Sewerby Hall

The surrounding 50 acres of early 19th-century parkland offer a haven of tranquility. Meticulously maintained gardens showcase a variety of plant life, each bloom adding a touch of colour to the landscape. There are all sorts of plants in the walled garden I had previously not heard of, such as Sunpatiens, Ageratum and Penstemon and some which are more familiar like Begonia and Fuschia. I'm sure that will mean something to the gardeners out there, though I do know the gardens did look beautiful even on the dreich day that we visited. The most impressive thing we spotted were the Monkey Puzzle trees which were enormous and probably reached about 20 metres high.

Adding another layer to the experience is the on-site zoo. Home to a diverse range of animals, the zoo allows visitors to encounter creatures from around the globe. On our visit, we met a friendly donkey, some pigs, emus and penguins. However there were also some stunning exotic birds to see including the Martin Scorsese lookalike aka the White-Crested Turaco, the David Bowie wannabe, the Golden Pheasant and the unfortunately named Bleeding-Heart Dove. The zoo was brilliant, and probably my favourite part of the whole day.

There is an entry fee for the hall, which is currently £11.50 for adults and gives you access to the hall, zoo and gardens. There is also a golf course on the estate and you can find out more about prices and access on the Sewerby Hall website. On our visit in May 2024 there was a bonus Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcasing images from around the world and this runs until 14th July 2024. There is also the lovely Clock Tower Cafe on site which does a delish Bakewell Slice and cup of tea and there are toilets nearby too. A great day out!