Category: National Trust

National Trust visit to Nunnington Hall ( Yorkshire)

Members met up on Hucknall Market place for an eight thirty departure to Nunnington Hall near York.

As we waited on Hucknall Market for the coaches to arrive the owner of a local pub popped over to offer a defibrillator for us to take with us for the day as his premises were closed.  Thankfully it was not needed.

After a journey up the M1 and through the narrow lanes of the Yorkshire countryside we arrived safely at Nunnington. The site has the lovely river Rye running through and some members spotted some otters enjoying the water. Close to the Hall itself were several peacocks strutting around.

In the Hall itself were the usual array of rooms from the gentlemen’s Smoking room to the servants quarters. Outside it was an easy walk into the village of Nunnington which while very beautiful seemed to be closed completely for the day!!!

The weather was dry and sunny giving the group the opportunity to explore the grounds in comfort.

Everyone was back on the coaches for 4.00pm but several traffic jams on the M1 meant an extended journey back 

Our last visit of the year takes us to York in early December for a day visiting the Christmas Market .

September saw the group take two coaches on our longest journey of the year to Erddig close to Wrexham in Wales.

We arrived thankfully with the weather dry if cloudy and with rain forecast for later in the day, members sensibly chose to complete their tour of the gardens and parkland first. The gardens were very extensive with a very large number of apple trees, a rose garden, a Victorian garden and much more to see. The Parkland covering over 1,200 acres with two rivers passing through alongside over thirty ponds and beautifully laid out footpaths and water features. A truly beautiful landscape.

Erddig House itself was vast and after being bought by the National Trust in the 1970’s has been restored to a high standard. From the servants’ quarters below stairs to the dining rooms, bedrooms, lounges and so on the whole building was indeed very impressive.

After visiting the House there was still time for a visit to the restaurant, the Welsh food shop or second-hand bookshop before returning to the coaches for a prompt return journey to Hucknall. The rain became heavy as we travelled home after a lovely day.

October sees the group travelling up to Yorkshire to visit Nunnington Hall near York.

The final visit of the year takes us to York on Tuesday 3rd of December.

It was an early start for the group for our visit to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. Leaving Hucknall Market at 8.30 am we arrived at Fountains shortly after 10.30 am. 

After walking up through the reception area we were immediately met by one of our two guides who were to take us on a very informative and interesting tour of the Abbey ruins and gardens of this World Heritage site. The tours were well received and enjoyable as we learned about the history of the site.

The tour lasted for an hour and a half after which most visited one of the two restaurants for lunch.

Whilst some people continued to walk and explore the very extensive grounds the community bus was available to return weary travellers to the reception area.

There was still time to explore the National Trust shop or to buy plants for the garden before we returned to the nearby coach. Setting off at 4.00 pm the traffic on a busy M1 delayed our return slightly and we arrived back in Hucknall at 6.30 pm. All agreed it had been an excellent visit if a tiring one!!!

September sees the group venture across to Erdigg near Wrexham.

July saw the group visit the beautiful venue at Belton House near Grantham. Taking a slightly later departure time than usual we still arrived at Belton by 10.30 am.

By now the sun was shining and boosted by many families enjoying the start of the school holidays the grounds were soon fairly busy.

Most members, having had a drink in the café, then seemed to venture to the many outdoor areas. These included the Italian Gardens, the Conservatory, St. Peter and St Pauls Church, the Dutch Gardens, the Maze and the Parkland with its herd of beautiful deer. Some ventured further afield walking round the pond and into the nearby village.

After lunch most of us then spent time in Belton House itself with its wonderful mixture of rooms which were once owned by the Brownlow family. The rooms here have been fashioned over many years by some of the finest designers and craftsmen in the country. There was still time for a visit to the courtyard at Belton with its array of shops, ice cream parlour and cafes.

Everybody was safely back on the coach for 4.00 pm when we began our journey home arriving back in Hucknall for 5.15 pm after a very enjoyable day.

August takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire where the day includes a guided tour of the Abbey and gardens.

Following last month’s very wet day at Gunby Estate, the weather Gods were on our side as we set out on a warm and bright sunny morning to visit Tatton Park.

There was a lovely moment, to start our day as a local duck followed by six of her young decided to jump out of the River Leen and head in convoy for the Market Place. Popping out to stop the traffic, we managed to herd the family back safely into the river before setting off on our journey.

After a pleasant journey we arrived at Tatton just after 10.30 am. One of the staff duly boarded the coach to hand out maps and give us all the information that we needed for the day ahead.

The Park was now bathed in bright and warm Cheshire sunshine. The first port of call for the majority of the group was a walk around the magnificent and extensive gardens which for many were highlighted by the stunning Japanese gardens.

Later the large courtyard at Tatton provided the ideal meeting place to have a drink and some lunch. This area also had some spacious gift shops as well as shops selling locally grown produce.

There was still time to research the Tatton Mansion and explore the extensive parkland with over 400 deer roaming freely.

As we returned to the coach at 4.00 pm for the journey back to Hucknall the majority agreed that it would be nice to return one day to complete our exploration of a wonderful site.

After a trouble-free journey, we were safely back in Hucknall by 6.15pm.

July sees the group take the shorter journey across to Belton House near Grantham. While the group are also planning to return to York in November to complete this years visits with a visit to the Christmas Market.