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Tue 6 Apr 2021
Top 5 reasons to visit Burton Constable Hall & Grounds in 2021
Joel Peart // Marketing & Events manager
As if you needed further reason to come and visit us this year, but just in case you did...

Last year saw a spike in ‘staycations’ as many of us set out to unearth some of the UK’s most spectacular hidden gems and visitor attractions. Though the country is starting to open up, most still face a year of vacations where travelling far and booking too long in advance seems a risky business.

 

Here at Burton Constable we're keen to show that 'staying local' doesn't mean 'missing out', with the team working hard to improve our visitor offer - making us an even more ideal destination when searching for that elusive 'thing to do’ or ‘place to go’. We believe that Burton Constable Hall and Grounds offers something for everyone - regardless of who you are or where you come from. 

Located on the outskirts of Hull city centre within comfortable distance of Beverley and other surrounding East Riding villages and seaside towns, and only an hours drive from York itself, there is a wealth of fascinating history, heritage and nature to discover at Burton Constable. 

Here are some of the highlights we hope to bring you in 2021:


Discover Burton Constable's Historic Long Gallery
Marianne and Eliza in Burton Constable's Gallery
1. Discover Burton Constable's Gilded Age

It may be a year since we first hoped to open ‘Drinks, Dance & Decadence’, but we're ready for Take 2!

 

It's been a year when many of us have realised how important it is to be able to meet up with friends for a sociable drink or dinner, have longed to go dancing (or just to go anywhere at all). This just means we're even more excited to be exploring the elegance and extravagance of Burton Constable Hall’s glittering social scene between 1830 - 1880 - and discovering all the similarities between our needs and lifestyles and the lives of the Victorian aristocrats who lived here. 

You'll be given a true glimpse of a Victorian country house where "alcohol was a part of daily life” and it wasn’t unusual to host "400 party guests for a night of fun and frivolity". Discover the ladylike amusements of Lady Marianne, first wife of Sir Thomas Aston - and the scandalous decadence of his later mistress-turned-wife the headstrong Rosina.

 

Perhaps you're more interested in the lesser-told stories of those who lived and worked 'below stairs'? New for 2021, discover our redisplayed Lamp Room and the artificial sunshine that evolved throughout the Victorian era.

 

Want to know more? We can't wait to tell you.


2. New Interpretations

We're bringing the open green spaces surrounding the Hall to life, thanks to the support and funding of Arts Council England, Art Fund, MDY, and East Riding Archives. 

 

The importance of the great outdoors for health and wellbeing has never been clearer. Take a walk and discover how the charity safeguards this beautiful landscape and its animal inhabitants.

 

Burton Constable's parkland and surrounding farms have always been essential to the grand lifestyle of the big house. While the Foundation and it's amazing team of volunteer guides have been the focus of much past work, the tales of the grounds and outdoors have often been neglected - until now!

During lockdown, we've been working to make these parkland's story accessible for the first time. Brand new information panels examine how this manicured landscape was created, and how we care for the vast array of wildlife that lives here. Our Little Explorers children's activities mean there's truly something for everyone!

 

For those who prefer to listen than to read, we've partnered up with East Riding Archives to create a trail on the REYTA-award app 'What Was Here'. Download the app and explore the landscape by comparing historic photos to the sights on show today, and to listen to the new audio-guide about our parkland's key features.

3. Walks & Trails

Whether it's a New Year resolution or a hunt for Spring blooms prompting you to get outdoors, the natural landscape and mindfulness opportunities at Burton Constable offer the perfect escapism. 

In fact, it's the current pandemic which has most impact upon certain lifestyle changes. Restrictions have resulted in the popularity of fitness and technological related apps, especially outdoors. The relationship between the great outdoors, exercise and nature goes hand in hand with your mental health and wellbeing too. 


Why not visit Burton Constable and experience one of the many walks and trails? In doing so you can help promote the brilliance of Yorkshire as part of our ‘#Walkshire’ campaign with Welcome to Yorkshire.
4. House & Grounds

If you’ve never visited us here at Burton Constable, you’ll be spellbound from the moment you turn onto the main drive and see the grand Hall laid out before you. Set in 330 acres of stunning historic grade II* listed parkland landscape designed by Georgian engineer extraordinare, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, the vast grandeur of the buildings and the peace of their surroundings is a true spectacle. There’s a secret to its ability to charm in any weather too. 

Home to the Constable family for over 700 years this is one of the most fascinating English country houses to survive with its impressive historic collections. You can indulge and educate yourself for hours whilst taking a tour of this charming Elizabethan mansion.  

It’s easy to while away the hours discovering the many unique and historic features that are dotted around the parkland including the wonderful Georgian Orangery and original Stable Block housing the skeleton of a 60ft sperm whale!


5. Events & Activities

Despite the ever changing conditions and restrictions, we do plan on offering plenty of family friendly events and activities this year. 

Last year, by adhering to all necessary guidelines, we managed to host several events and activities. One of which was a series of spectacular summer shows in the form of our ‘Live on the Lawn’ events. 

This is something we’re working hard on to deliver once more. You can again expect exciting  live performances from an array of acts and a schedule that’ll provide entertainment for the entire family! Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for any updates or announcements.


Visit us in 2021...

Not only is there all of the above to look forward to but you can also benefit from free parking, a full refund on your day visit and other discounts when you sign up to our Annual Pass, plus all the tasty delights of Stables Kitchen!