Nunnington Hall: A Historic House, Organic Gardens and a Relaxed Day Out in North Yorkshire

When people think of North Yorkshire days out, places like Whitby, Castle Howard or the North York Moors often spring to mind first. Yet tucked away on the banks of the River Rye is a National Trust property that offers something a little different. Nunnington Hall combines history, gardens, wildlife, art and photography in a way that encourages visitors to slow down and spend a few hours simply exploring.

Located around 35 minutes from Cliff House Holiday Cottages, it makes an excellent day out whether you’re interested in historic houses, seasonal gardens, photography, wildlife or simply finding somewhere peaceful to spend an afternoon.

A House Shaped by Centuries of History

Nunnington Hall’s story stretches back hundreds of years. While the building visitors see today largely dates from the seventeenth century, the site itself has much older origins, with evidence of a manor house existing here long before the current hall was created. Over the centuries the property passed through the hands of several notable Yorkshire families. Like many country houses, it evolved gradually, with additions, alterations and changing uses reflecting the tastes and fortunes of successive owners.

Today the hall retains a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a lived-in family home than a grand stately house. Visitors can wander through rooms filled with furniture, artwork and personal collections, gaining an insight into the lives of those who once called Nunnington home. One of the most distinctive features is the gallery on the upper floor, which regularly hosts exhibitions and displays. During our recent visit, this space was home to the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition, providing a fascinating contrast between the hall’s historic interiors and modern wildlife photography.

The British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition

As keen photographers ourselves, one of the highlights of our visit was the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition. The exhibition showcases some of the finest wildlife photography from across the United Kingdom, celebrating everything from dramatic bird behaviour and intimate mammal portraits to insects, landscapes and marine life. What makes these photographs particularly engaging is that they are all rooted in Britain’s natural environment. They are reminders that extraordinary wildlife encounters can happen surprisingly close to home.

For photographers, the exhibition offers plenty of inspiration. The images demonstrate patience, observation, technical skill and, often, a great deal of perseverance. For non-photographers, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the wildlife and habitats that surround us, often unnoticed. The exhibition is a natural fit for Nunnington Hall, connecting visitors with the landscapes, wildlife and conservation stories that make North Yorkshire and the wider UK such special places to explore.

Gardens That Feel Natural Rather Than Formal

While the hall itself is fascinating, many visitors find themselves spending just as much time outside as they do indoors. One of the things we enjoyed most about Nunnington Hall was the character of its gardens. Unlike some historic gardens where every plant seems meticulously controlled, Nunnington’s gardens feel organic and evolving. Borders flow naturally through the landscape, mature trees provide structure and shade, and the whole setting feels relaxed rather than overly formal. During our visit the gardens were beginning to come into their early summer stride. Colour was emerging across the borders, fresh growth was appearing everywhere and there was a sense that the season was only just getting started.

The gardens invite visitors to wander rather than rush. There are plenty of places to pause, take photographs or simply enjoy the surroundings. Adding to the experience were the National Trust volunteers working throughout the grounds. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they were more than happy to chat about the planting schemes, the history of particular areas and what visitors could expect to see later in the season.  These conversations often become some of the most memorable parts of a visit, helping bring the landscape to life in a way that guidebooks never quite manage.

Wildlife Around Every Corner

The gardens and riverside setting create valuable habitats for a wide range of wildlife.  Visitors often spot birds moving through the grounds, while the mature trees and riverbanks support an abundance of insects and other species throughout the year.  The hall’s connection to wildlife feels particularly appropriate when paired with the photography exhibition. It becomes a reminder that nature is not confined to nature reserves and national parks. Sometimes it can be found in historic gardens, beside rivers and amongst flower borders.

For families, this provides an additional layer of interest, especially for younger visitors who enjoy spotting birds, insects and other wildlife as they explore.

A Different Pace of Day Out

One of the things we increasingly appreciate about places like Nunnington Hall is the pace. There are no queues for major attractions, no packed itineraries and no pressure to move quickly from one thing to the next.   Instead, visitors can spend as much time as they like exploring the house, enjoying the gardens, browsing exhibitions or sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by. It is the kind of place where a planned one-hour visit can easily become an afternoon.

For guests staying at Cliff House Holiday Cottages, Nunnington Hall works particularly well as part of a broader exploration of Ryedale. It pairs naturally with nearby Helmsley, Hovingham, Rievaulx Abbey or a scenic drive through the Howardian Hills National Landscape.

Staying at Cliff House Holiday Cottages

One of the advantages of staying at Cliff House Holiday Cottages is being able to enjoy both the Yorkshire coast and the countryside from a single base and there is plenty to do.

While many visitors head towards Scarborough, Whitby or the North York Moors National Park, destinations such as Nunnington Hall offer a different perspective on North Yorkshire.

From Cliff House, the hall is around a 35-minute drive through attractive Yorkshire countryside, making it an easy addition to your holiday itinerary.

After a day exploring historic houses, gardens and exhibitions, guests can return to Cliff House to enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, games room, woodland walks and two acres of gardens.

It is this combination of coast, countryside, history and wildlife that makes North Yorkshire such a rewarding place to visit.

And Nunnington Hall is a perfect example of how some of the most memorable days out are often found slightly away from the obvious tourist trail.