Duncombe Park |
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The Great House
Sir Charles Duncombe's new Baroque mansion was completed in 1713 on a virgin plateau overlooking Helmsley Castle and the valley of the River Rye. His nephew Thomas was the first occupant. Following a major fire in 1879 the house was rebuilt with care and superb workmanship, largely to the original design. After the death of the 2nd Earl Feversham in World War I when his ten year old son Charles inherited the title, the house was let as a girls' boarding school for 60 years. Since 1986 Lord and Lady Feversham have undertaken extensive restoration of the buildings and the interiors, employing the finest craftsmen to create a home here again for their
family, direct descendants of Sir Thomas Duncombe. Visitors comment on the 'grand yet homely' atmosphere. The family pictures and Lord Feversham's collection of English and Continental furniture are on show and the principal rooms remain a fine example of the type of 'grand interior' popular at the turn of the century.Gardens, Parkland Walks & National Nature Reserve
The early 18th century green gardens of 35 acres (14ha) have been described as 'the supreme masterpiece of the art of the landscape gardener'. Peace and tranquillity reign supreme in this classical English setting - a rare survivor of a style of gardening using the natural landscape. Explore at leisure the great lawn and level terraces, temples, yew tree walk, woodland walks and the scented 'secret garden' around the old conservatory. There are fine views of the valley 180 feet below and the distant moors. Half the 450 acres (182ha) of parkland and gardens became a National Nature Reserve in 1994 to protect the
mature hardwood trees which are to a large number of scarce wood- feeding beetles, and birds which feed on them. The reserve is manage with English Nature who record each tree, and over 2,000 oak, beech, lime and field maple saplings have been planted during the last 10 years creating a haven for wild life. The reserve is 'A refuge from the Wilde Woods which covered much of the country in the 16th century and most of the trees are over 250 years old. Some of England's oldest and tallest trees benefit from the protection. These great gnarled veterans with their dead and dying limbs, rot holes and hollow trunks are living treasures and part of our heritage'. There are waymarked walks, discovery trails and orienteering courses for all ages which explore the woodlands, river valley, meadows, woodland skyline and commercial forestry. In fact, its as near as you can get to that 18th century concept of Arcady - or an ideal rustic paradise.
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
House (By Guided Tour Only):Tours at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm. 12th April to 25th October: Sunday to Thursday. Closed: 11th,12th May. 24thth & 29th June. |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
House & Gardens:Adult £8.25; Concession £6.25; Child (5-16yrs) £3.00. Family (2+2) £17.00; Under 5yrs Free. Groups (Min15): £5.75 per person. Garden & Parkland: Adult £5.00; Concession £4.50; Child (5-16yrs) £3.00; Under 5yrs Free. Parkland: Adult £3.00; Child (10-16yrs) £2.00. |
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Directions
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Duncombe Park Postcode for SatNav: YO62 5EB |
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Nearby Attractions
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Helmsley Walled Garden
(1 Mile)*
Visit the five acre Helmsley Walled Garden, set against the backdrop of Helmsley Castle and Duncombe Park, which has undergone extensive restoration as a fully working kitchen garden. |
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Shandy Hall
(5 Miles)*
Here in 1760-67 the witty and eccentric parson, Laurence Sterne wrote Tristram Shandy and A Sentimental Journey. |
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Castle Howard
(10 Miles)*
Set in an elevated position, against the Howardian Hills in the North Riding of Yorkshire, Castle Howard's magnificent facade is visible for miles around. |
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Nearby Self Catering
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