Norton Conyers

A late medieval manor house with Stuart and Georgian additions. Owned by the Graham family since 1624 (except between 1862 and 1882). 367 years of occupation by the same family have given it a notably friendly atmosphere, which many visitors have remarked on. The exterior has distinctive Dutch-style gables and the interior contains fine 18th century plaster ceilings in the principal rooms. Good furniture, and accumulated family pictures, especially portraits and a famous John Ferneley hunting group, 'The Quorn Hunt in 1822'. Visited by Charles 1 in 1633, James II and his wife in 1679 (the room and the bed they traditionally used are still on display), and Charlotte Brontë in 1839. The legend of a mad woman confined in the attics in the previous century is said to have given her the idea for the mad Mrs Rochester in 'Jane Eyre', and the house is an original of 'Thornfield Hall'; the discovery in 2004 of a blocked staircase connecting the first floor to the attics and clearly mentioned in the novel, aroused world-wide interest.

The garden is five minutes' walk from the house. Laid out in the mid 18th century, it retains the essentials of its original design, together with sympathetic replanting in the English style. Two paths meet at the central feature, an Orangery (open to visitors) with a small ornamental pond before it. The main approach to this attractive building is flanked by herbaceous borders and high yew hedges. There is a fine view from its front windows of the garden's main gate and the park beyond. There are also borders of gold and silver plants, of old-fashioned peonies, and of irises. What visitors most frequently comment on is the tranquil atmosphere. A small sales area specialises in unusual hardy plants. Pick-your-own fruit is available in season.

Visitor Opening TimesBack to top

*The house is closed for major repairs until 2012*

Garden 1/2 & 29/30 May; Sun & Mon 5 June – 8 Aug, also 28/29 Aug; daily 6-9 July. All 2-5pm; last admissions 4:40pm. Groups by appointment.

Disabled access - The main garden path is gravelled, and runs up a slight slope. The rest of the garden is suitable for disabled access.

Dogs must be on a lead in the garden and the grounds.

Individual admission to the garden is free; donations are very welcome.

A charge is made when the garden is open for charity. Our 2011 charitable openings are as follows:
12 June: National Gardens Scheme
19 June: Ripon Museums Trust
10 July: Forever Fourth (a Forces help charity)
17 July: Ripon Age Concern
24 July: St Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate
31 July: Friends of Ripon Hospital
7 August: Amnesty International

At these openings there is an entry charge of £5 for adults (children under 16 free, no concessions), and homemade teas are served. All proceeds go to the charity involved.

Please contact the property for up to date opening times

Groups and special visitsBack to top

The house is closed for major repairs until 2012

Charges for groups to the garden are by arrangement (min. 10, max 60).

Wedding FacilitiesBack to top

The garden is now available to hire for weddings and other special occasions. Please email for details.