Norton Conyers
Anglo-Saxon foundations to a house known now for its pink hue, Dutch gables and literary connections.
Wath, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5EQ
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Free parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
Norton Conyers has a special atmosphere, resulting from 400 years of ownership by the Graham family. Recent excavations beneath the house revealed evidence of a large Anglo-Saxon house.
Notable visitors to Norton Conyers have included Charles I, James II and Charlotte Bronte, with whom we have close links. A family legend inspired her mad Mrs Rochester and the house gave her ideas for “Thornfield Hall”.
There have been many discoveries during restoration work and in 2014 the house was the winner of the Historic Houses Sotheby’s Restoration Award.
The romantic 2.5-acre, 18th-century walled garden is a rare survival of a Paradise Garden. Laid out c.1760, retaining the essential features of its original design, the garden is still used for its original purpose: supplying the house with flowers, fruit and vegetables.
The 18th-century garden was established in the 1760s and has been cared for six generations of the Graham family. It is a plantsman’s garden, with a beautiful Orangery and a established potager garden, together with an early example of double-heated walls. The plants used in the garden are sympathetic to its surroundings and the gardens are planted using traditional methods, which benefit the abundant varied wildlife.
Plants, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables grown in the garden are available for sale.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Norton Conyers House and Gardens will reopen in 2026 with specific opening times for the house and garden.
Garden Opening Times
The garden will be open from 1st April to 31st October 2026, Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. On specific dates, the garden will have extended hours:
- From 1st May 2026, the garden will open from 10:00am to 5:00pm on days when house tours are available.
- On 2nd, 3rd, and 4th May 2026, the garden will open from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Admission to the garden is by a £5.00 suggested donation. Dogs are allowed in the garden but must be on leads. Most paths are wheelchair accessible. Groups can visit by prior arrangement.
House Opening Times
The house will open for tours starting Friday, 1st May 2026. It will be open for a total of 28 days during the spring and summer. Tours are available at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm, with a maximum of 30 people per tour. Advanced bookings are not accepted, and visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot. Admission for the house and garden is £15.00. Historic Houses members must show a valid membership card for entry.
Special Events
- 14th June 2026: Charity Garden Dates for Amnesty International and St. Michael's Hospice, with homemade teas available (to be confirmed).
Visitors are reminded to wear flat shoes to protect the house's wooden floors. Limited toilet facilities are available on-site.
For group visits or further inquiries, contact Norton Conyers via email at [email protected] or by phone at 01765 640333.
Historic Houses members visit free except on charity days.
House and garden: £15
Under 16: free
Garden £5
Historic House members visiting just the garden from April are asked to complete the Historic Houses visitor form in the Orangery with their full card details. and not to write anything else on the form.
Historic House members wanting a tour when the house is open need to come to the visitor reception in the Clock Tower Summer House
Group tours of the garden by owners and head gardener available by arrangement. This can also include areas normally closed to the public including the grounds, and 18th century Stables which featured recently in “All Creatures Great and Small”. If repairs permit, tours of work in progress in the house will be available -please email for further information at [email protected]
For any group visits please contact Norton Conyers direct to discuss: [email protected]
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Wath, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5EQ
Norton Conyers is 4 miles north of Ripon on the road to Wath, and 3.5 miles from the A1; turn off at the Baldersby flyover onto the A61 to Ripon and turn right at the road signposted Melmerby.
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