The sheltered walled garden on the bank of the River Rye, with its delightful mixed borders, orchards of traditional fruit varieties and spring-flowering meadows, complements this mellow 17th-century manor house. From the magnificent oak-panelled hall, three staircases lead to the family rooms, the nursery, the haunted room and the attics, with their fascinating Carlisle collection of miniature rooms fully furnished to reflect different periods. The Hall also hosts a programme of high profile art and photography exhibitions across the year. The gardens are full of colour no matter the season, so make sure you visit the orchards and cutting garden.

The Hall

There's been a building at Nunnington since 1249. The structure has been chopped and changed, bits taken away and added on, which adds to the hall's quirky charm. The hall as we see it today is from the last renovations completed in 1921, when the Fife family moved in. It stayed with the Fife's until they gave Nunnington Hall and gardens to the National Trust in 1952. The Hall is displayed as it was when the Fife's were living here in the 1920s, though many pieces of the furniture date from earlier.

Nunnington is also home to the Carlisle Collection of miniature rooms, which have been at Nunnington since the 1980s. This wonderful display of craftsmanship features miniature portraits, musical instruments (which do work!) and tiny works of Shakespeare.

The Garden

The garden at Nunnington Hall is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet. Peaceful hidden spots, colourful peacocks and colourful flowers offer a great day out. The garden is accessible for visitors with gravelled paths and grassed slopes.

In spring crocuses line the riverbank and daffodils bring a welcome splash of colour after winter. The orchards soon become full of blossom and the wildflower meadows are the star of the show in late April. The rose garden is a highlight in the summertime with the redesigned Iris Garden now taking centre stage. It's well worth buying a book from the second-hand bookshop to enjoy in one of our deckchairs in the sunshine. The apple trees provide lots of apples for autumn interest and there's still lots of colour as the year steps into winter with structure formed by seed heads and evergreens.

For families

The outdoor play area gives the chance for little ones to blow off some steam, and there's plenty of things to tick off your '50 things to do before you're 11 3/4' list. With family trails to crafts events and led activities, check out what's going on in the school holidays. The summer exhibition is created with families in mind and worth seeing who the star of the show might be.

Exhibitions

Nunnington Hall is the home of art in rural North Yorkshire. There's a changing art exhibition programme throughout the year from photography to paintings, tapestry and illustrations.

Planning your visit

Nunnington Hall is free to visit for National Trust members and under 5s. Dogs are welcome. Please check opening times and prices for more information including full access information.

See where else to explore with the National Trust in York and North Yorkshire.