Nostell Priory
National Trust - Nostell
Ages
All ages
Price
£££
Nostell Priory is a grand 18th-century country house set within extensive parkland and gardens near Wakefield. The house itself showcases fine Chippendale furniture and period rooms brought to life by knowledgeable staff, giving families a genuine sense of how the house was lived in. Outside, there's plenty to explore: walking routes through the grounds are clearly marked and mostly easy to follow, making them suitable for families with children of different ages and abilities.
The estate offers something for everyone. Younger children will enjoy the adventure play park and the simple pleasure of exploring the parkland, spotting wildlife around the lakes or discovering features like the stone lion in the courtyard. Older children might prefer the more structured walks or hunting for details in the house. The grounds are extensive enough that you can easily spend a full afternoon here without feeling rushed. There's a cafe serving hot drinks and snacks, along with gift and bookshops in the courtyard area. Do note that while the parkland is free to walk, there's a charge for the gardens if you're not a National Trust member, and parking is paid for non-members.
Facilities
What to bring
- Sturdy, waterproof shoes or wellies, as paths can be muddy and there are often puddles to splash in
- Sun cream and a hat for the open parkland areas, especially on clear days
- Layers or a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change and you'll be outdoors for hours
- A rucksack with snacks and a water bottle to keep everyone fuelled during exploring
- A pushchair or buggy if you have younger children, as the parkland is vast and there's a lot of ground to cover
Top tips
- The house itself doesn't open every day, so check ahead if visiting a historic house tour is important to you. The parkland and gardens are accessible on most days, which is perfect for a flexible family outing
- Aim to arrive mid-morning to secure a good parking spot and get the most out of your visit before it gets busier, particularly on weekends and school holidays
- Make a game of it with younger children: spot wildlife around the lake, count features like mole hills, or hunt for the stone lion in the courtyard. It keeps the walking interesting
- If you're not a National Trust member, parking costs around £5. The parkland walks are free, though the gardens do carry an additional charge. Allow at least 3-4 hours to do the visit justice
- The cafe serves hot drinks and vegan options, and there's a gift shop and bookshop in the courtyard, so you don't need to bring everything with you
Practical details
All ages years
Suitable for all ages. Toddlers and young children will enjoy the adventure play park, whilst older children and adults can appreciate the historic house and grounds. Walking ability needed for exploring the extensive parkland.
Accessibility
Tags
Location
Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE
Paid parking for non National Trust members