In half term we travelled up to Yorkshire to stay near Bradford, We had a lovely time travelling around and exploring the area. We had one day where we just didn't fancy a long journey so we stayed close by and headed to the nearest National Trust site for a bit of culture and outdoor space. East Riddlesden Hall was the closest, situated in Keighley, West Yorkshire. We weren't sure what to expect as this isn't the biggest site, but actually, it was really nice. The staff were friendly, interested and knowledgeable and there was plenty to do.
As soon as we arrived the kids spotted the birds feed for 50p a bag, so we all headed out to the lake and all my family enjoyed feeding the ducks. This simple act always seems to calm down my crazy girls and focus them on something nurturing. Even JJ loves to feed them, although he is always a little more vigorous in his feeding style! lol, I was happy to find some hale bales to sit on and just enjoy the dry weather and watch my family.
Once we headed upstairs the girls found there were some traditional crafts that they could have a go at, like sock darning and making a rag rug. These are both things my Mum had taught me so I was able to show the girls and we had 20 minutes fun. They did chuckle at the darning mushroom, having never seen anything like it before. In the next room, there was also one of the volunteers showing us how precious silk cloth scraps would have been made into a patchwork bed covering years back.
After a good look around we headed through the house and out into the formal rear gardens. The girls played bowls and connect four on the lawns, we had a look at the herb garden and wandered down a secret path. There is also a lovely play area in the woods for the younger children, including a wigwam, stepping stones and a mud kitchen.
For us, no visit to a National Trust site is complete without trying out the tearoom and having a peek at the shop. The tea room is upstairs but there are some tables downstairs and we preferred to sit there as it was cooler. I had a yummy cheese scone with a cuppa and the others have cake, brownies, coffee and ice cream. The prices were reasonable and the products of good quality.
The shop inside is like most other National Trust ones, there is a wide variety of food, gift items, cards, books and trinkets. There was also a lovely selection of garden items and plants outside, as you can see below.
As we enjoyed our hot drinks the girls went out to play in the wooden adventure play park behind the shop. They had fun and on the way back to the car park we went past the grass maze, which I assume gets more interesting as the summer progresses and the grass grows.
I was impressed to see loads of events going on at East Riddlesden Hall too, things like butter making, making bird feeders for Fathers Day and making gingerbread.
Useful Information
- Address: Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL
- Telephone Number: 01535607075
- Email Contact: eastriddlesden@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Parking: Free and onsite
- Opening Hours: Generally closed on Fridays. 10.30am - 4.30pm otherwise. Check the website for the low season November onwards.
- Entry Price: £19.25 for a family, £7.70 for an adult and £3.85 for a child, or free with membership
- Dogs are welcome on the lower field, please keep dogs on a short lead near the duck pond and 'scoop their poop'. Access dogs only in the house and gardens
- They try to make the hall as accessible as possible but due to its age, there are three uneven steps into the shop and then many to the second floor of the house. They will try their best to help with ramps and access for one wheelchair. There is an accessible toilet at the entrance.
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