Skip to content

National Trust to run Wentworth Castle Gardens

Andrew Butler/National Trust Images Wentworth Castle Gardens at StainboroughAndrew Butler/National Trust Images
The National Trust aims to have the site open by summer 2019

A tourist attraction that closed in a funding crisis is to be re-launched and run by the National Trust.

Grade I-listed Wentworth Castle Gardens near Barnsley re-opened in 2014 after a £3.74m renovation, but closed in 2017.

Now the trust has plans for a 25-year lease on the site working with Barnsley Council and the Northern College.

A spokeswoman for the National Trust said it wanted to safeguard the "rich heritage" of the gardens.

The 18th Century gardens were renovated and the dilapidated Victorian conservatory re-opened in 2013.

More than £20m has been spent on the gardens in the past few years, with 20 historical buildings and monuments restored.

Latest news and stories across Yorkshire

The park and gardens had attracted large numbers of visitors each year. But Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust said: "In recent years we have not been able to make enough money to cover the running costs [for] a year-round visitor attraction."

Restored Victorian conservatory
The Victorian conservatory featured on BBC Two's Restoration programme
Andrew Butler/National Trust Images Corinthian Temple at Wentworth Castle GardensAndrew Butler/National Trust Images
Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the Corinthian Temple
Google Entrance to Wentworth Castle GardensGoogle
Wentworth Castle Gardens closed after Easter 2017