Hidden England: Normanby Hall
Recommendation added: 30/05/2006 13:05
By: Yerrell1 (YSUK rating +241)Yerrell1 has been thanked 9 times for this contribution
"A few months ago, I wrote a review about a little place called Crowle, Nr Scunthorpe. I said for such a small place, there is so much to do, within a close vicinity. Normanby Hall is one of those things to do.
Normanby Hall is a 300 acre country park, set in amazing scenery. It is only a few miles outside the famous steel town of Scunthorpe, but you would never think it. It seems like you are in a different world. Lush green grass, wonderful wildlife, beautiful surroundings - it really is wonderful.
Let me tell you about Normanby Hall in some detail; I hope you will visit in the near future:
Location:
You will find Normanby Hall located a few short miles from Scunthorpe, North Lincs. Expect journey times of 2 1/2 hours from London. Here is the local directions:
The B1430 is the road you need to know. Take this road from near Scunthorpe town centre, and follow it 4 miles to reach the park. Normanby Hall is signposted from Scunthorpe.
Normanby is within close proximity of Sheffield, Leeds and Hull
The Park is well sign posted from the Humber Bridge and M181.
What To Do Here:
Your imagination is your limit. 300 Acres of open space is a huge amount of land, and here is what you can do on it:
Walking
If you like walking, you could spend the whole day touring the park. There is so much to take in, so many beautiful flowers, plants - even deer to see. Paths and nature trails span for what seem like miles, allowing you to take in something different with every stride you take. Make sure you take notice of the old trees, some which have stood strong for hundreds of years; Look at the seasonal plants, the butterflies floating through the sky. With every blink enjoy the beauty.
Playtime
With so much open fields, its an ideal opportunity for a game of Football, Cricket or rounders. Why not take a picnic like we did? Take the whole family. The kids will love running around, playing sports then eating ham sandwiches - there is also a nice playground for them, complete with swings etc. They will also enjoy feeding the ducks, and seeing the peacocks that surround the park.
Coffee Shop
There is also a coffee shop on the site, selling a range of drinks and light snacks. Prices are quite reasonable, but I would still recommend taking a picnic. You will find things like sandwiches, crisps, tea, coffee etc here.
The Hall
The actual hall itself is an amazing experience. Again, you could spend a whole day just touring round! The hall is full of history. Each room shows something different. A gentleman called Mr Sheffield purchased Normanby in the 16th Century, and his family has lived here ever since. Everything in the house is Victorian themed, and attention to details is really given in the exhibition rooms. From the bathroom to the ballroom, there is a lot to look at and take in. It really is amazing to see the difference between this home, and a modern day dwelling. The staff dress up as housemaids, and are always happy to answer questions people have about the history of the house.
Golfing
Normanby Hall is home to, what I would describe as, one of the best golf courses in the country. A challenging 18 hole golf course, set in the heart of the park. Each one of the 18 holes is a varied challenge. They all have different landscape and scenery to view. Prices are quite reasonable, starting at £12 for 18 holes. If you are a golf fan, this is defiantly recommended.
Special Events:
Every year, Normanby Hall has various special events. Previously, I have visited themed Victorian days, and a miniature railway exhibition. These events are very popular, and are always of the highest quality. The 2006 list is published below, taken with permission, from the membership brochure I have:
July
Sat 1 and Sun 2, 12 to 4pm Morris Minor Owners Club Rally at the South Lodge Rally Fields (half mile walk from entrance).
Sun 2, 2pm Walled Garden Tour Discover the fascinating history behind the gardens.
Sun 9, 2pm Poo! This certainly sounds different to me! An explanation of what happens to poo when its flushed down the loo. A Yerrell1 recommendation!
Sat 15 and Sun 16, 1pm to 4.30pm Free Train Rides on a special mini railway - I have done this before and it is good!
Sun 23 1pm and 3pm Pruning Workshop. For budding gardeners.
Fri 28 July 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm Bees & Butterflies Please book in advance by calling 01724 843533. A nature tour of the park, looking at the buzzing bees and brilliant butterflies.
Sun 30 Barnetby Junior Band
August
Thurs 3 August Summer Dreams 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm. great for adults and kids apparently. You collect things from around the park, then weave them into wonderful artwork.
Sun 6, 2pm to 3pm Deer Walk - See the wonderful deer around the park (ranger Tour, not sure about costs)
Sun 13, 2pm to 3.30pm Normanby Saga - The hall informs me this is limited to the first 30 people. A guided tour round the house.
Fri 18 August Quick off the draw? 1.30pm to 2.30pm or 3pm to 4pm. Something for the kids. Drawing competition (50p Entry fee required)
Sun 20, 2pm to 3.30pm Bug Hunt* Discover where insects live in the park. Ideal for the kids again!
Thurs 24 August Colour Palettes 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm. Cost from £2. Make your own bookmarks
Sun 27 Ancholme River Jazz Band
Sun 27 and Mon 28 10.30am to 4.30pm Craft & Gift Fair
Mon 28, 1pm to 4.30pm Children's Day Drop-in workshops, quizzes and trails.
Thurs 31 August Corn Crafts sessions at 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm. Craft sessions for you to try various things out.
September
Wed 6, 2pm RHS Special Event - Private.
Sat 9 and Sun 10, 10am to 4.30pm Stationary & Miniature Traction Engine Rally Engines
Wed 20, 10am to 3.30pm Flower Arranger's Day - Learn all about flower arranging.
October
Sun 1, 1 to 4pm Fungus Foray - A tour of the Fungi around the park - actually quite interesting! £5.
Sun 15, 10.30am to 4.30pm Craft & Gift Fair further
Sun 22, 1 to 3.30pm Pumpkin Day - Come and see the Pumpkins for Haloween, and enter your scary ones.
Thurs 26 October Kool Kites sessions - Kids come and make classic outdoor toys. Cost £2
November
Fri 17, 7pm for 7.30pm Victorian Candlelit Dinner Indulge in a five course dinner. This will be amazing, to actually dine in the house. Will be there for this one
December
Experience the build up to Christmas at Normanby. Santa's Grotto Etc.
For more details on the events, do make contact with the park. Some events may have other charges not specified here, and are also subject to change.
Opening Hours and Prices:
Adult - £4.40
Child - £2.20
Over 60 - £4.00
Open all year round, but times vary. Please check with the park before visiting, as sometimes the park may close early.
Contact Details:
Normanby Hall Country Park
Normanby
Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire
DN15 9HU
Tel: 01724 720588
http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/NorthLincs/Leisure/heritage/norman byhall/
To Close:
I definately recommend this park to anyone, especially couples and family groups. I have so many wonderful memories of this park, and visit yearly. I really know how good it is for kids and adults alike, and there is always so much to do. The kids might THINK that it sounds boring, but take them once, and they will want to go back again and again. An absolute gem of a park, which everyone should know about. Real hidden England."
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