In consequence of major repairs, and the cleaning and re-decoration which must follow, we will not be able to open Norton Conyers to the public during 2008. The walled garden, however, will be open on the following dates:

Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays (25 - 26 May; 24 -25 Aug) Sundays and Mondays from 8 June - 11 August. Daily 2 July - 5 July. Opening times 2 - 5pm, last admissions 4:40pm. Admission is free (donations are very welcome) except when the garden is open for a charity. On these occasions (listed below) an entrance charge is made and teas are available.

Laid out in the mid 18th century, the garden retains the essentials of its original design, together with sympathetic replanting in the English style. Two paths meet at the central feature, an Orangery (open to visitors) with a small ornamental pond and a fountain before it. The main approach to this attractive building is flanked by herbaceous borders and high yew hedges. There is a fine view from its front windows of the garden's main gate and the park beyond. There are also borders of gold and silver plants, of old-fashioned peonies,and of irises. What visitors most frequently comment on it the tranquil atmosphere. A small sales area specialises in unusual hardy plants, and pick-your-own fruit is available in season.

Visited by Charlotte Bronte in 1839, Norton Conyers is an original of Thornfield Hall in 'Jane Eyre' and a family legend of a mad woman confined in the attics was an inspiration for the mad Mrs Rochester. Other famous visitors were Charles I in 1633 and his son James II, when Duke of York, in 1679; the room and the bed he and his wife traditionally used are still to be seen. 384 years of occupation by the same family (the Grahams bought it in 1624) have given the house a noticeably friendly atmosphere which many visitors have remarked on. The paintings in the Great Hall include a notable collection of family portraits and a celebrated John Ferneley, 'The Quorn Hunt', painted in 1822.

Dogs must be on a lead in the grounds.

Disabled Access
The main garden path is gravelled, and runs up a slight slope. The rest of the garden is suitable for disabled access.

Charity Openings
Please note that an entrance charge is payable & teas are available.
8 June Amnesty International
15 June National Gardens Scheme
22 June Ripon Museums Trust
13 July British Red Cross
20 July Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
27 July St John's Ambulance