The Yorkshire stately homes keeping their gardens open during lockdown

For decades they've provided a carefully-cultivated sanctuary for those in need of exercise, a time to catch one's thoughts or simply a few minutes of fresh air.

And as a four-week lockdown envelops the nation in a pall of gloom and uncertainty, Yorkshire' stately homes and public gardens have let it be known that they will continue to provide this vital offering.

Though social distancing restrictions mean the houses at Beningbrough Hall near York, Harewood House in north Leeds and Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire will shut, their gardens and parks will remain open.

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Beningbrough, a large Georgian mansion owned by the National Trust, is in line with many other similar sites by opening its outdoor areas from Friday to Sunday, with pre-booking necessary to control numbers.

Sam Shipman, Head Gardener for the National Trust in York, said work in the garden would not stop during lockdown and his team were expecting a busy autumn and winter.

He said: "We’ll continue to catch up on any jobs we’ve got a bit behind on with this year being like it has – things like weeding, fruit tree pruning and propagation.

"There’s the obvious clearing up of borders, leaves and any damage. We’re selective in cutting back in the borders and try to leave seed heads for structure and winter interest, and more importantly seeds for wildlife.

Head Gardener Sam Shipman pictured at Beningbrough Hall, near York..5th November 2020..Picture by Simon HulmeHead Gardener Sam Shipman pictured at Beningbrough Hall, near York..5th November 2020..Picture by Simon Hulme
Head Gardener Sam Shipman pictured at Beningbrough Hall, near York..5th November 2020..Picture by Simon Hulme
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"We’re looking ahead to 2021, as I’m sure most people are, and we’re lifting and splitting perennials to keep the borders fresh and reinvigorate the plants.

"Being outside and in the fresh air means the team can work safely and socially distanced, we’re even having our cups of tea outside, weather permitting.”

At Harewood, the gardens, grounds and adventure playground remain open with takeaway food available from the Bothy Teahouse and Horsebox and the courtyard shop offering a click and collect service.

But the lockdown has meant the centrepiece of its plans for the 18th century house itself, an immersive Christmas story by "connoisseurs of make-believe" Lord Whitney, has been postponed until next year.

Stunning autumnal pics of the gardens at Wentworth Woodhouse. The trust threw open its gardens to the public for the first time this summer. The photos were taken by supporter Joy Newbould of Sheffield on a visit to the gardens this week. She has given us her permission to use them for publicity purposes.Stunning autumnal pics of the gardens at Wentworth Woodhouse. The trust threw open its gardens to the public for the first time this summer. The photos were taken by supporter Joy Newbould of Sheffield on a visit to the gardens this week. She has given us her permission to use them for publicity purposes.
Stunning autumnal pics of the gardens at Wentworth Woodhouse. The trust threw open its gardens to the public for the first time this summer. The photos were taken by supporter Joy Newbould of Sheffield on a visit to the gardens this week. She has given us her permission to use them for publicity purposes.
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The Harewood team told members that they hoped "the true essence of the festive season can be celebrated through a beautifully curated programme of special events and workshops" starting the day after lockdown is scheduled to finish.

Edward Appleyard, Director of Engagement for Harewood, said: “At a time of such uncertainty, we’re delighted Harewood’s grounds and gardens can remain open and offer a safe sanctuary to those wishing to visit in the coming weeks.

“We’re full of hope and our whole team is now focused on delivering a compelling and magical Christmas programme with the same Harewood spirit and vigour we’ve become respected for and look forward to welcoming everyone to share safely in the celebrations with us from Thursday 3rd December.”

The Grade I listed Wentworth Woodhouse has closed its mansion, tea room and gift shop but its 50 acres of gardens - described as being a "spectacular blaze of colour this month" - remain open.

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Elsewhere, the Royal Horticultural Society says RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate "will remain open for visitors to enjoy fresh air and exercise" , as will the 120-acre Yorkshire Arboretum, north of York.

Yorkshire Arboretum Director Dr John Grimshaw said: "Despite recent rough weather there is still a lot of lovely autumn colour to be seen, there are heaps of leaves to scuff through, and the trees show off their shapes as we transition into winter."

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