PICTURES: National Trust's Crook Hall Gardens in Durham reopens

The National Trust has reopened Durham's popular Crook Hall Gardens for the first time since its closure two years ago.

Taken on by the National Trust in March this year, the Grade I listed medieval hall and gardens will reopened its doors for the yesterday (July 13).

The site, a popular venue for weddings and tourists until it shut in the summer of 2020, holds a medieval manor house which is one of the oldest inhabited houses in the city.

The Northern Echo: Crook Hall Gardens Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT Crook Hall Gardens Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Mike Innerdale, regional director for the National Trust in the North, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming people back to Crook Hall Gardens.

"It’s such a historically important and locally cherished place, which the National Trust is delighted to have taken into our care on behalf of the nation.

"The hall, cafe and beautiful gardens have been closed to the public for nearly two years and with the forecast looking fantastic for our first week of opening, it’s going to be wonderful seeing people back in this little corner of Durham again, this week.”

The Northern Echo: Crook Hall Gardens Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT Crook Hall Gardens Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Crook Hall Gardens, which includes a series of gardens, pond and maze will be open open daily, 10am – 4pm until 30 October.

The site will also be open during the winter, with opening times set to be confirmed later in the year.

There will also be a programme of events starting with a summer of sport – games and activities for families, as well as craft activities during the school holidays.

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Speaking more about future plans for the site, Mike added: “Crook Hall Gardens brings a wonderful opportunity for the National Trust here in Durham.

"So close to the city centre, we look forward to playing our part in bringing visitors to this globally renowned city and the surrounding area.

"In the last few months since taking ownership, we’ve already begun developing a longer-term project with partners that will help to improve access to this green space stretching from Crook Hall, creating a nature-rich green corridor into the countryside.”

Recruitment for a new project manager to develop the green corridor plans over the next three years will be underway shortly, joining the 11 other new roles that have been created at the property alongside seasonal opportunities in the cafe.

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There are also lots opportunities for volunteering, including in areas such as visitor welcome, gardening, outdoor activities, leading walks, administration and fundraising.

For more information about visiting or volunteering visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crook-hall-gardens or keep an eye on the latest news, events and photos at www.facebook.com/crookhallgardensnt.

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