Hundreds of thousands of day trippers flash past this oasis of tranquillity as they scurry along the A64 towards the delights of Scarborough and the East Coast of Yorkshire, pausing only to wonder, perhaps, what the large lake is over to the left as they cross a stone bridge.
Well, allow me to enlighten them.
This is the lake associated with Scampston Hall, one of the finest examples of a Regency English country house. Built around 1690, it has remained in the hands of the St. Quintin family since then.
The first recorded gardens here were modelled in 1720 with formal ponds and woodland groves.
The featured walled garden was constructed in the mid 17th century whilst the whole park was remodelled in 1773 by the famous landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.
Updates and remodelling have continued throughout the years with the latest of these being in 1999.
There are nine separate and diverse areas of planting within the walls, each having its' own identity and range of planting ideas. You do wonder what comes next as you wander from area to area, suddenly revealed as you pass through hedge portals. Many have rare and unusual plants to delight the senses.
After experiencing the walled garden there is now a Cascade Circuit Walk of just under a mile which takes the visitor past the house and into the extensive grounds (not suitable for very young children or wheelchairs/ buggy's).
The walk is signposted and there is a map guide available. This walk takes you through a future alpine rock garden, towards one of three linked lakes.
There is an historic 'stew pond' once used to keep carp for the kitchens, an old pump house and a Palladian bridge leading to woodland with a variety of exotic tree types.
There is an old aviary and ice house to visit as the lifestyle of the owners is revealed in all its' glory.
The middle lake is fringed by woodland which houses a heronry in the treetops whilst many varieties of wildfowl can be observed. The water lillies are a visual treat of dark green and brilliant yellow.
Be sure to pause by the magnificent rich red Spanish Chestnut tree, planted in the mid 1700's, as you follow the path back to the house.
The house itself, which contains fine period furniture, paintings and works of art is well worth a visit too.
Three is a large display of rare and unusual plants for sale, with some bargains to be had if you browse around.
TOP TIPS
On entering the walled garden area from the free car park, if you pick up a leaflet from the wall container on your left, you will find a two-for-one entry voucher. DON'T PAY THE ENTRY FEE FIRST!
Dogs are not allowed in the walled garden or cascade circuit walk.
The facilities, walled garden and ground floor of the house are wheelchair friendly.
There is a modern restaurant on site and whilst the food is of excellent quality and quantity, it is a little on the expensive side.
A great alternative is merely 100 yards away at the Farmhouse Bakery and Café which you will see signposted from the drive on the way out from the car park. Note that the café is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays however.
All the scrumptious goodies here are home made on the premises and are all at exceptionally good prices.
There are outdoor tables and you can be entertained by the free range chickens as you relax.
You will not be disappointed here and will be tempted to take a goody box home. This café and bakery has an excellent reputation and is itself worth a diversion off the A64 at any time.
SO, don't be a lemming rushing to the sea, turn off and discover a marvellous and relaxing place to while away a couple of hours.
See www.scampston.co.uk/gardens for further details and opening times.
