This review was written in 2019. Please check the Temple Newsam website for updated prices and COVID-19 restrictions.
Temple Newsam is a stunning country estate in the city of Leeds, with a working farm, and a historic house surrounded by scenic parkland. With lots to see and do, there’s something for every age. I have always meant to go but never found the time, and now Emily likes to explore a bit more, I felt it was the perfect time to check it out.
We started in the House where we were greeted by friendly staff and asked to play ‘Fantastical Beasts Bingo’ where we had to search the rooms and find 8 fantastical beasts hidden in plain sight. It was a great activity and got us to look around the rooms in greater detail. Emily loved choosing the markers for each beast; and they were nicely spread out allowing us to explore the whole of the house. There were also different sections where you could dress up in clothes from back-in-the-day as well as more contemporary dress-up. We witnessed one girl transforming into a mermaid!
At the top of the house, there is currently a Fantastical Beasts Exhibition running until November 2019, which tied in with the Bingo activity and proved very interesting, with an array of different creatures. The theme continued down on the ground floor, where the activity room gave you the opportunity to make your own fantastical beast masks.
Whilst we left the buggy in the entrance and explored on foot, the house is mobility friendly; with a lift and level entrance should you require it. Although, I would advise if you are taking babies round to use a sling for ease. The level entrance is via a secret door hidden in the back-bay window, which proved very popular with the children (and myself); and faced the walled garden, where we ran through laburnum arches and zig zigged around box hedges. It was a great spot for chase and hide-and-seek.
After a spot of lunch, our next stop was Home Farm; a working farm with cobbled yards and lots of outbuildings, which like the house, is steeped in history. In-keeping with the Fantastical Beast exhibition we also had the challenge of finding more creatures hidden around the farm – a further 10, where we had to find out who they were, where they lived and what they did. Dotted in and amongst the animals, I focused on the challenge, whilst Emily simply loved ‘feeding’ the goats, pigs and cows.
To the top of the farm, passed the cows is a larger barn with a hay bale maze. This proved to be a very popular pastime with ‘baby’ and ‘big’ tractors to drive around. Emily simply loved trying out the different sized tractors to see if she could get around the track!
After much convincing, we left the maze and made our way under the passage way to the adventure playground, with slides, swings, seesaw and musical section. We spent a lot of time dotting from the swing to the slide back to the swing. There even looked to be pond dipping going on too! We spent quite a bit of time here and had lots of fun. However, it is worth noting, apart from the Apiary, this is the furthest point from toilet facilities so one to bear with little people.
There looked to be another play area outside of the farm, near one of the car parks which we didn’t have time to visit on this occasion, but have made a note to go back to visit next time. There is also a Go Ape on site.
On top of the house and farm, the sheer expanse of grounds is perfect for a leisurely walk or cycle ride. There are even 3 Health Walks advertised, all around 30 minutes long; which are a great choice if you’re wanting to get little ones off to sleep. The rolling fields are a great place for a picnic and run around with a ball or frisbee, and there are three lakes and a bamboo garden.
We finished the day off in the Tea Rooms with a nice warm pot of tea and cheeky cake before making the journey home. Whilst we opted for a picnic, the menu looked to serve some delicious home-cooked produce, including a new vegan offering. In the courtyard is a gift shop packed full of traditional toys, souvenirs and contemporary creations, and Mrs Parson’s Shop sells locally sourced plants, tea, biscuits and ice cream.
Temple Newsam Estate is the perfect choice for a varied day out. Whether you choose to visit the house, the farm, or the grounds, there is lots to keep you entertained and fill the day. It’s definitely somewhere you need to go back to again and again to truly get the best experience as there is always more to see and do on each visit.
Temple Newsam Estate is open Tuesday – Sunday; 10:30am-5pm. Admission to the house is £7 for adults and £3 for 5-16yrs. The Farm is £3 for adults and £2.70 for 5-16yrs. Or you can get a combined House and Farm ticket for £10 for adults and £4.50 for 5-16yrs. Under 5s are FREE. And entry into the grounds is completely free. The car park next to the house is £4.50 per day, and there is also plenty of free parking nearby.
To get in touch, contact Temple Newsam Estate on 0113 336 7461 or email temple.newsam.house@leeds.gov.uk or for more information visit their Website or Facebook Page.
Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
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