Newby Hall

11:31am Saturday 6th September 2008

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Simon Ritchie and family enjoy a fun-packed day at Newby Hall.

WHERE AND WHAT: Newby Hall and Gardens, Skelton-on-Ure, near Boroughbridge

WHERE AND WHAT: Newby Hall and Gardens, Skelton-on-Ure, near Boroughbridge.

WHY: Because it’s still one of the best family day’s out in Yorkshire. Without sounding to much like a cliché, it has something for everyone. There’s so much to see, so it’s best arrive early.

One of the highlights is the sculpture park. The kids will love coming across the works of art which spring up on the woodland trail.

This year, the park boasts some 50 contemporary sculptures in bronze, wood, glass and steel by well-known and up-and-coming artists. You will be able to see beagles, eagles, helicopters and giant centipedes. If you have a spare £20,000 or so, you can buy one. Until tomorrow, adults and children can try creating an African sculpture with artists from Zimbabwe.

Even non-gardeners won’t fail to be impressed by the stunning 25 acres at Newby. Set astride one of Europe’s longest double herbaceous borders are numerous compartmented gardens, such as the rose garden Sylvia’s garden. Newby also holds the national collection of Cornus (dogwood).

The house itself is well worth a look, but make to arrive before last admissions at 4pm. Designed under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren, the house, which is home to the Compton family, epitomises the Georgian “age of elegance”. Its beautifully restored interior presents Robert Adam at his best.

The children’s adventure playground is superb. Kids will love the aerial zip slide, the paddle boats, climbing frames and sandpit. New this year is the Tarantella dancing water feature, where kids can strip off and get soaking wet.

One of Newby’s favourite attractions is the miniature railway. It costs an extra £1.50 per person, but it’s well worth it.

This year there are two steam trains on the go so queues are down to a minimum.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the A59 to Green Hammerton, then the B6265 to Boroughbridge and on to Ripon.

Newby Hall is well sign-posted. Alternatively, key in HG4 5AE on your sat nav.

ADMISSION: House and garden; adults, £10.20, OAPs £9.20, children (4-16) £7.80, family tickets £33 and £36. Gardens only; adults £7.20, OAPs £6.20, children £5.80, family £24 and £29.

OPENING TIMES: Until September 28, it’s open from 11am to 5pm from Tuesday to Sundays, and on Mondays in August. The house opens at noon, but last admission is 4pm.

Parking: Ample and free.

REFRESHMENTS: A clean and well-presented restaurant sells reasonably-priced snacks and drinks, plus there is an ice-cream kiosk. There’s also a huge fenced off picnic area by the car park.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Definitely. Children will especially love the adventure playground, the train and the woodland sculptures.