Renishaw Hall
Just outside the boundaries of South Yorkshire is the village of Renishaw and Renishaw Hall. You could be forgiven for thinking that they are actually in Yorkshire since the postal city is Sheffield, postcodes are Sheffield and the gardens of the hall are listed in the gardens of South Yorkshire. The fact remains that the poor souls who live here are not Yorkshire at all.
It's not all bad new though since Renishaw Hall is pleasantly situated in a bend of the River Rother and the gardens are really beautiful. Renishaw Hall was home to the Sitwell family and is not open to the public except by prior arrangement for group bookings. The present hall was built in 1625 and enlarged in the Regency period by the first baronet. The 300 acre park contains a substantial lake and Italianate gardens planted by Sir George Sitwell. Renishaw Hall Golf Club, which looks really posh, occupies adjoining land which looks as if it once belonged to the estate.
Review
The gardens of Renishaw Hall are truly stunning. The Italianate gardens are beautifully kept but some other parts have been allowed to go wild: well you just can't get the gardeners these days. There are all sorts of statues on display. There are walks around the lake if you feel fit when you've walked around the gardens. The National Collection of Yuccas is in the converted orangery. The admission price to the garden also covers the Children's Adventure Garden, the Museums, Exhibitions and Galleries which are in the impressive old stables and coach houses.
Photographs
Information
Open Easter - end of September, Thurs, Frid, Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10.30am (last admission 4pm). Please check opening and closing dates on the website as they vary a bit from year to year.
2009 Cost Adult £5, concessions £4.20. Children 10 and under free. Season tickets £25. Car parking £1.
A range of events throughout the open season. Visit the website for full details.
Conference facilities available. Café, Sitwell Museum, galleries, craft studio, Children's Adventure Garden. Plant sales when available and fairs at times.
Much of the gardens can be accessed in a wheelchair or buggy but you won't be able to get down to the lake or in some of the other bits.