We revisited one of our favourite National Trust properties in Yorkshire yesterday & thought we would be kind and share this beautiful spot with you. This is not an ad or a sponsored post – We just love Nostell Priory so much that we keep going back whether its for an hour or several.
Nostell Priory is near to Wakefield around 30 minutes from the centre of Leeds, making it perfect for when Millie is at training. I’ve spoken before of how we try to make the most of our fragmented family time when Millie has to spend so many hours in a pool.
The first thing to say is, we do not go into the house when we visit Nostell. Our visits are all about stretching our legs, getting fresh air and stopping the kids arguing enjoying each others company. We’ve never been short of something to do at Nostell and seem to discover new areas to explore each time. Having said that, the weather always tends to be kind to us so perhaps on a rainy day, we would find ourselves inside.
Nostell has so much space – Even the car park is spacious. National Trust members get to park for free by scanning their NT card at the payment booth (£7 for non-members) TIP: If both adults are NT members, take both cards with you when you go into the grounds as you will need to show them to enter the gardens and play area.
The lake is truly incredible to walk around – takes around an hours to get all the way round but there are short cuts that divert you back to the main area if you like. There are seating areas at regular intervals too and it is mainly buggy friendly. The steps up the short cut may be a little more difficult but are still doable with a pram.
The play area is great for ages 4+ and even Violet (age very cool 12) gets stuck in. There are bouncing tyres, bouncy mats where you try to bounce your sister/Dad off the other side, zip wires and plenty more to climb on. Only a couple of benches for adults to sit on but I’ve never been without yet.
The cafe is very typical National Trust. An abundance of scones and ice-creams but can get very busy. There is a large seating area in the courtyard outside which somehow seems protected from any wild winds (but as I say we have always been quite fortunate with the weather at Nostell).
One of Nostell’s jewels in its crown is their bookshop. One of the best NT book shops I’ve seen (and I’ve visited A LOT!). Plenty of books to choose from and comfortable to potter around. Everything is in alphabetical order with a separate section for Crime thriller and historical books. You enter the book shop through an extra coffee shop which is brilliant for weekend afternoons when the main cafe can have queues.
The main Priory building is quite magnificent to look at from the outside. There are steps up to the front and down again which provides amazing views across the Yorkshire countryside. The lawns directly in front are beautiful and perfect for visitors to cartwheel or sunbathe on. I’ll leave it to you to decide what my kids chose to do!
Our family membership to the National Trust costs us £126 per year (2 adults and up to 4 children age 17 and under). Non-members can enter Nostell Priory for £29 per family. More information about Nostell including activities for over half term can be found at their website
If you are looking for alternative days out as a family, you might also like our review of Toca Social Football Game Centre
For more great days out in Yorkshire visit Mum In The Madhouse and The Tiger Tales with more tips for a great day out from A Mum Reviews.
What a fabulous place! It is on my doorstep and I have never heard of it… I think a trip there is in order to get myself acquainted!
Gorgeous pictures and you were so lucky with the weather! Sim x
You will have to go just to visit the cafe and the bookshop! xx