English Heritage to open Brodsworth Hall earlier than planned

The Victorian country house near Doncaster was originally one of four 'priority' sites identified for re-opening in July, along with Whitby Abbey, Scarborough Castle and Mount Grace Priory, near Northallerton.

Yet its grounds will now be accessible again from Saturday June 13 - and visitors must book tickets in advance or risk being denied admission.

Capacity is limited to enable social distancing and the house itself and indoor facilities will remain shut.

The gardens will be at their midsummer peak, and visitors can enjoy 15 acres of grounds including the fern grotto, wild rose dell, Edwardian target range, game larder, croquet lawn and new rose garden.

Ticket holders can spend as long as they wish in the grounds.

Staff including head gardener Daniel Hale have remained on-site during the lockdown to maintain the extensively restored Victorian gardens.

Brodsworth Hall's property manager Sue Dalton said: “Our staff and volunteers here have been working hard to adapt the gardens at Brodsworth for re-opening. We want to reassure our

visitors that their wellbeing is paramount which is why we have put stringent social distancing measures in place as well as reinforcing our high hygiene standards.

"During this time Brodsworth’s gardens have once again been part of history, shutting their gates while the country battled this pandemic, however all our staff are excited to now re-open and greet visitors this coming weekend. Whether you’re looking for a fun place for the family to let off steam, inspiration for home-schooling, or just a wide open space to take in the peace and quiet, we’re delighted to welcome our visitors back.”

The National Trust has re-opened the parkland at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield, and the grounds of Beningbrough Hall, near York, so far.