Burton Agnes Hall is a stately home and gardens not far from Bridlington in East Yorkshire. They run a number of events through the year, and on Sunday, we decided to go along to their Pirate and Princess Picnic Day.
It was a very nice day, and very hot. It was also very busy. It opened at 11am. We got there at 11.20am and the main car park was filling up quickly. It cost us £19 to get in – two adults, two children, two under fives (who were free) – and I think this was pretty good value.
For this we got access to the grounds – the main house would have been £3 extra each so we gave it a miss – and all Pirate and Princess Picnic activities, which included bouncy castles, a magic show, balloon modelling, princess make-overs, and make-your-own princess crown or pirate mask. There was also an activity sheet with a treasure hunt. You found five clues dotted around the grounds, answered the questions, and found the hidden word. You exchanged your completed sheet for a small prize at the gift shop on your way out.
Burton Agnes Hall is beautiful. It dates from Elizabethan times and has been with the same family for over 400 years.
We didn’t try the hall itself on this occasion (having three year olds in our group, stately home viewing is much too risky!) but the grounds were beautiful. There are lawned, formal gardens, and wild flower gardens. For the children there is a woodland walk, a hedge maze, and giant garden games.
All of these were rammed with children on Sunday and we couldn’t get a game completed without a random princess or pirate bombing in and stealing a piece, much to my eldest child’s chagrin.
We spent over four hours here on Sunday and there was a lot to do. It probably wouldn’t take that long on a normal visit, but for the pirate and princess event was about right.
We took a picnic – as per the title – and there was plenty of places to sit and eat, although wet weather would have caused a problem because there wasn’t an abundance of picnic tables. There was a courtyard cafe which looked reasonable enough but we didn’t try it this time. The ice-cream from the van was lovely but it was possibly the world’s slowest moving queue ever.
We had a fab time at the Pirate and Princess picnic and will look out for future events at Burton Agnes Hall.
Hints and tips –
There are lots of steps to negotiate and though plenty of people had taken prams and pushchairs, quite a lot of the paths are gravel and could be hard work.
There is a little walk from the main car park to the main house. It’s safe on the whole but you have to cross a public country lane to get to the car park so be careful.
There are water hazards and stinging plants to contend with but on the whole, the grounds are well looked after.
There are baby changing and disabled toilets as well as the usual, but there are only one set, which are in the main courtyard. This was a problem on Sunday when there was literally hundreds of young children in attendance, but will be more than enough for a regular day. As far as I could see, there are no more toilets available.
There is a small play park behind the courtyard, and a nice gift shop tucked away, so visits are optional.
For more information, please visit their website at Burton Agnes Hall East Yorkshire
it looks like a wonderful place and great outfits x
This looks like a great place to go, and I do like to visit a maze from time to time! Thanks
I always wanted to go to places like this if theres an event as I get more of my money worth. I say this is a good investment! I would love to go here too if only its near =) #countrykids
Looks like you had a fantastic time x
Great photos, it looks like you had a brilliant day!
It is lovely when places like this put on special events to encourage the children to visit – a great way of getting them outdoors. A fab review as always.
What a gorgeous place. Looks like a brilliant day out. And what fab little princesses!
#CountryKids
This looks like my sort of day out. I love it when places like this have a themed day, it makes it so much more fun for the children. This looks perfect for your princesses. Thank you for joining me for Country Kids
Looks really lovely. Sounds like a great day 🙂 #CountryKids
Sounds like a beautiful day. Love the little girls and their outfit.. 🙂
#countrykids
Wow, this sounds like a wonderful day! I love the photo of the girls through the gate it’s gorgeous!
Beautiful photos and looks like it was a fab day out 🙂
The costumes and the life size chess are great #CountryKids.
Sounds lie a lovely place. x
What a fun looking day out! Great photography!
I’ve always fancied Burton Agnes but don’t get out towards the East Coast as much as I used to. These themed days out are a great idea though, even without the visit to the house. Thanks for linking up to #WHWH
Looks like you had a great day out. If you like it here you should go at Xmas time when it’s all decorated and lit up and with the 20-odd foot tree in the main hall. It looks great!
Great outfits 😀