Nostell Priory is a beautiful National Trust Property in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The house has a very interesting but sad history that you can find out about as you explore, and there are lots of areas for children to enjoy. If you enjoy a good walk, all day could be spent here, and it is suitable for all ages.
Opening Times and Tickets:
The car park is an additional cost for non National Trust Members but walking around the parkland is free. A combined ticket for the gardens and house can be purchased, or they can be bought separately. Children under 5 go free.
The house closes for Winter, so check here for opening times and prices.
Parking and Travelling:
Visitors to the car park are required to pay an additional cost which can be paid via card.
The closest train station is Fitzwilliam Station, 1 and a half miles away.
Bus services 485 and 496 pass Nostell Priory.
Prams and Accessibility:
There are several pram and wheelchair friendly walks around the parkland and gardens. Prams are even welcome inside the house, or there is a space for them to be parked near the entrance. There is a lift available for use in the house and mobility scooters are available for renting out.
Things to do at Nostell Priory
1. Explore the House
There is lots to do for both kids and adults at Nostell Priory. There are rooms specifically designed to entertain the kids, and these are stocked with dressing up opportunities, arts and crafts, puzzles and a magnetic dolls house. To make the rest of the house more interesting for little ones, trails and sensory bags can be picked up from the ticket office.
2. Explore the Grounds
In Summer, the rose garden and rest of the grounds are resplendent. Even throughout the other months, the gardens are a great place to explore, kick a ball around and have a picnic. There is also a lovely adventure play ground with challenges to suit all ages and abilities.
Things to do nearby
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a brilliant family day out in West Yorkshire, just a short drive from Leeds and Wakefield. Set in over 500 acres of beautiful parkland, it’s packed with striking sculptures, woodland trails, and open space to explore. There’s plenty to spark kids’ imaginations, and it’s easy to spend a full day adventuring here.
Cannon Hall Farm, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is a working farm with a massive variety of activities to keep the kids entertained. With hundreds of animals, multiple adventure playgrounds, activities and events, you could easily spend all day here.
Don’t miss Cannon Hall Museum and gardens too, which are separate from the farm and have free admission.
Packed full of opportunities for children to play, explore, and get hands-on with friendly farm animals, it’s a place where memories are made. Whether your little ones want to feed the goats, meet the pigs, or simply run wild in the outdoor play areas, Swithens Farm offers a fun, educational, and down-to-earth experience that kids (and parents) will love.
A free museum like no other, the Royal Armouries has tons of weapons and armour from throughout history on display. There are many activities for children to interact with and daily events such as live sword fighting. In the school holidays then even host international jousting competitions.
A miniture railway with plenty of other attractions to keep the kids entertained, this is a place you could spend a full day. Play mini golf, explore the other stations on the line, and let the kids go wild in the playground and giant bouncy pillow.
6. Barnsley Metrodome Adventure Reef
This is the best experience I’ve ever had at a soft play centre. It is spacious and clean, suitable for 0-14 year olds, and includes a sensory room, toddler area, role play area, baby area and games room for older kids too.
