Journal

Sewerby Hall & Gardens

Boasting a rich history, beautifully maintained gardens and eye-catching architecture, Sewerby Hall promises a memorable day out for all.

Sewerby Hall & Gardens

Just a stone’s throw away from the seaside town of Bridlington, you’ll find the stunning Sewerby Hall. Dating back to the 1700s, the hall offers a rich walk-through history in the form of Sewerby Gardens and its gorgeous Edwardian architecture.

Whether you’re here to learn or simply to take the children around Sewerby Park, there’s fun for all the family.

Find out more about Sewerby Hall prices and activities throughout the year with our handy guide..

Sewerby Hall

Make your way up to the clifftop to reach Sewerby Hall, where you’ll be greeted with 50 acres of 19th Century parkland. If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to stop by Sewerby Gardens, which offer not only stunning flora but activities for the little ones.

The gated enterance to Sewerby Hall

Try your hand at a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course, as well as an 18-hole putting green, a FootGolf course and Crown Green bowling.

Inside Sewerby Hall, you can learn all about a servant’s life throughout their interactive display. You’ll even have the chance to dress up as a servant or a member of the Greame family, who helped to build the famous house. Once you’re done playing dress-up, take the kids to play with Edwardian toys in the nursery.

The house is fully equipped with QR codes for you to scan and learn more about its history. Short audio introductions take you back in time as you explore the opulent surroundings.

And let’s not forget the zoo, of course, where you can enjoy animal encounters from pigs to penguins.

History of Sewerby Hall

Sewerby Hall was built between the years 1714 and 1720 by John Greame.

The Grade I listed building started off with Georgian architecture, before being upgraded in the 19th Century, from 1808 right through to the 1890s. As such, there are a huge range of architectural styles to take in, so bring your camera.

An external shot of Sewerby Hall and the statue in front

After its final restorations in the late 1800s, Sewerby Hall was sold to the Bridlington Corporation in 1934. Local aviator Amy Johnson officially opened the hall to the public in June 1936. Some two decades later, Johnson’s family donated memorabilia to the house, which is still on display today, chronicling her record-breaking flight to Australia.

Today, Sewerby Hall is largely presented as an Edwardian country house circa 1910, thanks to restorations in 2013 and 14. It includes a new gatehouse, plus pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

Sewerby Gardens

Perhaps the pièce de resistance of the hall, Sewerby Gardens features 50 acres of woodland and flora, each with a unique display throughout the four seasons.

Visit in spring for the Marie Curie Daffodil Trail, or let the kids burn off the treats from Sewerby Hall café in the play area.

You’ll find four distinct areas in Sewerby Gardens, each with their own sights and smells:

  • The Pleasure Garden: wander amongst wood carvings and take a break with puzzles in the fallen monkey tree.
  • The Walled Garden: take in the sights of box hedgerows, shrubs and flowers, which offer a rainbow of colours with the changing seasons.
  • The Rose Garden: discover roses of all shapes, sizes and colours throughout the summer, and marvel at the Pandora statue.
  • The Woodland: look out for a huge range of wildlife amongst sycamore, horse chestnut and elm trees, then take the Woodland Walk.

The trees and flowers at Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Sewerby Hall Clock Tower Café

Feeling hungry? Head to the Sewerby Hall Café next to the house for a large selection of sandwiches, soups and homemade cakes. Children are welcome in this 19th Century building, with colouring in sheets and kids’ menus available.

The café is dog-friendly, too, so sit in the designated seating area and relax. There are also options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners.

Sewerby Hall at Christmas

Sewerby Hall is known for its Yorkshire Christmas events, and you can’t go wrong with the Winter Wonderland. Look out for displays including lights, sounds and special effects.

There may also be Winter Woodland elves walking about, so bring the whole family along for fabulous displays of colour.

If you’re feeling the chill, head inside for the toymakers’ workshop. This sell-out event takes place every year throughout December.

Sewerby Hall Prices and Opening Times

There are a range of Sewerby Hall prices, depending on whether you’re visiting once or planning to use an annual pass.

For just £30, adults will get full access to the estate year-round, plus additional discounts. This is available to children under 16 for £18, or families of two adults and two children for £85. You can add extra children for just £10.

Daily charges include free admission to the gardens outside of half term. Otherwise, you can expect to pay £4 for the zoo only (£3 for kids), and the same for the house only. If you combine the two, you’ll pay £7 for adults and £5 for children. Family passes are also available, starting from £13.

For a discount, it’s better to buy your pass online. Extra activities such as Animal Encounters are charged separately.

Opening times for the hall vary throughout the year, with the gardens open between 9:30am and 3:30pm during the summer. The house is open on the weekends and during EYRC school holidays between 11:30am and 3:30pm. You can find out more about individual facilities here.

Getting to Sewerby Hall

Sewerby Hall is located two miles north of Bridlington, on the heritage coast footpath. You’ll find it on Church Lane, postcode YO15 1EA.

If you’re traveling by car, you’ll find plenty of parking on-site. You can also reach the Hall via Bridlington town centre with the Land Train service.

Local attractions near Sewerby Hall

Making a trip of it? Head to these other Yorkshire coastal destinations including:

  • Bridlington: wander down the promenade at this gorgeous sand and shingle beach.
  • Flamborough Head: explore the lighthouse and look out from the clifftops.
  • RSPB Bempton Cliffs: learn more about the rare and beautiful birds that block around the Yorkshire coast.

Has our guide to Sewerby Hall got you feeling ready to explore Yorkshire? Take a well-deserved break with our Bridlington holiday cottages.

And for inspiration on where to refuel following a day at Sewerby Hall, give our guide on 14 of the best pubs in Bridlington a read. 

Images courtesy of: Peter Worrell – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jonathon Thacker – (CC BY-SA 2.0)