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95) Wentworth Castle, gardens & parklands, Park House Drive, Barnsley S75 3EN
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/wentworth-castle-gardens
About this location:
Wentworth Castle, gardens and parklands are located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
A grade 1 listed country house that was originally the home called Cutler House, owned by Sir Gervase Cutler (1670), Sir Cutler sold the property to Thomas Wentworth, who became the 1st Earl of Strafford.
The original house was remodelled by the 1st and subsequent Earls.
The 2nd Earl also changed the bosquet styled gardens to the less formal, landscaping the parklands, adopting the more open, rolling and naturalistic landscape, as favoured by Capability Brown.
Stainborough Castle
This almost ancient castle is the crowning glory of a visit to Wentworth Castle Gardens. Although it looks medieval, this folly was actually completed in 1731 by Thomas Wentworth.
Born out of a fierce family rivalry, the folly was designed to give the impression that the Wentworth family had lived here for centuries. Today it’s a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic, surrounded by medieval-style turrets.
Gardens within a garden
The Union Jack Garden
Thomas Wentworth created the landscape at Wentworth to showcase his wealth and status, and the Union Jack Garden is no different. This 18th-century wilderness garden was planted in 1713. Its distinctive criss-cross pattern marks the union of England and Scotland in 1707. It was largely replanted in 2005.
The site is now operated and managed by the National Trust. Access to the actual country hall is only possible on a few occasions each year, with a guide. I was unable to check if this is accessible during my visit today.
Much of the gardens and parkland would be difficult without some form of powered mobility equipment to power you around. I use a Batec Scrambler, which converts my standard lightweight wheelchair into a powered trike.
As with many National Trust properties - they have two capable off road mobility scooters that can be pre-booked, available free for people to use. You can use these everywhere with exception to the deer park and conservatory building.
Admission charges:
Ticket type Gift aid Standard
Adult £5.00
Child £2.50
Family £12.50
Family 1 adult £7.50
Free for membership members of the National Trust.
Route:
During our visit we did 2.88 miles, exploring the parkland, the grounds and gardens.
The parkland was difficult as the ground was quite wet making the grass quite slippy.
Terrain:
Around the house and cafe - tarmac, up into the gardens that located above the main house - gravel and mixed rougher path. Some parts of the garden paths are quite rough, loose terrain with a number of slopes to negotiate.
Facilities on site:
Good sized car park with Blue Badge parking, a slight slope to most parts of the carpark area.
Disabled and std toilets located in the cafe and conservatory buildings. Lovely cafe with wheelchair accessible benches outdoors. Dogs are allowed inside the cafe too.
Dogs on leads are permitted everywhere, except in the conservatory garden.



















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