Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens — Attraction in Belsay

A unique site with architecture reflecting history from 1370 through 1614 to early 19th century and an opportunity to explore a splendid quarry garden, woodland, formal gardens, swathes of rhododendron and azalea blossom, when in season, as well as a picturesque lake. A good place for lunches and cream teas. The Quarry Garden is home to a host of exotic rhododendrons which would.not survive here without the shelter provided. 7th July 20. First visit of the year, sadly missing the wonderful displays of rhododendrons and azaleas due to the lockdown; however, the tranquillity and drama of the Quarry Garden greatly appreciated. 16th October 20: For the autumnal tints and lunch, did not disappoint on either count. 8th April 2022. Our early Spring visit. Renovations to the exterior fabric of the Hall so the building swathed in plastic and scaffolding. Admired the early, exotic rhodedendrons in the quarry garden, the situation offers these tender specimans the opportunity to thrive. The little patch of oxslips a delight. The forthcoming Easter holiday affording an Easter egg theme to the grounds. We enjoyed lunch, my usual sausage stotty not available, alas, but I tucked into my sausage bap with gusto. 27th May '22. A good time to see the impressive bank of rhododendrons opposite the Hall, which is undergoing roof refurbishment. The scaffolding and protective coverings obscure the views of the building. Access to the upper story allows the intrepid visitor the opportunity of using t,he covered slide, recently installed, an innovative addition of which my wife of and I did not avail ourselves! The wonderful Handerkerchief tree, Davidii Involucrata, resplendant with abundant "handkerchiefs", never fails to please. A useful explanatory board informs that the handkerchiefs are modified leaves called bracts. Lunch was a Cornish Pasty, mine had a beef filling, my wife a...

Well I hadn't expected quite so much in one visit !! English Heritage (£14 if non members). Motorhome friendly carpark, with toilets at the entrance as well as on site. Secondhand books and small gift shop at entrance. This is an empty property - other than an art installation - huge hall with rooms downstairs, upstairs and cellars to wander round. I'm sure the art sculptures interest a few visitors, but they are often beyond me !! As it was this time - I'd far rather a display that recognises an era in the house, or maybe depicting the time when the house was commandeered during the war and pretty much vandalised with damage/graffiti and damp. Or let's have interactive games and models for children enticing them to look and enjoy their history ... But ..... back to our visit !! There's a fair few steps in the house but very much worth doing. Outside, the gardens are gorgeous. Currently spring flowers everywhere . Most stunning is the quarry garden. Beautiful camellias in full bloom. It's about a half mile walk from the hall to the castle and well worth every step. There are two routes, one directly through the quarry, the other around its edge. Then there's an amazing outside play area - for adult's and children !! No age limit, no height limit !! Outside seating area, inside modern cafe. Don't forget membership offers 10% discount on all buys (Inc food and drink). And, as if that's not sufficient, you've got the castle to visit !! With a very funny, great little animation show on entry. Views from the tower, plenty to see and explore - again, as you would expect, lots of uneven floors and stairways. On a sunny day there is enough here to keep a family entertained for many happy hours. Friendly and informative staff on hand, chatty gardeners and yet another property steeped in history. Highly...

A lovely site which can only be made amazing by the work being undertaken. The walk through the quarry garden is truly wonderful.

Belsay Hall is a historic country house located in Northumberland. It was built in the early 19th century and is known for its unique architectural style, blending Greek classical design with medieval elements. The hall is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a quarry garden. It's managed by English Heritage.

Within the grounds, there is Belsay Castle. The castle is a medieval pele tower, originally built for defensive purposes.

The Belsay estate features not only Belsay Hall and Belsay Castle but also stunning gardens that are a major highlight of the visit. The gardens are divided into different areas:

Formal Gardens: These include terraced lawns, flower beds, and ornamental shrubs near Belsay Hall. They provide a more structured and orderly garden space.

Quarry Garden: Created in a former quarry adjacent to Belsay Castle, this garden features a variety of plants and flowers, along with intriguing rock formations. It's a unique blend of natural and cultivated beauty.

Belsay Woodland: Beyond the formal gardens, the woodland areas provide a more naturalistic setting with a mix of trees and...