Autumn at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

If ever there’s a time to explore Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, this is certainly it. Not only does the elegant Georgian home and surrounding grounds look especially stunning in autumn’s golden light, but its current exhibition – coupled with a special dose of season-inspired events and activities – is well worth traveling over for alone.

Yorkshire! Achievement, Grit and Controversy is an ode to the tenacious people of God’s Own Country – bringing together a unique body of paintings, photographs and sculptures that portray some of the most significant names to have heralded from the region. Among the selection of ‘game-changers, rebels and influencers’, you’ll find everyone from musician Jarvis Cocker to anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, activist/conspirator Guy Fawkes and artist David Hockney.

Step outside of the National Trust property and you’ll find plenty more art to explore outdoors, Yorkshire-based printmaker Gerard Hobson having taken over the grounds and outbuildings with a treasure trail of beautifully crafted scenes themed upon the animals and plants that call Beningbrough their home. A series of accompanying lino-print workshops also provide the opportunity for visitors to get creative themselves; while Exploring the Magic of Trees will help fire the minds of budding young artists and nature-enthusiasts with hands-on activities including bushcraft, broomstick making and a (nearly) naked tree walk!

One arboreal species that Beningbrough has in abundance is the apple tree – there are more than 50 varieties on site! Time your visit to coincide with Apple Celebration Week and you’ll be able to sample some of Yorkshire’s juiciest local produce, with chutneys, ciders and crumbles galore. Finally, flex your own green fingers by getting involved in a collective effort to help ready the hall’s new Mediterranean Garden (designed by RHS Chelsea Gold Award winner Andy Sturgeon) – and take a little piece of Beningbrough home with you.

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