The grand National Trust property of Nostell is a firm favourite with many locals. And with a fascinating history, beautiful gardens, and impressive house, it is easy to see why! Here is your guide to the best things to do at Nostell Priory on your next visit.
In this guide, you will find a full list of things to do at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire. You will also find helpful tips and tricks you need to know before you visit.
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National Trust Nostell
Nostell is a popular National Trust site in West Yorkshire. This beautiful house, gardens and parkland is a favourite spot for visitors of all ages.
There are a lot of things to do at Nostell Priory. You can spend an hour or so exploring, or make your visit last an entire day, depending on how much you want to take in. This guide will show you where to get started and give you all the information you need to know before you go.
Where is Nostell?
Nostell Priory is located in the village of Nostell. You will find it just outside the city of Wakefield in West Yorkshire. It is approximately 6 miles southeast of Wakefield city centre, or 18 miles south of Leeds.
Nostell Priory History
Nostell was built by the Winn family, who made their fortune in the London textile industry. The Winn’s bought the Nostell estate in 1654 and used the land as a source of income. They were knighted in the 18th century, securing them a position in the gentry class, and they wanted a home fit for their title.
Two generations of Winn’s invested their money and efforts in building the grand home. But by the time the home was inherited by the 5th baronet Sir Roland Winn in 1765, much of the house was still incomplete, and money was dwindling. When Roland died suddenly in a carriage accident in 1785, work stopped completely.
The house was left shut up and unfinished until 1817 when Roland’s grandson Charles Winn inherited it. He didn’t have much interest in completing the house, but had a keen interest in furniture, books, and paintings, many of which are still on display in the house today.
The Winn’s luck started to change thanks to the Scunthorpe steel industry, after ironstone was discovered on another of their properties. Charles Winn’s son Rowland inherited Nostell in 1874 and put his efforts into finally completing the house, over 200 years after it was started.
The house was given to the National Trust in 1953, and they took over full management from the family in 1997.
Why is it called Nostell Priory?
Nostell isn’t a priory at all. Charles Winn added ‘priory’ to the name as a reference back to the monastery that once stood on the site before 1540. In recent years, National Trust have dropped ‘priory’ from the name and simply refer to the site as ‘Nostell’. However, many locals and frequent visitors still choose to refer to the site as Nostell Priory.
Things to do at Nostell Priory
There are many things to see at Nostell Priory. Depending on how long you want to spend at the site, you can choose which activities you want to do. Alternatively, you can spend a day exploring everything!
The following things to do at Nostell Priory require an entry fee. On days when the house is closed, you can pay a reduced fee for just the gardens. When the house is open, your entry fee covers both the house and the gardens. Entry is free for National Trust members.
Explore the Treasure House
Of course, if you are planning a visit to Nostell, you will want to visit the house. On your visit, you can enjoy a self-guided tour through the rooms of this grand building. As well as an opportunity to experience first-hand the grandeur of the building, there are several informative displays.
Many of the rooms have information boards to tell you more about the history. You will also find helpful National Trust volunteers throughout the house who can tell you more or answer your questions.
Admire the Dolls’ House
The Nostell dolls house is an unmissable exhibition. There are very few dolls’ houses surviving from the 18th century, but this impressive piece still resides in its original family home at Nostell. The Nostell dolls’ house is a huge work of art that has been skilfully hand-crafted. There is also an insightful video detailing the importance of this treasure.
Discover the Gardens
Nostell has a beautiful collection of gardens just waiting to be explored. A visit to the following gardens is included with your entry fee.
Enjoy the Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden is a busy working garden. You’ll find plenty of bees and butterflies helping to pollinate the crops that will eventually be used in the cafe. You will be surprised just how many varieties of fruit and vegetables they’re able to grow at Nostell!
Unwind in the Orchard Meadow
Hidden away beyond the kitchen garden is the peaceful orchard meadow. This is the ideal place to sit and relax in peace, while admiring the back of the stables building. There are plenty of benches here where you can sit and reflect.
Admire the Rose Garden
The rose garden is situated directly behind the Stables building. when in bloom, the vibrant gardens complement the yellow tones of the building. At the far side of the gardens, you will find a 100m redbrick wall that is adorned with an impressive climbing iceberg rose for the full length. It’s an incredible sight to behold and feels like stepping into ‘The Secret Garden’!
Find the Menagerie
The whimsical Menagerie House was built in the 18th century. It was originally intended as the keepers’ home and a garden room for entertaining guests. The building isn’t open today, but it is a pretty spot to capture some photos that look like they came straight from a fairytale!
Pass Through the Gothic Arch
The Gothic Arch was the original entrance to the Menagerie gardens. It was built between 1759 – 1761 on the site of a medieval quarry. Today, it makes for an interesting sight while visiting Nostell, and is home to a few roosting bats.
Stroll the Lawns
Behind and to the side of the house is an expanse of lawns. The West Lawn and the South Lawn is a pretty, open expanse that provides sweeping views up to the house, or impressive views from the house to the lake. When you visit, you’re likely to find plenty of ducks and geese resting on the lawn.
Take A Lakeside Walk
Make sure you take a stroll around Middle Lake and down to Lower Lake. These pretty lakeside stroll and a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you visit in late spring, you may even encounter a family of swans and their signets.
Other Things to do at Nostell Priory
If you don’t want to pay to enter the house and gardens, all the following things to do at Nostell Priory are free! Simply park up your car and take a stroll to enjoy the following Nostell sights.
Enjoy the Grounds
Other than the parking fee, the grounds at Nostell Priory are free for visitors to enjoy. They are the perfect place to take a stroll, spot some wildlife and unwind in nature. There are a few walking trails you can enjoy, or you can find a spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine.
Find the Boathouse
Close to Lower Lake, you will find the picturesque boathouse and boathouse bridge. This is a lovely spot which is usually free of crowds, making it a great spot to relax. In spring, it is a popular place to find ducklings and signets resting with their families.
Walk to the Obelisk
Obelisk Lodge doesn’t look much like a dwelling. But in fact, it was inhabited until the late 1950s. Built in the 17th century, the Obelisk gatehouse was the original main entrance to the parkland. You can peer through gated doorways to imagine just how cozy this two-room building must have been for the residents!
Explore Joiner’s Wood
On a pretty woodland stroll through Joiner’s Wood, you will spot plenty of woodland birds, and possibly a Roebuck deer. This oak tree wood was originally used as a source of timber for the estate. Today, you can try your hand at building a woodland den on your visit using the timber.
Grab Lunch at the Cafe
Before you leave Nostell, make sure to explore The Stables and pick up a tasty treat from the cafe. You can enjoy sandwiches, cakes, afternoon tea and hot and cold drinks here. You will also find a gift shop and the toilets in The Stables courtyard.
Where to Stay When Visiting Nostell Priory
If you’re planning a visit to Nostell and you want to explore more of the area on your trip, why not extend it to a weekend break?
Whether you’re visiting Nostell as a family, a couple, or by yourself, there are plenty of accommodation options in Wakefield and the surrounding area.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, check out Best Western Wakefield Hotel St Pierre in Newmillerdam or Waterton Park Hotel near Walton Heronry. Both are close to some of my favourite circular walks in West Yorkshire.
For more accommodation options, check out the map below for other hotels near Nostell Priory.
Are You a National Trust Member?
If you have a National Trust membership, it is free to park and enter Nostell Priory. Being a National Trust member gives you free access to all the National Trust sites across the UK for a 12-month period.
Wondering if a National Trust membership is for you? Check out my guide which explore if a National Trust membership is really worth it.
If you want to learn more about my favourite National Trust sites, check out these posts:
- Complete Guide to National Trust in Yorkshire
- Hardcastle Crags: Picturesque Woodland Walk in West Yorkshire
- National Trust Marsden Moor Circular Walking Route – Standedge Circuit
- Things To Do At East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley
- National Trust Places in West Yorkshire
- Things To Do At Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire
- Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail
Before You Go
So, this is the ultimate list of things to do at Nostell Priory when you next visit. Would you love to explore this impressive house and gardens?
If you would like to explore other National Trust sites in West Yorkshire on your visit, you can enjoy a woodland stroll through Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge. Or if you want to discover more fascinating National Trust houses, you’ll love the charming East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley.
And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Roaming through history in such a idyllic setting sounds like the perfect way to spend the day! This makes for a great day trip and I could get lost for hours just leisurely strolling the pretty grounds.
I agree, Nostell is the perfect place to spend a lovely day! A visit could easily fill a full day trip if you wanted to explore everything has to offer. The hours flew by on our visit! Thanks for reading!
What a beautiful place with a stunning property! I would love to walk around the ponds and lakes after a fun walk at the house.
Nostell is definitely a stunning place! It was so peaceful to stroll around the lakeside walks! It’s a really charming place!
What a beautiful place to visit and spend the day. I love that the kitchen garden supplies the cafe! We need more of that in the world.
It’s great that they grow the cafe supplies in the garden, isn’t it? I believe visitors can also buy any surplus too so that none goes to waste! We definitely need more of that in the world!
What a beautiful place with so much history!
Nostell is so lovely and the history is fascinating! It is a wonderful place for an outing!
Nostell Priory looks like a breathtaking National Trust property. I love exploring old homes but the grounds look like just as much of a draw!
Oh I completely agree! Usually I’m drawn to houses over gardens but the grounds at Nostell were just so beautiful! I had a great time exploring the entire Nostell estate, inside and out!
What a treasure. You offer so much historical background that is interesting and fun to learn about. I would love to go and spend a day roaming the gardens just for all of the amazing photo opportunities.
There are so many great photo opportunities at Nostell, aren’t there? I could have stayed at the menagerie all day taking photos! Nostell is such an interesting place with a fascinating history, I’m so glad you found the guide insightful!
As always, this place looks wonderful to visit! I think I’d like a photo under the arch especially, but of course walking around would be great.
Nostell is definitely a beautiful place for a day out. I think the arch gets overlooked due to all of the other really grand buildings around but it is a lovely little gem! I enjoyed our walk around the lake to find it!
WOW! This is a beautiful place! Thanks for taking us on your journey. I love your dress btw!
Nostell is so pretty, isn’t it? Thanks so much! A visit to a garden is always a good excuse to crack out a pretty floral dress! Thanks so much for reading!
This house is gorgeous! It completely looks like the house from the Pride and Prejudice movie. Adding the Nostell mansion to our Europe road trip bucket list!
Nostell is an enchanting house, isn’t it? It’s crazy to think that there were so many occasions when it was nearly lost forever! It’s well worth a visit when you’re next in England!
What a lovely place. I’m sure the rose garden would be so pretty when in full bloom, but it looks like there’s enough fun things to do any time of year. The lakeside walk is so beautiful
I imagine it is too! I think we might have just missed it unfortunately as our roses at home were in bloom when we visited. Nevertheless, the gardens were stunning! The lakeside stroll to the menagerie was my favourite thing to do at Nostell. The views were so picturesque!
Wow, Yorkshire is full of lovely hidden gems. The Nostell Priory sounds like the perfect place to spend a peaceful and relaxing day.
Isn’t it just? Every weekend we head out and discover somewhere new, there’s just so much to see! Nostell is definitely ideal for a relaxing day strolling the house, gardens and grounds!
I hadn’t heard of this National Trust site before! It’s not too far from me either so whenever I go for another road trip into Yorkshire I’ll definitely be adding this to my list!
Nostell is a beautiful site, you could easily spend a whole day there exploring it! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon when you’re next passing through the area!
This is so interesting! I had no idea this existed, nor what it was. BUT, I am looking forward to exploring here when I get to England!
Nostell is such a charming place! It has such a fascinating history to learn about as you explore the house and gardens. I hope you get an opportunity to visit in person and discover it for yourself soon!
This is such a gorgeous place with so much natural beauty to admire. I would love to walk through the rose garden and by the lake.
I agree, the gardens were delightful! It was lovely to stroll through the different gardens and admire them all! And the lakeside views were breathtaking!
Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire is my kind of place! Would love to spend time here learning its history and wandering through all the peaceful gardens and meadow. So beautiful!
It is such a charming place, isn’t it? Strolling through the Nostell gardens was a great way to relax. You could easily spend a whole day exploring everything and unearthing the history!
Nostell Priory sounds like a delightful place to visit and so so pretty! That’s amazing that it took 200 years to fully complete it but I’m glad they did! I’ve always had a fascination with doll houses so I’d love to see that and then walk the different gardens!
Nostell is such a charming place! I agree, I’m so glad that the house survived and eventually got to be admired and celebrated after all that time! It would have been devastating if it had been lost! The dolls house is stunning, it is huge! And so detailed! It is well worth a look when you’re able to visit!
It looks so beautiful here! I love that they have reserved all this history
Nostell is such a beautiful place! It would have been devastating to lose all that history, wouldn’t it? I’m so glad the house survived and could be celebrated in the end!
I love National Trust! Nostell Priory is a place I had never heard of, thank for sharing, adde on my bucket list!
Me too! They have so many beautiful sites, don’t they? I’ve been enjoying making the most of my membership this year and visiting lots of new ones! Nostell is stunning, I hope you get a chance to visit!
As someone with a life National Trust membership and is from Yorkshire, I must admit Nostell Priory is not somewhere I have ever been before! It looks fab, next on my list for sure!
Ah! I’m envious of your life membership! I have been debating going for the life one when we need to renew. Nostell is such a lovely place, definitely one of my favourite local National Trust places!
What a beautiful place! This place looks so peaceful especially the orchard meadow. I love the gothic arch, the lake side and the boathouse. Perfect for long walks with a camera. Stunning images. I will probably visit Yorkshire soon and am adding this place to my itinerary. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I loved the orchard meadow – I’m such a sucker for wildflowers! I could have happily hidden out in that section all day! The gothic arch is really cool, the lakeside walk to get to it is beautiful! Oh how exciting that you’re heading over to Yorkshire! I hope you get a chance to visit Nostell! If you want any other local recommendations let me know! I’m happy to help. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Nostell makes me want to reread every Jane Austen novel! I’d love to get dressed up and spend a day wandering the gardens and dreaming on the lawn. Thank you for the introduction to this beautiful place!
Nostell is enchanting, isn’t it? It’s certainly very Austen-esque! It is a beautiful place to explore. I hope you get an opportunity to see it in person!
Never heard of it! This looks great! Added to places to visit on next UK trip. Love that is has a rose garden, a definite nudge to go and visit!
Nostell is such a lovely place. I think it is well known by locals but a bit of a hidden gem for visitors. It’s well worth a visit when you are in the area!
Nostell Priory does look very impressive with a charming garden. I love visiting historic houses & have saved this post for later! Thanks for sharing!
Nostell is a really beautiful place. Both the house and the gardens were stunning! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I’ve never been to West Yorkshire but definitely gonna have to check this place out if I ever get a chance to go! I’d love to check out the gardens + the Menagerie House! It does look straight out of a fairytale!
Menagerie House was my favourite little spot! It was so picturesque! Both the house and gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit!