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Places to Visit in Driffield, Yorkshire
Burton Agnes Hall
Burton Agnes
Driffield
Yorkshire
YO25 4NB.
Tel: +44(0)1262 490324
Email: click here
Website: click here
Burton Agnes Hall is a magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture, built in 1598 by Sir Henry Griffith. It is still lived in by descendants of the same family though it has passed through the female line a number of times. The Hall is filled with treasures collected and commissioned by the family over the centuries. The original Elizabethan carving and plasterwork still decorates many rooms while there are some lovely examples of Georgian furniture and porcelain and, collected this century, a marvellous collection of modern French and English paintings of the Impressionist Schools. These look particularly impressive in the Long Gallery at the top of the house where you can also see a panoramic view of the countryside with the sea in the distance.
The original family still keep an eye on the house in the form of the ghost of Anne, one of Sir Henry Griffith’s three daughters, who was set on by robbers when she was out riding. She was brought back to the Hall dying and very upset to think that she was not going to see the building completed. Anne made her sisters promise that her skull would be kept in the house. They buried her in the churchyard and she haunted the house until they remembered and brought it back to the house. She is still seen occasionally, checking that all is well.
Beside the present Hall is the old Norman Manor house, now encased in brick, where you can still see the lower chamber with its massive priers and groined and vaulted roof, and the Great Hall above.
Lawns with over a hundred yew topiary bushes surround the house, while the old walled garden is filled with more than 4000 species of plants including roses, clematis, campanula, herbs and many unusual plants. These are contained in borders, a potager of herbs and vegetables, a maze and a jungle garden. Coloured gardens divided by trelliswork each contain a giant game such as chess or hopscotch. In the courtyard you can see how the herbs and flowers are preserved and used.
Facilities
Car park, licensed cafe, ice cream parlour, picnic area, gift shop, farm shop, herb and flower workroom/shop, plant sales, children’s games corner. Private group tours and school tours welcome.
Admission
2008
Hall and Gardens Admission:
Adults: £6.00
OAPs: £5.50
Children 5-15years: £3.00
Gardens Admission:
Adults: £3.00
OAPs: £2.75
Children 5-15years: £1.50
Opening Times
2008
9th February - 20th March
Café, shops and gardens open daily 11am-4pm
21st March – 31st October
Hall, café, shops and gardens open daily 11am-5pm
1st November – 13th November
Shops and gardens open daily 11am-5pm
14th November – 21st December
Hall, café, shops and gardens open for Christmas daily 11am-5pm
22nd December – 6th February 2009 Closed
Directions
Burton Agnes is easily found on the A614 York to Bridlington road, mid-way between Driffield and Bridlington. There are regular bus services from Bridlington (6 miles), Hull (25 miles) and York (35 miles).
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Places to Stay near Burton Agnes Hall
Skipsea Grange, BridlingtonStar Inn, Nafferton (Near Driffield)
- Please check prices or opening times before booking as they may be subject to alteration