Nunnington Hall

Nunnington Hall sits on the River Rye in Ryedale, a manor house recorded since 1249 that grew out of a Tudor hall and was reshaped by each new family over 450 years, with connections from Catherine Parr to Liverpool traders. The rooms are shown as a comfortable inter-war home, the attic holds the Carlisle Collection, one of the world's finest sets of miniature rooms, and the top floor stages changing art exhibitions. The walled garden has been run organically since 2002 and is patrolled by resident peacocks, with the Lion's Den play area for families; dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden but not the house. A 4.5-mile walk climbs the bank from the hall and returns along the Rye. Reviewers single out the volunteer-led garden and behind-the-scenes tours and the scones in the riverside Tea Garden. Tips from regulars: parking is free, the postcode misleads sat navs so follow the brown signs, and the upper floors are stairs only, with a VR headset offered for those who cannot manage them.