Five best National Trust sites you can reach from York

Yorkshire has plenty of National Trust sites that can easily be reached from York for a family day trip.

From impressive ancient ruins and manor houses to enjoying a traditional cream tea in one of the National Trust cafés, there are so many things to see and do at each spot no matter what kind of day trip you are looking for.

If you are struggling to decide which one is best to visit, here are the top five National Trust sites close to York.

The five best National Trust sites in and around York

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

This UNESCO World Heritage Site mixes both medieval and 18th-century architecture with the “atmospheric” abbey ruins and “elegant” water garden that was designed by John Aislabie.

The site is described as being “a uniquely blended landscape full of secrets, curiosities, and breath-taking views”.

After walking around the abbey ruins and lakes and cascades in the water garden, you might be able to spot some red, sika or fallow deer in the deer park.

Beningbrough Hall

Found just outside of the city of York, Beningbrough features a country house with a collection of contemporary and traditional artwork to explore as well as selected items that tell the story of the people “who have shaped Beningborough”.

If the weather is nice, you will want to walk around the eight acres of formal gardens that contain historic trees and herbaceous borders as well as a walled garden with fruits growing all throughout the year.

To keep children happy, there is a wilderness play area with climbing frames, slides, and swings for them to let off some steam.

Nunnington Hall

At Nunnington Hall, you can walk around the exhibitions found on the top floor of the house and admire the “fascinating combination of renovation and re-purpose” that helps to create both an “atmospheric and comfortable home”.

The hall is surrounded by a garden that runs alongside the river Rye where you’ll find colourful peacocks and flowers that keep the garden looking bright through every season.

If you fancy something to eat while visiting the hall, you can head to the tea room overlooking the garden where you can treat yourself to a scone or lunch.

Goddards

Described as “a hidden garden on the edge of York”, Goddards is the garden found next to the former home of the Terry family, who created the Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

The five-acre garden has a formal terrace, wildlife pond, herbaceous borders, and a historic glasshouse on the edge of the York racecourse and if you pay close attention, you will be able to spot the Terry factory clock tower from the paddock orchard.

There is also a small kiosk where you can find hot and cold drinks as well as small snacks you can enjoy while overlooking the garden or finding a bench to relax on.

Treasurer’s House

You don’t have to leave the city of York to visit a National Trust property with the Treasurer’s House found in the middle of the city.

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From April to October, you can explore the townhouse on a guided tour where you will delve “deeper into the history of the house and past residents”.

The house also has a small garden right next to the York Minster where you can enjoy some peace away from the city.

Have you been to any of these National Trust sites? Let us know in the comments below.