With exquisitely curated gardens and hidden historical buildings, Brodsworth Hall is a great place to visit if you’re looking for things to do with kids in South Yorkshire. Its an English Heritage property and therefore free to members, so lots of wonderful picnics can be held in these beautiful gardens. There is always lots going on at Brodsworth Hall, from live music to seasonal activities.
Opening Times and Tickets:
In the Summer months, Brodsworth Hall is open daily from 10am till 5pm, then only open on weekends and school holidays during the Winter Months.
It is free to under 5s and English Heritage members. You can also save 15% on entry price if you book online. Click here for more information on opening times and ticket prices.
Parking/ Travelling:
There is a large free car park at Brodsworth Hall.
The bus service 203 stops close. Click here for more information on this service.
If travelling by train, the nearest station is Adwick Le Street 3 miles away. South Elmsall station is 4 miles away, Moorthorpe station is 4.5 miles away and Doncaster station is 5.5 miles away.
Prams/ Accessibility:
The house is accessible as there is a lift to access the first floor of Brodsworth Hall. However the servant’s bedrooms can only be accessed via stairs. Inside the house, prams, pushchairs and back carriers are not allowed.
Some of the garden paths are gravel but if your little one doesn’t mind a slightly bumpy ride, prams are fine.
Things to do with kids at Brodsworth Hall:
1. Explore and picnic in the gardens
Kids will love exploring the gardens and discovering the target range, the pet cemetery and the adventure playground. There are bridges to traverse, rose gardens to wonder through and beautiful mosaics of colourful flower beds. See if they can find the historic outdoor toilet! Brodsworth Hall gardens are a wonderful place to picnic too.
2. Visit the house
Built in 1861-1863, the house itself is jam-packed full of interesting stories. Many of the staff are volunteers that are very passionate about the house and very knowledgeable. Last time I visited, I was shown the library where a parrot that lived there pecked away at the books. The house also often has various exhibitions that change, ensuring multiple visits here stay engaging. Recently I saw an exhibition on the slave trade, and how certain mahogany pieces within the house would been the result of it.
3. The Garden Tea Rooms
As with most English Heritage properties, there is a tearoom that serves hot and cold food, though in busy days they have been known to run out of hot food. There is also an ice cream van which serves all the traditional flavours, as well as the more unusual brown bread flavour. Apparently, this was a Georgian favourite!
4. Events
Brodsworth Hall is frequently home to events for children, particularly in the school holidays. Some of these include an Easter adventure quest and ‘half term fun and games’. On Father’s Day, they have a classic car show, and on Sundays during the summer brass bands play on the band stand in the gardens. Click here to find out what’s on.
Things to do with kids nearby
Just an 8 minute drive from Brodsworth Hall, Cusworth Hall and Park is an excellent option for a free family day out. Most of the paths in the historic parklands are pram and wheelchair friendly. There are 3 beautiful lakes with ducks and fields perfect for picnics. From their website, you can download history or nature trails, which help you make the most of the grounds and spot things you would never have noticed. There are often events hosted here, such as a family treasure hunt!
2. Conisbrough Castle
At Conisbrough Castle, there is a central, very well preserved medieval keep with several floors that you can explore, grounds with excellent views over the town of Conisbrough, and the romantic ruins of a curtain wall. You can visit the museum and kid friendly activity room.
3. Pontefract Castle
A castle with a rich history, it’s an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for things to do with the kids in West Yorkshire. There is plenty for them to do and if you’re visiting in the school holidays, there is quite likely an activity going on to get stuck into.
4. Xscape
This massive centre has activities for everyone. There are shops and restaurants, but the real star of the show is all the activities. Here you will find laser tag, 4D crazy golf, snowboarding, trampolining, escape rooms and so much more.