Day Planner

What is there to do on site?
Which English Heritage properties are nearby?
Tourist information

What to do on site?

Discover the house

Brodsworth Hall is unique, this is no glossily restored showpiece, frozen in a single period of manicured grandeur. ‘Conserved as found’ it is a mansion which has grown comfortably old over 120 years, and reveals a country house at it really was: still reflecting its original opulence but well-used, patched up in places and full of unexpected family curios.
 
Built in the Italianate style of the 1860s by the fabulously wealthy Charles Thellusson, Brodsworth Hall served as the family home for over 120 years. The pillared, sculpture-lined and sumptuously furnished ‘grand rooms’ on the ground floor recall the house’s Victorian heyday. The Thellusson family’s sporting interests, horse racing and yachtting, are reflected throughout the house, on display are the mumified hooves of ‘Rataplan’ who won the Doncaster Cup in 1855.
 
Two recently opened bedrooms and the cavernous Victorian kitchen are now on display for visitors, amongst the more traditional items can you spot more familiar fixtures and fittings which were added during the Hall’s occupancy in the 1960s and 1970s? The remains of Brodsworth Hall stand as they were at the end of the Hall’s active life, spot the chair in the small kitchen, patched and worn by generations, and still beside the Aga as if the last housekeeper has only just left the room.
 
Please note during winter months the House is closed for conservation reasons.

Take a walk in the gardens

In contrast to the house, the extensive gardens have been wonderfully restored to their original horticultural splendour as ‘a collection of grand gardens in miniature’. Restoration work continues to reveal new features, explore the enghanted Grove with paths, banks and bridges winding over and under eachother revealing an array of different views.

The flower garden displays a fine selection of period bedding plants and romantic views from the restored summer house which overlook the formal gardens and pleasure grounds. Walks may be taken through the fern dell and the beautiful wild rose dell, look out for the many statues which represent the interests of the Thellusson family.

Take a break in the tearoom

The former servants quarters play host to Brodsworth’s Tearooms. Delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches, quiches and light snacks are on offer to enjoy indoors or out. After a long walk around the grounds why not settle down with a home baked slice of cake, perfect with a lovely refreshing pot of Yorkshire Tea in the cosy café.

Events

Queen Victoria herself may have even cracked a smile at the fun programme of activities taking place at Brodsworth Hall in 2009.

Hilights include a traditional Victorian celebration of St George’s Day (25-26 April) and the perfect day out for Dads and vintage car enthusiasts for Father’s Day (21 June)! Over the summer months visitors can share lazy Sunday afternoons on the lawns, with local brass bands providing entertainment on the South Terrace to while away the hours.

Bring all the family and join us for one of our spectacular events

Shop

The former Servants Hall now displays beautiful and interesting gifts for sale including a range of Victorian and countryside themed items, local honey and butterscotch, traditional English wines and foods plus Victorian jewellery, games and collectibles. Be sure to stock up on unusual gifts for friends and family, you’re sure to find a gem to remember your day at Brodsworth Hall.

Which English Heritage properties are nearby?

Roche Abbey

Distance: 17 miles
Beautifully set in a trully enchanting valley, landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century, the soaring early Gothic transepts of this Cistercian monastery stll survive to their original height.

Conisbrough Castle

Distance: 9 miles
One of the inspirations for Sir Waler Scott’s novel, Ivanhoe, the imposing 12th century keep and battlements tower above their valley setting revealing the strategic importance of the castle.
 
Why not also visit Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse and St Peter’s Church.

Tourist Information

The nearest Tourist Information Centre is located in Doncaster, call 01302 734309.
 
For more information on things to see and do in the area please see www.visitdoncaster.co.uk and www.yorkshiresouth.com.
 
If you are interested in seeing other Gardens in the area please see
www.gardensofsouthyorkshire.com.

Useful tools

  • Email this to a friend