Newby Hall & Gardens An open garden in North Yorkshire

This is a lovely day out, with lots to do and see for the whole family. There is a large picnic area at the front with lots of space for the children to run around and play, and picnic tables. There's an outdoor sculpture park which is a nice walk to do, and there's a small plant centre where you can buy plants on your way out, and also a gift shop (quite expensive items).

There is a large adventure playground for the children, with swings, zip wire, swing boats, climbing frames, miniature fort, swinging tyres, sandpit, and water play area (not a paddling pool but a paved area with water spurting out at various points - younger children will love it, take a change of clothes and a few towels!). Within the play area there is a stretch of water (maybe 3 feet deep?) that is used for small pedalos and a raft that will take several people and can be "driven" up and down between two jetties. It's great fun, but watch those smaller kiddies. There's also a miniature train which all the children, including the grown up ones, will want to go on! Last train ride was 4.30 pm, and it lasts around 10-12 minutes. There's a railway gift shop with small pocket money type things for the kids to buy, and an ice cream booth.

The gardens themselves are lovely. There are lots of different areas to explore, from large herbaceous borders filled with colour, to secret walled gardens with benches, to follies and covered walkways dripping with flowers, and lots of nooks and crannies to stop and rest. Even our ten year old enjoyed walking around the garden.

We've visited Newby Hall several times over the years. This time we didn't have time to go into the hall itself, but from what I remember it is well worth a visit - however, it is by guided tour only, you can't just pop in and browse on your own. The tours last an hour - might be a tad boring for younger children. Last entry into the house is, or was on the day we visited, 4.00 pm.

There is also a coffee shop cum cafe - we didn't go in so I don't know if they serve full meals or just snacks. There are at least two sets of public toilets in the gardens, and once you've paid your entry fee the activities are free apart from the train ride which costs extra.

I would thoroughly recommend a trip to Newby Hall, we always enjoy ourselves. If you go with children, who will want to spend an inordinate amount of time in the play areas, then do allow a full day in order to see everything, especially if you do want to go into the hall. We went for the afternoon and it just wasn't long enough!