery. This is a lovely place to browse a while, admiring the exhibits, or you can take advantage of the comfortable window seats, to admire the views across the estate.
Back Outside - In the Garden
Although the hall is lovely, for us, it is the gardens outside that make it worth the visit for us.
The main part of the gardens offer:
lush flower beds
artistic kitchen gardens
separate garden 'rooms' with fun games to play - watch children laughing and enjoying the fun, or join in yourself! An excellent idea for fun family days out in the UK.
Try not to get lost in the maze, or the interesting 'jungle' areas.
These sections of gardens are the best bit for me - a veritable cornucopia of little paths, hidden corners and tiny individual secret gardens to explore - all with their own unique character and feel.
Further afield, is a large formal fish pond - the dog found this very fascinating, but the fish proved a little scary for him when they splashed out of the water!
...And a very lovely nature trail that wends it's way through the woods, and also doubles up as a fun sculpture trail too - how many caterpillars can you spot along the trail?
The Old Manor House
Just off to the left of the main hall as you approach is the original medieval Manor house and outbuildings (some parts date back to Norman times). Nip round the back of the old hall to see an interesting water wheel too.
This is an interesting historical buildling, and it is worth taking the time out for the few minutes it takes to explore.
Shopping and Eating
No family days out at the Yorkshire east coast would be complete without a little bit of shopping, and a really tasty meal - you'll need to get that perfect souvenir of a fun day out.
Burton Agnes Hall has shopping a-plenty - little craft shops, art galleries, gift shops and a garden store and plant centre. Find the beautiful plants you've been admiring during your day out in the gardens.
This is also the spot to fill up on food. Anything from an ice cream to a meal is catered for. Although the fare is pretty standard and simple (the last time we ate there), it's tasty and filling. Eat inside or out.
The toilets are also in this area.
Access to this shopping and restaurant area is free.
I think you will enjoy visiting Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens. It's one of my favourite family days out in the UK, along the Yorkshire coast - and is a full, enjoyable day out...
So much to see and do, whether you are interested in the historic house, the beautiful plants, family fun and games, or just a relaxing ramble through the gardens and woods.
