We discovered Wentworth Woodhouse recently and it’s a real hidden gem, we loved it! We visited in the first week of the holidays and it was lovely and quiet. I’m not sure too many people have discovered it yet! Having recently opened the gardens to the public (previously it was only possible to visit the gardens if you booked a tour) it was a great place to spend the day.
Open every Wednesday to Sunday, you can explore the grounds, which are full of simple yet effective and imaginative things to keep the children entertained.
From 18th century follies and monuments, a picnic on the lawns with deckchairs, an outdoor piano and bear’s footprints to follow if you dare!
There were lots of games out on the lawns, such as Jenga, and some sticks and stones to be creative and do some art. There is also a special art installation being put together, which everyone is encouraged to contribute to by painting part of ‘The Flock’. We all painted a bird for the flock and I think Grandma enjoyed that a lot! It was our first visit out with Grandma since lockdown and it was a great place for that as it really was easy to socially distance from other families.
We had a coffee from the coffee van on the lawn and took our own picnic, but you can order an afternoon tea to enjoy!
Children are invited to tumble down Roly Poly Hill and explore the Barefoot Garden, plus there were mud kitchens in the Forest of Bewilderment.
I thought it was a lovely place for the children to use their imagination and creativity and generally run around outdoors. It was very chilled and we thought it was quite magical, with little surprises around every corner. There were amazing views from the Ha-Ha and South Terrace, with benches and seating dotted around and we explored the Ionic Temple too, so really spent a full day wandering around.
Gardens open at 10am and close at 6pm, with last entry at 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
We had a specific time-slot, which avoided queues and it was very easy to socially distance there. Toilets and hand washing facilities are on site (there were porta-loos all around the grounds).
We booked online in advance and took advantage of the Family ticket. I thought it was really good value for money. Really close too. Took us about 30 minutes to get there if that.
Prices are:
Adults: £5
Children (5-16): £2.50
Under 5s: Free
Family (2 adults, 2 children): £10
There is a special event coming up too later this month:
Rotherham’s awesome apothecaries of the magical world of books and the wizardry of words will be casting their spell over audiences in the gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse.
On Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 August their Enchanted Glade is the place to be for magical, creative activities for for children aged 5 – 11 and their families. There are timed slots: 10.30am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.30pm.
Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, S62 7TQ
