Nostell Priory at Christmas

 In Brief.

Nostell Priory is a National Trust country house in rolling parkland near Wakefield. The house itself is substantial, occupying a raised position, though to my eyes the neo-classical exterior is ponderous from all angles. For Christmas, the interior is extensively decorated with trees and lights, and outside the parkland provides walks that are undiminished by the season. 

Approaching the house from the carpark.

What's Here?

For the avoidance of doubt, Nostell Priory is not a priory! It is an 18th century country house on the site of a medieval priory. The house occupies an elevated position, overlooking rolling parkland to the front and an artificial lake to the rear.  There are few formal gardens (I wasn't tempted to visit the Rose Garden in December), and the Pleasure Grounds is a rather nondescript wooded area. However, the parkland is pleasant, particularly popular with dogs and their walkers, and the Obelisk Lodge is silly enough to provide a worthy destination for a parkland wander.

The Obelisk Lodge. Possibly not the most bonkers gatehouse in the country.

The interior of the house consists of a rather austere lower floor, which provides access by way of grand staircases to the ornate public rooms on the first floor. How many of these are open probably depends on how many volunteers are available. On my weekday visit it didn't take especially long to follow the designated route, but there were lots of illuminated Christmas trees, there was the occasional log fire, and the staircases were decked with festive lights.  This all meant that there wasn't a lot of history on show, with the focus being on the decorations, but this likely gives the locals an excuse to explore the interior more than once.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 55 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Price: $$ for the house and gardens.

Parking: $: in effect, this provides access to the coffee shop and parkland.

Food and Drink: There is a standard National Trust coffee shop.  I had a pleasant Christmas Scone (a fruit scone with slightly different fruit and some spices), but by lunchtime it was mobbed (even on a Monday on December).

Retail Therapy: There is a standard National Trust shop (so books, blankets and gift food). 

Child Friendly: There is a rustic play area, the house is full of decorations, and there were fairies to spot throughout the property. There was a large elderly gentleman with a white beard and red clothes in one of the public rooms. There is also an impressive 18th Century Dolls House reflecting life in a country mansion.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2 hours for house / grounds.

Inside-Outside: 40:60.

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