Yorkshire

Robert Smithson architecture, and a diverse art collection including exquisite Elizabethan carvings and the finest contemporary works, inspired Simon Jenkins, author of ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’, to describe Burton Agnes Hall as ‘the perfect English house’, one of England’s twenty finest alongside Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House.

Concealed within its brick boundary, the Elizabethan walled garden will leave visitors mesmerised by flamboyant seasonal displays of colour, shape, texture and scents. Visitors are invited to explore several thousand plant varieties; a potager filled with fruit, vegetables and herbs; herbaceous borders, a jungle garden and a stunning collection of campanulas.

Children and adults alike will find entertainment in the giant board games, may lose their way in the maze, and are invited to explore the gardens with the guidance of Griffy the Goat’s fun garden trail.
Visitors will delight in this award winning wonderland, which in 2005 won Christie’s Garden of the Year award.

To the north of the Hall lies tranquil woodland with wildlife figures to discover along the path. In February, thousands of snowdrops cover the ground to create an enchanting ‘white carpet’, and at Easter this historic woodland hosts thousands of enthusiastic chocolate egg hunters.

While wandering through the grounds, you may encounter an artist seeking inspiration. The artist in residence programme allows visiting artists to stay and work at Burton Agnes, year-round. Their artwork is displayed in the Summer House and inside the Hall.

The courtyard shops and café are open daily when the gardens are open. Access to the courtyard is free. Relax in the courtyard cafe, where our garden’s fruit and vegetables create delicious home-made meals and irresistible treats. The coffee is fairtrade and roasted locally, and our restored 1963-vintage ice cream van offers delectable local ice cream and perfect coffees.

Unusual and handcrafted gifts and souvenirs can be found in the ‘Home and Garden’ Shop and Gift Shop and a year-round programme of local artists display and sell their work in our courtyard gallery.