Duncombe Park
Stately mansion in important park, scattered with Classical temples and follies.
Helmsley, York, YO62 5EB
Facilities
- Bike storage facilities
- Easily accessible without car
- Free parking
- Garden only
- Parkland / open spaces
- Guide dogs welcome
Duncombe Park has sweeping grass terraces, towering veteran trees, and classical temples.
It has been described by historian Christopher Hussey as ‘perhaps the most spectacularly beautiful among English landscape conceptions of the 18th century’.
Beside superb views over the Rye valley, visitors will discover woodland walks (including the ‘yew tunnel’), ornamental parterres, and a ‘secret garden’ at the Orangery.
The garden and surrounding parkland extend to 103 ha, and are designated a National Nature Reserve for the rare insects and fungi which thrive on the dead and dying limbs of ancient trees.
The house is closed to the public, but hosts weddings and events, while Duncombe Park is a home to the National Centre for Birds of Prey, an award-winning visitor attraction which houses the largest collection of birds of prey in the north of England.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Parkland
Saturday 11th February – Tuesday 31st October 2023, 7 days/week
10.30am – 5pm, last admission 4pm.
Historic Houses members visit the gardens for free.
Adult: £5
Child: £3
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Helmsley, York, YO62 5EB
Entrance just off Helmsley Market Square, signposted from the A170 Thirsk–Scarborough road.
Regular 31 & 31X bus service from York railway station to Helmsley Market Place (15 minutes walk to admissions at the Parkland Centre).
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