Newby Hall & Gardens

Newby Hall & Gardens – A Perfect Day Out in North Yorkshire

Set on the banks of the River Ure, Newby Hall & Gardens offers you one of the most enjoyable and varied days out in the region. With history, horticulture, family attractions, art, and riverside adventures, you can easily spend a full day discovering something new.

Take a tour of the House

When you explore Newby Hall, you step inside one of England’s most celebrated Robert Adam interiors. Originally built by Sir Christopher Wren and later transformed by John Carr and Adam, the house is filled with Grand Tour treasures and one of the world’s most important collections of Chippendale furniture. The Tapestry Room, complete with its original Gobelins-covered chairs, is considered the most complete Chippendale interior in existence. If you enjoy Downton Abbey, you’ll spot plenty of real-life parallels.

Explore the Gardens

You can wander through 40 acres of award-winning gardens, including the famous Double Herbaceous Border, Sylvia’s Garden, the Rose Garden, the Water Garden, the Tropical Garden, and peaceful woodland walks. Designed and refined over generations, these gardens offer something beautiful in every season.

Opening Times

Newby Hall & Gardens is open Wednesday to Sunday, plus Bank Holidays, during school term time. During Easter, May half term, and the summer school holidays, you can visit seven days a week.

The Gardens are open from 10:30am to 5:30pm on non event days.

House access is by one hour guided tour, with limited capacity, and must be booked online. Some dates may be unavailable due to weddings, and these will appear greyed out when booking.

Prebooking gives you the best price, quick entry on arrival, and guarantees a place on a house tour if you want one.

Season Tickets are also available for unlimited garden visits from April to September (house tours not included)

Boat Trips

For a different view of the estate, you can take a peaceful 25minute cruise along the River Ure. The trip offers lovely views and frequent sightings of kingfishers, herons, and sometimes otters. Tickets are available from the Railway Shop, and trips run when river conditions allow.

Adventure Playground

If you’re visiting with children, the Adventure Garden is a highlight. It includes toddler swings, climbing frames, bridges, an aerial slide, pedalo boats, and the spectacular Tarantella water play area by William Pye. It’s one of the best family play spaces in Yorkshire and can easily fill a whole afternoon.

Ride on the Miniature Railway

You can hop aboard the much-loved 10¼inch gauge railway, running daily beside the river. The 12minute journey loops through the landscape and features restored locomotives including the Royal Scot. Tickets are £3 per ride (under2s free), or you can buy a 20ride book for £50 from the Railway Shop.

The Garden Restaurant

You can relax over freshly prepared meals, snacks, and the famous Newby scones at the Garden Restaurant. It is open from 10:30am to 4:30pm, with hot food served from 12pm to 2pm. You can sit indoors, on the terrace, or on the lawn. Picnics are welcome in the designated picnic area.

Dollshouse Exhibition

You can step into one of the world’s finest collections of dollshouses and miniatures, created by Caroline Hamilton and Jane Fiddick. With nearly 70 houses ranging from tiny room boxes to grand architectural masterpieces, the exhibition is full of character and exquisite detail. Entry is free with a Gardens ticket.

Visit the Bear House

You can visit Gyles and Michele Brandreth’s charming Teddy Bear Collection, displayed in a purpose-built Bear House in the gardens. With famous bears, themed scenes, and plenty of nostalgia, it’s a favourite for families. Bring your own bear for a selfie or a teddy bears’ picnic. Newby Teddy is available across the site and online, and each one includes a free train ride.

Our Chippendale Collection

Newby Hall is home to one of the most important private collections of Thomas Chippendale furniture. The Tapestry Room, complete with its original Gobelins-covered chairs in their original setting, is considered the most complete Chippendale interior you can see anywhere.

Shopping at Newby Hall

Browse our brand-new shop, plant nursery and railway shop for gifts, homewares, books, toys, and treats inspired by the estate. The Railway Shop sells snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and boat and train tickets, while gardeners will love the Plant Nursery, where many plants grown or selected by Newby’s own gardening team can be bought to enjoy at home. Please also explore our online shop at https://newbyshop.com/.

Enjoy a wide range of events at Newby

Throughout the year, you can enjoy a wide range of events, from major shows and classic car gatherings to outdoor theatre, family days, and seasonal celebrations. For the latest programme, check the Events pages on the Newby Hall website.

Your Stately Venue for Weddings & Hospitality

If you’re planning a wedding or special event, Newby Hall offers an idyllic setting. Ceremony and reception spaces include the Hall, the Orangery, the Church of Christ the Consoler, and riverside marquee sites. You can explore the Venue, Weddings & Hospitality pages on the website for full details and inspiration and also follow the link to our Venue information below this listing.

Group Visits

If you’re visiting as part of a group or organisation, Newby Hall is an excellent choice. A half day visit works well, but a full day lets you enjoy both the house and gardens at a relaxed pace. Nearby attractions such as Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey make great additions to your itinerary. To book follow the groups information on our website.