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RENAISSANCE PALACE IN YORKSHIRE

YORKSHIREMAN John Bourcier returned home after doing his Grand Tour of Continental Europe determined to recreate his own Italian palace in the County of Broad Acres.

His chateau, Beningbrough Hall with it gardens is eight miles north west of York City and was completed in 1716.  Today it is a treasure trove of design with a grand ostentatious carved woodwork Baroque bed and an absolutely fantastic collection of porcelain.

Part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection of 18th Century paintings is now housed in the chateau.  Various masks and mirrors help the visitor to get ‘Into The Picture’ and look like royalty.  Sightseers can explore these captivating masterpieces to see if these rooms full of faces remind them of anybody.

After showing their faces and gazing at famous and notorious visages, they can stroll through the grounds of one of Yorkshire’s hidden jewels.  There are wonderful gardens surrounding Beningbrough Hall.  Visitors can wander among the aromatic herbaceous borders and walk under the Pear Arch in the Walled Garden.  Keen eyed observers will be able to spot the liquorice plants.

Beningbrough Hall with its grounds and gardens will refresh the spirits and bring the senses back to life with the flavour of a northern Elysium.

The restaurant, which is open from 11:00 to 17:00 serves seasonal vegetables which have been grown in the Walled Garden.

There are many events throughout the year to amuse the visitor to Beningbrough.  Musical occasions take pride of place with recitals by local brass and silver bands, They hold traditional and Dixieland jazz concerts.  Another jazz event, held in the Walled Garden is always a fundraising affair for both Yorkshire Cancer Research and the National trust, who own the estate.

Craft events include the Spring and Autumn great Cake Days when the restaurant offers samples of 12 cakes, many of the old favourites while others are a new experience.

There is the Wichford Pottery Show with some exciting pots from this renowned potter and the Stitch in Time Exhibition of needlework crafts.

The East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club stages cars on the Carriageway: an extravaganza of exciting vehicles.

Beningbrough Hall holds an annual Victorian Garden Party when visitors can be transported back in time to be presented to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and be photographed with the Royal Couple.  People are asked to come in Victorian apparel and take part in flower fairy hunts and traditional garden games while receiving lesson in the etiquette of the high Victorian period.

Falconry UK often stage owl exhibitions: To-Twit, To-Woo in the Walled Garden.  These include flying displays and the opportunity for visitors to handle these captivating birds.

Apple Celebrations is an exhibition of fruit from the Walled Garden along with information on apple folklore.  The restaurant offers special menus and there are juicing sessions, followed by tastings.  Apple Activities are a series of seasonal arts and crafts aimed at the youngsters.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens are well signposted from the A19 and a59 roads with coaches having to travel on the A19.  There is a toll bridge on the A59.

It is open from 12:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30) from Saturday to Wednesday between March and November.  The gardens are open from 11:00 to 17:00 and lunches are served from 12:00 to 14:00 with the shop, which sells local and National Trust goods and plants being open from 11:00 to 17:30.

Wheelchair users have access only to the ground floor of the hall.  There is a photographic album of key portraits and views on the first and second floors.  The estate has hard surface parking, flat level garden paths and adapted toilets.  Wheelchairs are available for hire and there are braille and large print guides.

Working assistance dogs are welcome in the hall and gardens while other dogs may be exercised in the park.  Maps of these areas may be obtained from reception.

More details on Beningbrough Park and its grounds is available on 01904