We bring you our review of what it's like, things to do, and things to see there....
On a hot day-off, we headed for the cool sea-breeze of the coast, to Sewerby Hall and Gardens in Bridlington.
We've visited before, but never quite managed it in the height of Summer - although I did come here on a school trip as a child of about 6 years old, from my school in Lincolnshire.
We visited the zoo and parks, but I remember the highlight of the trip was rockpooling on Sewerby beach, right below the hall and gardens..!
...a delight which, unfortunately, we missed out on this time! There's always next time, though!
Sewerby Hall and Gardens is a really relaxing day out, with plenty to entertain the whole family...
Walk through beautifully landscaped park and gardens, up to the hall, where you can find interesting exhibitions and exhibits, or visit the zoo...
You can also get a bit more active, with:
Bowling
Putting
Play areas
9 hole golf course
First things first - The Zoo
We walked up to the zoo, and walked around the various pens...
I was quite surprised how large the zoo area actually was - some interesting, unusual and very cute animals.
And it's not one of those zoos where absolutely everything is behind bars, either - there is a petting area, with some very sweet little goats, and some lovely little guinea-pigs and rabbits.
Then we moved onto several birds - very colourful, and with beautiful songs - we were quite entranced!
I was very taken with the Kune kune pigs (means 'fat and round') - hairy, fat, funny creatures - but very friendly - I think!
And definitely don't miss the Humboldt penguins. Penguins are always the undoubted stars of the show - but you can certainly understand why!
These feathered friends posed, preened and swam obligingly - and we got a great close-up view! Seriously cute!
Penguins are fed at 3pm, daily.
Also see:
Capuchin monkeys
Goats
Walk-in aviary with some lovely ducks and water-birds in jewel-like colors - and lots of incredibly sweet little ducklings tottering about
Peacocks
Giant British rabbits
Llamas
Rheas
Also see llamas in the animal paddocks in other areas of the park.
The zoo is:
Included in the admission charge in the main season (usually April-Sept)
£2.25 (adult) and £1.10 (child age 3-15yrs) during the Winter season, when access to the gardens is free
(Correct at the date of our visit, June 2011)
The Courtyard
Next we had a quick peep inside the craft workshops - some very tempting jewellery and unusual and interesting bee products.
After all that, (not even half way though yet!) we thought it was definitely time for some lunch, so we headed for the Clock Tower Tea Rooms.
The Clock Tower Tea Rooms
There was already quite a queue, but luckily it moved quite quickly, and the short wait did give us a chance to decide what we wanted to eat.
The cafe/tea-room is counter service, with quite a wide menu selection...
Menu included: (Correct at the date of our visit: June 2011)
Soup
Sandwiches
Salads
Jacket potatoes
Cakes and pastries
Hot and cold drinks
Ice creams
We both had a jacket potato - mine was a tuna mayonnaise, and Ian's was lemon chicken.
Both came with a small side salad, and extra margarine.
Although the cafe was busy, we only had to wait about 15 minutes for our meal. It tasted good, and was filling when it came - standard cafe fare!
We sat inside at little tables and chairs, as it was quite nice and cool inside - there was lots of seating outside in the sun, too...
And some picnic tables a little further away if you fancied bringing your own picnic to enjoy.
What could be better after a nice lunch than a relaxing stroll in beautiful gardens...
...and the gardens at Sewerby Hall are stunning!
The Gardens
Walk through formal gardens, with giant (and very old) monkey puzzle trees (quite a feature!) until you reach the wonderful walled gardens.
The walled garden has short, box hedge borders around colorful bedding, and cottage garden plants, with a beautiful pond in the centre, filled with large Koi carp, and lush water lilies.
It's a really peaceful place, very relaxing, with lots of places to stop and rest, admire the view, or stroll around.
Walk through the walled garden to reach the Rose Garden too - our visit in late June was perfectly timed for the best of the blooms...
As we entered through the gateway, we were immediately surrounded by the fragrant and heady scent of roses - simply stunning!
Again, lots of sunny or shady spots to sit, and while away a few minutes, or a few hours...
Plant sales are also available here, in the greenhouse, and behind the walled garden, too.
For a shady stroll try the woodland walk - we only did a little, but the trail actually stretches for 2 miles...
Look out for woodland flowers and squirrels - we spotted several of each, in the short distance we walked!
For essential shade on sunny days, or to stay warm and dry in typical British rainy Summers, don't miss the Hall itself!
Sewerby Hall
The hall is included in the admission price (but closed in Winter).
The hall dates from the early 18th Century (Georgian).
Inside the hall see:
Several period rooms - very finely furnished
Exhibition on East Yorkshire geology
Exhibition on East Yorkshire landscape and Farming
Exhibition on East Yorkshire local history and tourism
Exhibition about Amy Johnson - a local aviation heroine - she officially opened Sewerby Hall in 1936, and after her death, her father donated many personal items and memorabilia to the Hall, including the flight bag from her last flight.
If you like this, you can find out more about the Yorkshire history of aviation at the Yorkshire Air Museum near York
Exhibition about the Wolds Wagoners Special Reserve Regiment - including an interesting piece about a local gentleman who died of Spanish flu and was buried in a lead coffin, and whose body was exhumed in recent years, to assist in current research into bird flu.
Works of local artists including (at the date of our visit)
Malice in Wonderland - outstanding fabric works inspired by childhood tales, by Leanne Broadbent and Rhea Sherriff-Hammond
(Exhibitions change across the seasons)
The hall also houses a small, but well-stocked Gift Shop, and toilets.
Also See/visit:
9 hole golf course
Putting green
Kids play area (separate areas for under 7's and older children)
Bowling green
Bandstand
Easy access to landtrain (to/from Bridlington seafront)
Public footpath to Dane's Dyke
Access to Beach
Special Events
Sewerby Hall and Gardens frequently hold special events:
Craft Fairs
Walks
Concerts
Workshops
Events Days
Days Out in Yorkshire - Sewerby Hall and Gardens on the Map
Find Sewerby Hall just outside Bridlington.
You can access Sewerby Hall and Gardens from:
The main car park entrance (bus stop nearby - buses every 30 minutes)
The Golf Course entrance
The land-train entrance (trains every 30 minutes, in season)
This map is interactive.
Just use the + and - buttons in the top left corner of the map to zoom in and out.
Use the arrows to move about the area.
Open:
Grounds open all year - dawn to dusk
Hall open in main season (usually April-Sept) - 10am - 4.30pm
Admission:
Adult: £4.50
Over 60's: £3.70
Child (3-15yrs): £2.50
Family ticket: £14
Pre-booked group (20+) 25% off
Season tickets also available at very good prices
School Summer Holidays
50p extra surcharge on all admissions
At Extra Charge:
Zoo (between Oct-March)
9 hole golf
Putting green
Dogs are allowed on a lead, in the grounds only (not allowed in the zoo, hall or tea room).
Push-chairs, prams and motorised buggies not allowed inside the hall.
(Info all correct at the date of our visit: June 2011)