Duncombe Park

Helmsley
York
North Yorkshire
YO62 5EB

Tel: +44 (0)1439 772 625
+44 (0)1439 771 115
Fax: +44 (0)1439 771 114
Email: liz@duncombepark.com
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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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.

Opening Times
(2010 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.

Admission Charges
(2010 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.

Directions
Show map of Duncombe Park...

Duncombe Park Postcode for SatNav: YO62 5EB

Nearby Attractions
Helmsley Walled Garden (1 Mile)*
Set against the backdrop of Helmsley Castle and Duncombe Park, the five acre garden, originally built in 1756, has recently benefited from 15 years of extensive restoration.
Shandy Hall (5 Miles)*
Here in 1760-67 the witty and eccentric parson, Laurence Sterne wrote Tristram Shandy and A Sentimental Journey.
Castle Howard (10 Miles)*
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
Worsley Arms Hotel (6 Miles)*
Built in 1841 as a Georgian Spa Hotel, the Worsley Arms offers an exquisite, timeless country house setting with open log fires and stylish furnishings.
George Hotel (9 Miles)*
This family owned and managed 18th century coaching inn is set on the picturesque cobbled market square of Easingwold. Relax and enjoy the real ales and fine food served in the hotel's restaurant and bar.
The Blackwell Ox Inn (11 Miles)*
The Blackwell Ox Inn is located in the quaint village of Sutton on Forest.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Valley View Farm Cottages (4 Miles)*
Valley View Farm Cottages consists of six stone built cottages with one, two or three bedrooms, located in the peaceful and picturesque village of Old Byland on a family farm.
Nunnington Cottages (4 Miles)*
These delightful luxury cottages are situated in the picturesque conservation village of Nunnington, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cowldyke Farm (6 Miles)*
All our cottages are converted farm buildings. All have interesting old beams, double glazing, full central heating and patio area. We have 6 cottages sleeping from 2 to 6 persons.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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