Nostell Priory…part 1 (National Trust)
Location - Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE
Distance (around) - varying depending on track
Terrain - There are a number of possible routes and the ground varies from firm concrete to wood bark, there are a number of inclines, but you don’t need to take all of these.
Points to note -
Parking including disabled (closer to venue) is available
Accessible toilets available
This is a National Trust location check prices before entry
Café with lovely courtyard and dog friendly at the rear
Lots of fields for dogs to run, but keep in mind wildlife
Be careful of cows in some fields
I have a bit of an affinity to Nostell Priory having lived there for 7 years, with Betty, in a static caravan on their site, this was in fact the place where our journey began!
This review is split into two, because not all is dog friendly, the dog friendly parts are that of the parkland, stable and cafe. The gardens and house are not dog friendly.
Nostell Priory is a National Trust location, located in West Yorkshire, it was initially designed by the Winn family in the 18th Century, it is situated in 300 acres of varying woodland, fields, meadows with a beautiful Obelisk walk, and many cycle pathways, numerous lakes and an eclectic mix of wildlife.
There is a large carpark, and a disabled car park which is closer to the entrance. The pay machine is difficult to reach, however those with blue badges, payment is not required. The paths throughout are accessible being solid underfoot; some sections are tarmac and some slightly more sandy, but not even the rain affects them too much. I would highly recommend the walk from the entrance, to the obelisk which is around 2 miles there and back, there is an incline throughout the field, but it is quite a steady one. You may at points share the trip with cyclists, however everyone is polite and aware of the sharing necessity, so it doesn’t really pose any issue. On the trip up to the Obelisk you pass the front of the house to your left and the acres of field to your right, where you can appreciate the splendour of both the house and the view, there is an opportunity for dogs to have a run in this section. Following this you pass a small wooded section which can sometimes house cows, but be mindful of the electric fence when walking your dog, there is also a little quaint out building I like to stop at, imagining what life would be like living there. Soon you will reach a small boathouse and bridge where you will then need to attach a lead, for the lake section has lots of birds including swans and geese, they nest during the spring and so please be mindful of this to not disturb. After this you reach a straight section which, after going through a gate leads to an expanse of field (I could manage to open and close the gate), again another place for dogs to run, being mindful of cows in some seasons. Finally, at the top of the incline there is the beautiful Obelisk which acted as the original gatehouse for the estate, it has some information points to see how the workers lived during the time when the house was functioning. Once up there you can admire the view and take some lovely shots. To return you can either go through the field, but this would depend on your mobility device and the weather, or you can return in the same direction you have just come, either are wonderful and allow your dog to enjoy the field. Once you return I would highly recommend a visit to the cafe, where you can get a lovely cup of tea and cake (other food and drink options available) and dogs are now allowed inside the cafe area too; although they are yet to provide any food items for our four legged friends, there is however a tap outside to source water. Whilst in the courtyard I would also recommend a little walk to see the stables, and other out buildings within.
Although this is my favourite of the Nostell Priory walks there are a variety of options, of varying length and terrain, some may also be more shared with cyclists. And there is also the opportunity to pass through the caravan park, which also has a lovely, dog friendly cafe.
Tip - there is an enclosed dog run area near the car park.
