Nunnington Hall
Nunnington Hall
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A tour of this 17th-century manor house captivates visitors with its oak-paneled hall, Carlisle collection of miniatures and even a haunted room or two.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
838 reviews
Excellent
444
Very good
322
Average
57
Poor
12
Terrible
3
John B
Stockton-on-Tees, UK395 contributions
Sep 2020
The hall nestles in the meander of the river and overlooks a large lawn with an orchard of some rare trees (lots of fruit) and an avenue of trees leading to well stocked and maintained vegetable and herb garden with organic composting on display. In the grounds are bug houses hedgehog habitat and other interesting 'field experiences' that will keep children interested as well as adults. The children's play area is not open due to Covid restrictions. Peacocks wander freely and will take crumbs off your hand in the tea garden. Due to Covid, refreshments are served from a window in the tea garden which has well spaced tables. The Coffee, scones and cakes we had were very good and served in recyclable cups, plates, knives etc with recycling/composting bins to hand along with the sanitiser. Numbers in the house are restricted to 40, with the one-way flow restricted to allow for well-organised social distancing. There may be a queue but it soon goes down.
The house is relatively small but has a good selection of furniture, tapestries and exhibits. The highlight for us were the two large Essex House tapestries by Grayson Perry. Not what you would expect in an old country hall but they provide an interesting, bright contrast to the ancient tapestries on display. There is a display of 366 sculpted hares, made from a range of materials, which provide a contrast to the traditional setting of the room they are in. Not all of the usual collections are on display but on the top floor there are some of the miniature room collections which are fantastic and well worth the climb up the stairs. There are quite a few stairs to climb, but the steps are not deep and can be negotiated with relative ease. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. If you are going to spend a day here enjoying the grounds and Hall, then it would be good value, but we were glad to be National Trust members, as a short visit would be enjoyable but pricey if we were paying the non member rate.
The house is relatively small but has a good selection of furniture, tapestries and exhibits. The highlight for us were the two large Essex House tapestries by Grayson Perry. Not what you would expect in an old country hall but they provide an interesting, bright contrast to the ancient tapestries on display. There is a display of 366 sculpted hares, made from a range of materials, which provide a contrast to the traditional setting of the room they are in. Not all of the usual collections are on display but on the top floor there are some of the miniature room collections which are fantastic and well worth the climb up the stairs. There are quite a few stairs to climb, but the steps are not deep and can be negotiated with relative ease. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. If you are going to spend a day here enjoying the grounds and Hall, then it would be good value, but we were glad to be National Trust members, as a short visit would be enjoyable but pricey if we were paying the non member rate.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK165,953 contributions
Aug 2022
This is a splendid country house that has been around since at least the 16th century and ,incorporates many of the changing styles over the centuries and tastes of the different owners. The oldest part of the building is the stone hall upon entry. Animal lovers should avert their eyes at the number of animal skins on display. For me, the highlights were the Edwardian Dining Room, the Neoclassical bedroom and the elegant drawing room adorned with portraits cover almost every inch of wall. The stunning french tapestries are amazing too, as were the collection of miniature toy houses.
The volunteers also do guided tours with talks on conservation, which is interesting. It give a different perspective on visiting a grand houses. It's interesting to learn about the behind the scenes activities that are often hidden from view in national trust properties.
The volunteers also do guided tours with talks on conservation, which is interesting. It give a different perspective on visiting a grand houses. It's interesting to learn about the behind the scenes activities that are often hidden from view in national trust properties.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lakedistrictcouple
Ambleside, UK25 contributions
Jul 2020
Nunnington was one of our first post-lockdown National Trusts. Having both worked throughout lockdown, we were very excited to spend some of our time off on holiday in North Yorkshire visiting some of our favourite national trust properties. We spent a fantastic couple of hours at Nunnington Hall and were impressed by how well the gardens had developed since our last visit in February. We were met over the bridge by an incredibly friendly and welcoming member of staff who carefully took us through the safety measures in place and updated us on what had happened since our last visit. Despite the house remaining (understandably) closed we enjoyed a walk around the gardens and appreciated the carefully planned one way sections to assist social distancing. We enjoyed a brew and a scone in the sunshine from the cafe hatch and again the safety measures in place helped make this a relaxing experience. The attention to detail in terms of safety is exemplary, down to hand sanitizers next to the bin lids and at points around the site. The toilets were immaculately clean and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit. We would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to venture out of the lockdown routine but whilst still feeling safe and protected. Well done to the Nunnington team!
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura R
United Kingdom166 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Gardens are bigger than they first look, worth a walk around. The peacocks that roam around and the otter in the river were the stars of the show!
The house seems to be a strange collection of rooms, with little information or reasoning. One room was a giant structure with plastic rhino horns in, one appeared to be dedicated to a children’s author (maybe?) and another a collection of (expensive) art you could buy? The house didn’t flow at all, made more difficult by the total lack of mask wearing or social distancing by staff and visitors, so we found ourselves constantly having to step back or trying to distance. In the end, we gave up and came out. If you’re still trying to take COVID precautions, I’d recommend skipping the house for now, you won’t miss too much. If you were to go in, head straight to the room with the dolls house model stuff in, top floor I think, this was by far the most interesting part.
Like other national trust properties, they did have some summer activities outside. Unfortunately a large family of 18 individuals strolled through the unmanned and wide open gate shouting “is this the natural trust place mate?” and ran around taking over every activity and laughing that they had ‘again’ got in for free. Rather frustrating really. All in all, not our best national trust day out.
The house seems to be a strange collection of rooms, with little information or reasoning. One room was a giant structure with plastic rhino horns in, one appeared to be dedicated to a children’s author (maybe?) and another a collection of (expensive) art you could buy? The house didn’t flow at all, made more difficult by the total lack of mask wearing or social distancing by staff and visitors, so we found ourselves constantly having to step back or trying to distance. In the end, we gave up and came out. If you’re still trying to take COVID precautions, I’d recommend skipping the house for now, you won’t miss too much. If you were to go in, head straight to the room with the dolls house model stuff in, top floor I think, this was by far the most interesting part.
Like other national trust properties, they did have some summer activities outside. Unfortunately a large family of 18 individuals strolled through the unmanned and wide open gate shouting “is this the natural trust place mate?” and ran around taking over every activity and laughing that they had ‘again’ got in for free. Rather frustrating really. All in all, not our best national trust day out.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, thanks for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the gardens and the wildlife at Nunnington Hall. The house has several art exhibitions on display, including Change in Attitudes, which encourages visitors to reflect on whether to take a rhino horn or leave them, reflecting hunting and collecting of rhinos in the wild. Catherine Rayner and company is the current exhibition on the top floor, with works from award-winning children's author and illustrator Catherine Rayner. I'm sorry the gate was left open - it is normally closed.
We are following government guidelines with regard to social distancing and face coverings, and recommend wearing them in enclosed and crowded spaces.
Written July 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
2bluebell
York, UK80 contributions
Mar 2022
If your travelling far and the weathers not good then ring ahead, although there is a nice indoor tearoom it is rarely open. We traveled quite a distance and it was sleeting but only the outdoor takeaway was open.
The sandwiches and cakes are good. I suppose it’s all down to staff shortages.
The sandwiches and cakes are good. I suppose it’s all down to staff shortages.
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew B
Lincoln, UK12,123 contributions
Aug 2021
There is a very large car park and a short walk to the entrance where we had a warm welcome - £8 to get in but free to NT members.
We didn't go in the Hall and came for the gardens as we usually do in NT properties. The gardens were very small but near the Hall, some of the borders were quite colourful and nicely maintained.
I would have to class Nunnington as one of the progressive NT properties, not a compliment and I would give it a high 'woke' rating. We visit a lot of NT properties and this is the first that I have seen with deckchairs- well patronised, and visitors playing badminton on the grass near the Hall. I would class this as a slightly upmarket version of Scarborough South beach but without the the donkeys and amusement arcade, at least at present.
Further back are some rather neglected areas, again with deckchairs. The cafe, near the Hall did seem to have some very nice outdoor seating in an enclosed area.
In summary, for us it was one of the most disappointing NT properties we have ever visited. Very little to commend it but that could be because we didn't want to sit in a deckchair or play badminton. We only stayed c 30 minutes.
We didn't go in the Hall and came for the gardens as we usually do in NT properties. The gardens were very small but near the Hall, some of the borders were quite colourful and nicely maintained.
I would have to class Nunnington as one of the progressive NT properties, not a compliment and I would give it a high 'woke' rating. We visit a lot of NT properties and this is the first that I have seen with deckchairs- well patronised, and visitors playing badminton on the grass near the Hall. I would class this as a slightly upmarket version of Scarborough South beach but without the the donkeys and amusement arcade, at least at present.
Further back are some rather neglected areas, again with deckchairs. The cafe, near the Hall did seem to have some very nice outdoor seating in an enclosed area.
In summary, for us it was one of the most disappointing NT properties we have ever visited. Very little to commend it but that could be because we didn't want to sit in a deckchair or play badminton. We only stayed c 30 minutes.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hels24
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Having visited Nunnington Hall lots of times, we hadn't been since before lockdown. We went for the Love Local event and there was a variety of lovely stalls and events children or adults could join in with. We loved the The Pizza Engine! Staff had worked hard to put this event on and support other local businesses. There was a great atmosphere.
The garden and grounds are beautiful and well looked after. It was busy but not over crowded and there are plenty of spaces you can go to 'get away from it all' and get some peace and quiet if you wanted to. There are also places for families to have a picnic and a ball game too!
The staff were very visible, approachable and helpful when we spoke to then and we felt very safe both inside and outside.
We finished off in the tearooms, the food was fab and freshly home cooked. I was surprised that they cater to everyones needs including vegan, gluten and dairy free which is lovely to find as it's not aways the same when I go to other places.
Nunnington Hall thank you for a lovely afternoon, we will definitely be back soon.
The garden and grounds are beautiful and well looked after. It was busy but not over crowded and there are plenty of spaces you can go to 'get away from it all' and get some peace and quiet if you wanted to. There are also places for families to have a picnic and a ball game too!
The staff were very visible, approachable and helpful when we spoke to then and we felt very safe both inside and outside.
We finished off in the tearooms, the food was fab and freshly home cooked. I was surprised that they cater to everyones needs including vegan, gluten and dairy free which is lovely to find as it's not aways the same when I go to other places.
Nunnington Hall thank you for a lovely afternoon, we will definitely be back soon.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit to Nunnington on Love Local day - it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. We hope to see you at Nunnington Hall again soon.
Written August 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lilacwheaty
Nottingham, UK734 contributions
Mar 2022
Pit stop on the way to Whitby, had very good sausage roll and cream tea in the garden cafe. lots of spring bulb garden interest and plenty to see in the house, with some very good interactive touches spread throughout.
Definitely one that can take revisits at different times of year or to see new exhibitions
Definitely one that can take revisits at different times of year or to see new exhibitions
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sian C
Stafford, UK90 contributions
Sep 2022
Surprising little find nestled in North Yorkshire. We visited in heavy rain so couldn't really take advantage of the gardens but were able to tour the hall. The exhibition of miniature dolls houses on the top floor is fascinating. Very pleasant tea room. Although not a big property, there was enough to see for a couple of hours just in the hall. Interesting information to read and some plenty of rooms to explore.
There are lots of stairs and uneven floors which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
There are lots of stairs and uneven floors which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Lovely place for a visit, especially if you are a NT member. This property was quiet when we visited in the afternoon. All staff were welcoming and friendly, a smaller property but a lovely garden and orchard to walk around, beautiful on a sunny day and a real effort made to provide fun for children, garden games throughout and trails for both the garden and house. House was lovely to explore, you can walk around all the open rooms, there are some beautiful bright tapestries, plenty of information boards, we particularly enjoyed quotes from one of the former owners and the miniature houses on the top floor are worth the climb!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hungry Jack
Hartford, UK54 contributions
Hello,
I have family staying with me this week. Does Nunnington Hall have an interesting play area outside to keep me and the little ones amused while the parents look around the house?
How far is it from the Car Park?
Many thanks in advance,
Steve B
Wakefield, UK
is there an entry fee
Ron_Galbraith
Ashford, UK195 contributions
Yes. Just looked it up on the National Trust app -> £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children, £21.50 for a family ticket, £6.75 for a group entry. If you've got a National Trust membership then it's free but there may be special events/exhibits sometimes that you'd need to pay for. You can sometimes get discounts on membership but family membership is £114.60 or £9.55 per month (cheaper for individual or joint membership).
Nunnington Hall - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Nunnington Hall
- Nunnington Hall is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Nunnington Hall:
- (0.41 mi) High Orchard Bed & Breakfast
- (2.14 mi) The Pheasant Hotel
- (5.40 mi) Studford Luxury Lodges
- (4.35 mi) Brickfields Farm
- (2.24 mi) The Star Inn
- Restaurants near Nunnington Hall:
- (0.20 mi) The Old Yard Coffee Shop
- (2.14 mi) Pheasant Hotel
- (2.84 mi) The Plough Inn
- (4.49 mi) Cornercopia
- (2.23 mi) The Star Inn