Stainborough Castle

Bank Holiday Monday 29th August 2022


A day out at a NT property we haven't been to before as the NT only took over management of it 3 years ago. We went to Wentworth Castle Gardens. We didn't realise that it was on a hill but thankfully they ran a buggy service to take you almost to the top so that you can then walk back down. 

Wentworth Castle is actually a house. Thomas Wentworth expected to inherit the family home of Wentworth Woodhouse. When he didn't he bought, extended and renamed his own house and estate as Wentworth Castle to outshine his cousins. The gardens were developed and the estate gardens and parklands are now home to 26 listed buildings and monuments. At the top of the garden is Stainborough Castle, it is a fake castle, a folly, built by Thomas to impress his friends and give the impression the property had been with the family for generations. 

Never to be beaten, Mum managed to climb the 82 spiral steps to the top of the tower! We then walked back down the hill, through the formal gardens and around the conservatory, before having our picnic by the house. Unfortunately it then started to rain and we made our way back to the car and set off in search of a garden centre cafe. After some light refreshment we went back home as there had been enough walking for one day.