Acorn Bank

2467 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

4/5

Review type

Things to do

Location

Date of travel

2013

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Husband

Reasons for trip

These are set on the hillside above Temple Sowerby. This is now bypassed by the A66, so you need to follow signs to the village and the gardens are signposted along minor roads on the west side of the village. Make a mental note of the route as it is unsigned as you leave.

The house and gardens are reached by a long drive through lovely pastoral farmland along a driveway with parking on the verges.

The house is an elegant but very simple red sandstone building which has been opened for the first time this year. The tickets and shop are in the main entrance hall which has a large fireplace. Guided tours were being offered of the empty rooms. We didn’t have time to join one this visit. Another time. There is a ‘post card room’ asking visitors to pin a card to the walls with ideas about what they would like the National Trust to do with the house. The west wing is currently let out as self catering accommodation. The tea room is in the east wing.

An archway by the splendid dove cot leads into the gardens. On the right is a walled garden which is a herb garden with the largest collection of culinary and medicinal herbs in North England. Many are labelled. Some are old favourites but there were many new names. There is a leaflet available with pictures and information about some of the herbs.

Beyond is another walled garden with a collection of apple trees. A board explains these are planted in natural grassland which is cut in mid July. In spring the grass is covered with narcissi and snakes head fritillary and is a beautiful sight if you visit then. In September/October it is covered with autumn crocuses. On the house side is a herbaceous border which at the end of August was full of colour from dahlias and sweet peas. At the far end, a doorway through the wall leads to a smaller orchard newly planted with small apple trees. There are also runner beans and squashes being grown here.

At the back of the house is a delightful small sunken garden with steps leading down to a pond with a small fountain and white water lilies. A small gateway in the hedge leads to the wild garden on the sides of Crowdundle Beck. Footpaths through ancient oak woodland lead past a pond to a restored watermill. This is open at weekends and staffed by volunteers. Flour ground here is on sale in the shop and is used in the tea room.

This is a delightful place to wander and enjoy. It makes an excellent break if travelling along the A66 and the tea room is highly recommended, selling a range of very good home made cakes and scones. Read my review.

Entry is £5
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/acorn-bank/

“Pictures”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/gardens/england/north/acorn_bank/index.html

Silver Travel Advisor

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.