Days Out: Newby Hall, Ripon: meet the Children's Lauriette

As you cruise through you’ll pass a Bear House, an adventure playground and might be able to spot some famous scenes from TV that’ve been filmed there. If you’d rather travel through Newby Hall gardens on water, then take one of their Newby River Boat Trips which are back by popular demand. You can take in the scenic river and wildlife as up to 12 of you travel down the River Ure.

The adventure playground is one of the best around and kids can explore the array of swing boats, slides and bridges all set in the beautiful grounds. Following that, children can enjoy seeing the Bear House – full of teddy bears from through the ages with a few famous teddy faces in there too. Newby Hall is also home to one of the most impressive dolls house collections in the country with almost 70 different miniature houses to peer inside. The amazingly detailed rooms and tiny characters will spark children’s imaginations.

The Hall and Gardens are open for the year from 30th March onwards and their big opening day is followed by some fantastic Easter Family Fun Days which feature fairy tale characters and woodland walks.

And don’t miss their spectacular event this summer either as they welcome Children’s Laureate Lauren Child to exhibit for two months – from July 7 to September 7. There’ll be a woodland trail based on Lauren’s famous characters. Newby Hall will also host Firework Championships, outdoor Shakespeare plays, a ‘Tractor Fest’ and an Italian Car and Bikes rally.

There’s also a delicious restaurant at Newby which is run by The Yorkshire Party Company – expect everything from sandwiches and soups to an array of hot meals and daily deals – food to please the whole family.

FACTFILE - NEWBY HALL, RIPON

Address: Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE (Sat Nav HG4 5AJ)

Opening Times: 11am – 5pm

Tickets from: Adult £12.25, Child £9.25, Family £40.00

Website: www.newbyhall.com

More: www.yorkshire.co