Built for the Lascelles family on the back of the West Indian sugar trade in the mid 18th century, this magnificent house stands in 100 acres of lush parkland. The deer park alone is well worth the visit but this is complemented by nuemerous other aspects including formal, lakeside, walled and Himalayan gardens. Many were laid out by the famous garden designer Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The extensive bird garden is home to more than 90 species, including flamingos and penguins. A conservation programme to reintroduce the Red Kite to the wild has been overwhelmingly successful and is now self sustaining, the birds having spread far and wide over Yorkshire. Talks and viewing of these majestic birds take place regularly. The house itself is described as having 'one of the finest art collections in the country'. Tours of the house are fascinating, showing the opulence of the owners and the contrasting servant and kitchen quarters. Downton Abbey come to life. Numerous events and country fairs take place throughout the year in the extensive grounds. At the top end of the Estate a public footpath runs close to the outdoor film set of the fictional village of Emmerdale.
