What to expect

Although its name suggests a monastery, today’s Nostell Priory is in fact a magnificent 18th-century Palladian country house built on the site of a medieval Augustinian priory that was dissolved in 1540. The house was created for the Winn family and features exquisite interiors designed by Robert Adam, together with one of the finest surviving collections of furniture by the celebrated Yorkshire cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale.

Outside, more than 300 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and formal gardens provide plenty to explore. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks beneath ancient trees, discover the working kitchen garden, wander through the Menagerie Garden or let younger visitors burn off energy in the adventure play area. The estate is also home to wildlife-rich lakes, scenic cycling routes and wide open spaces that make it just as enjoyable outdoors as inside the house.

We’ve found Nostell Priory to be one of Yorkshire’s most complete National Trust properties. The combination of outstanding architecture, world-class craftsmanship and beautiful parkland means it’s easy to spend an entire day here, whatever the season.