Nostell Priory…part 2 (National Trust)
Location -Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE - (what3words location)
Distance (around) - varying depending on track
Accessibility at a glance:
Access: ⭐⭐⭐
Booking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Transport/nearby facilities: ⭐⭐
More in depth:
Parking and entrance:
Large main car park plus a designated disabled car park close to the entrance.
Payment machines can be difficult to reach
Blue Badge holders do not need to pay.
Paths and distance:
Most garden paths and the house are accessible.
Some woodland paths and natural areas may be uneven
Small step into house, but nothing a scooter can’t manage
Facilities:
There is a lift to the upper floors of the house, and flooring is a mix of carpet and wood, making wheelchair or scooter access possible.
Storage lockers are available in the house so not carrying all items at all times, including lower lockers for easier access.
Nostell Priory is a perfect destination for a leisurely day out, combining beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. While not all areas are dog-friendly, much of the estate is accessible, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all abilities. This review focuses on the non-dog friendly areas.
Start your visit at the entrance near the shop, which is where you pay, or show your National Trust card (no booking in advance needed) and head left toward the stunning rose gardens, which sit just in front of the Orangery. From there, follow the paths leading to the vegetable gardens. These seasonal plots offer a delightful array of produce, on my visit, there were pumpkins, squash, cabbages, onions, tomatoes, and more. Interspersed with the vegetables is an orchard with a wide variety of apples.
Many of these ingredients are used in the café, where you can enjoy treats like a rhubarb scone with jam or, in my opinion, the best curried vegetable pasty you’ll ever taste!
Beyond the vegetable gardens, explore woodland paths, including a play area for children and a bridge over one of the estate’s lakes that leads to the Secret Garden. Here you’ll find a charming archway and an old menagerie. Some woodland paths can be uneven, so take care if mobility is a concern.
Your garden visit can be followed by a tour of the house. The admission fee covers access to both the gardens and the house.
Inside, you’ll find longcase clocks, including early examples made famous by John Harrison. A recently refurbished dolls’ house offers an intricate miniature version of the estate, which is well worth a look. Other highlights include calling bells, a grand staircase, ornate rooms, and a world-class Chippendale collection.
The house is mostly carpeted or has wooden floors, and a lift provides access to the upper floors. While the lift requires some careful manoeuvring, scooters and wheelchairs can fit. Depending on your visit, seasonal decorations and special events, like a Father Christmas visit at Christmas, add extra charm.
Nostell Priory offers a mix of accessible paths, historic treasures, and seasonal delights, making it an excellent destination for a full day out. With careful planning, it’s a great spot for visitors with mobility considerations and, for dog owners, many outdoor areas are welcoming.
I highly recommend visiting for a mix of gardens, history, and delicious homemade treats, you won’t be disappointed!
Tip - visit at Christmas or themed time to see some unique items.
