Temple Newsam: Historic Tudor-Jacobean Estate and Vibrant Country Park

Explore Temple Newsam’s majestic Tudor-Jacobean house, Capability Brown parkland, rare breed farm, and vibrant family activities in Leeds’ iconic country estate.

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Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam is a magnificent Tudor-Jacobean mansion set within 1,500 acres of Capability Brown–landscaped parkland on the outskirts of Leeds. Known as the 'Hampton Court Palace of the North,' it features richly decorated historic rooms, extensive art collections, a working rare breeds farm, and family-friendly activities. The estate offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and engaging events year-round.

A brief summary to Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds, LS15 0AE, GB
+441133367460
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 5 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

Book tickets online in advance, especially for special events and weekend visits, to ensure entry and avoid queues.
Visit the Home Farm to see rare breeds and enjoy family-friendly activities, ideal for children and animal lovers.
Allow time to explore the extensive Capability Brown–designed parkland, perfect for scenic walks and picnics.
Check opening times carefully; the house is closed on Mondays but open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 17:00.
Use public transport where possible; bus services run nearby, and parking is available but can be limited on event days.

Getting There

Bus

Bus numbers 19 and 19A run regularly to Whitkirk, about 1 mile from Temple Newsam. From there, a short walk leads to the estate. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4 depending on ticket type, with frequent daytime services.
Train

Cross Gates Railway Station is approximately 1.9 miles from Temple Newsam, about a 35-minute walk. Taxi services are available from the station, costing around £6 to £10.
Car

From the M1 motorway, take junction 46 to access Temple Newsam. Paid on-site parking is available across the estate, with fees generally around £5 to £8. Note that event days may involve road closures and use of overflow car parks.
Walking

Walking from nearby Whitkirk or Cross Gates is feasible but involves uneven terrain and moderate distances of 1 to 2 miles. Suitable for visitors with average fitness and mobility.

Temple Newsam location weather suitability

Any Weather
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Temple Newsam

A Storied Tudor-Jacobean Mansion

Temple Newsam stands as one of England’s finest historic country houses, renowned for its striking Tudor-Jacobean architecture and rich history. The house’s origins trace back to lands once owned by the Knights Templar, lending the estate its evocative name. Inside, visitors find a carefully restored interior showcasing an exceptional collection of paintings, furniture, silver, ceramics, textiles, and wallpapers, many of which rank among the most comprehensive outside London. Notable rooms include the Picture Gallery and the Chinese Drawing Room, each offering a unique glimpse into aristocratic life through the centuries.

Capability Brown’s Expansive Landscape

Surrounding the house are 1,500 acres of parkland landscaped by the famed 18th-century garden designer Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The grounds feature sweeping lawns, woodlands, formal gardens, and a serene lake, creating a quintessential English country park setting. These grounds serve as a picturesque backdrop for outdoor concerts, fairs, and seasonal festivals, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility while enjoying cultural events.

Home Farm and Rare Breeds Experience

Temple Newsam’s Home Farm is one of Europe’s largest rare breed centres, offering an interactive experience for families and animal lovers. Here, you can meet lambs, piglets, geese, guinea pigs, and other farmyard animals. The farm hosts craft activities and demonstrations on special event days, providing educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. This working farm complements the historic estate with a lively, hands-on connection to rural life.

Engaging Activities for Families and Visitors

Beyond the house and farm, Temple Newsam offers a wide range of activities tailored to families and visitors of all interests. Children can enjoy dressing up in period costumes, following themed trails, and participating in holiday workshops. The adventure playground and aerial adventure courses such as Go Ape add an element of outdoor fun and excitement. The estate also hosts talks, concerts, theatre performances, and a changing programme of exhibitions, ensuring a dynamic cultural calendar.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The estate includes amenities such as a gift shop inspired by the house’s collections and the Stables Tea Room, where visitors can relax with refreshments. The house is partially wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and parking available. Large bags must be left at reception or lockers, and some areas may occasionally be restricted due to private events. The estate encourages sustainable visits with public transport options and on-site parking.

Seasonal Events and Community Engagement

Temple Newsam is a vibrant community hub hosting special events like the Temple Newsam Food Festival, festive trails, and craft workshops. These events celebrate local culture, food, and heritage, drawing visitors throughout the year. The estate’s blend of historic grandeur, natural beauty, and lively programming makes it a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Leeds Minster

5.2 km

Discover Leeds Minster, a magnificent neo-Gothic church with over 1,400 years of history, musical heritage, and community spirit in the heart of Leeds.

Holy Trinity Church

5.7 km

Discover Leeds’ elegant 18th-century Holy Trinity Church, a Georgian architectural masterpiece and vibrant cultural hub in the city centre.

The Talbot Hounds Fountain

5.7 km

A majestic 19th-century fountain featuring four stone Talbot hounds, rescued from a lost Gothic mansion and now a cherished Leeds landmark.

Oakwood Clock

5.7 km

Historic Oakwood Clock Tower in Leeds: Over a century of community heritage and timeless charm at Roundhay Park’s edge.

Statue of John Harrison

6.0 km

Honoring Leeds’ historic benefactor John Harrison, whose philanthropy and leadership shaped the city’s early growth and community spirit.

Leeds War Memorial

6.0 km

A solemn and historic tribute in Leeds city center honoring the bravery and sacrifice of World War I soldiers.

Tilly + Enzo

6.1 km

Discover tranquility at Tilly + Enzo, a serene shrine in Leeds offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's vibrant energy.

Temple Works

6.1 km

Discover Temple Works, Leeds’ iconic Egyptian Revival flax mill blending industrial heritage with architectural grandeur and future cultural renewal.

Civic Hall

6.2 km

A majestic Grade II* listed municipal building in Leeds, famed for its golden owls and grand civic ceremonies.

Lakeside Bandstand

6.2 km

A serene lakeside landmark in Roundhay Park, blending history, music, and nature in one of Leeds’ grandest green spaces.

Upper Lakeside Bandstand

6.6 km

Historic Upper Lakeside Bandstand in Roundhay Park, a serene lakeside venue for music and community in Leeds’ iconic green space.

Roundhay Park Geology Trail: 6

6.6 km

Discover the natural beauty and geological wonders of Roundhay Park Geology Trail, a perfect escape for hikers and nature lovers in Leeds.

Roundhay Castle

6.7 km

A picturesque early 19th-century folly offering panoramic views within Leeds’ expansive and historic Roundhay Park.

Roundhay Park Geology Trail: 5

6.7 km

Discover the geological treasures of Roundhay Park Geology Trail in Leeds, where nature meets history for an unforgettable hiking adventure.

The Upper Lake

6.7 km

Discover the tranquility of The Upper Lake in Roundhay Park, a serene garden retreat perfect for relaxation, picnics, and wildlife encounters.

Unmissable attractions to see

Go Ape Temple Newsam

0.5 km

Experience thrilling treetop adventures and zip lines in the historic woodlands of Temple Newsam, just minutes from Leeds city centre.

Thwaite Watermill

3.1 km

Discover Leeds’ historic water-powered mill on a tranquil island, where engineering marvels and Georgian heritage come to life.

Stourton Stone Circle

3.4 km

Discover the ancient Stourton Stone Circle in Leeds, a mystical site steeped in history and folklore, perfect for curious travelers and history enthusiasts alike.

Springhead Park

3.9 km

Historic community park in Rothwell offering diverse sports, gardens, and family-friendly spaces across 22 hectares of green tranquility.

Thackray Museum of Medicine

4.7 km

Explore the UK's largest independent medical museum, where history, innovation, and community come together in Leeds’ fascinating Thackray Museum of Medicine.

Leeds Discovery Centre

4.7 km

Explore Leeds’ vast hidden collections through exclusive tours at this state-of-the-art museum storage and conservation centre.

Leeds Dock

4.8 km

Historic waterside hub where industrial heritage meets creative culture and world-class museums.

Royal Armouries Museum

4.8 km

Explore the UK’s national arms and armour collection at Leeds Dock’s dynamic and free Royal Armouries Museum.

Penny Pocket Park

5.1 km

A peaceful green oasis in Leeds city centre, blending historic roots with serene urban nature.

Tennis Court Tree

5.2 km

Explore the unique blend of nature and recreation at Tennis Court Tree, a charming destination in Belle Isle, Leeds.

Leeds Kirkgate Market

5.4 km

Discover Leeds Kirkgate Market, Europe’s largest indoor market blending historic charm with vibrant global flavors and bustling community spirit.

Victoria Leeds

5.4 km

Victoria Leeds blends historic elegance with modern luxury, offering premier shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Leeds city centre.

Leeds Corn Exchange

5.4 km

Discover Leeds’ iconic Victorian Corn Exchange, a vibrant hub of independent shops and historic charm in the city centre.

County Arcade

5.5 km

Explore County Arcade, a Victorian masterpiece in Leeds’ Victoria Quarter, where luxury shopping meets stunning stained-glass artistry and historic grandeur.

Grand Arcade Clock, Leeds

5.6 km

Discover Leeds’ historic Grand Arcade, a Victorian gem with a unique animated Potts clock and charming vintage architecture.

Historic charm meets premium steakhouse dining in the heart of Leeds with vibrant atmosphere and craft cocktails.

Leeds’ longest-running vintage shop packed with retro sportswear treasures and unbeatable bargains in the heart of the city.

Discover Farrands Bar, a chic cocktail and wine venue blending urban charm with cosy sophistication in Leeds city centre.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Temple Newsam: Historic Tudor-Jacobean Estate and Vibrant Country Park

A brief summary to Temple Newsam

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Train

Car

Walking

Temple Newsam location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Temple Newsam

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Temple Newsam

A Storied Tudor-Jacobean Mansion

Capability Brown’s Expansive Landscape

Home Farm and Rare Breeds Experience

Engaging Activities for Families and Visitors

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Seasonal Events and Community Engagement

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Leeds Minster

Holy Trinity Church

The Talbot Hounds Fountain

Oakwood Clock

Statue of John Harrison

Leeds War Memorial

Tilly + Enzo

Temple Works

Civic Hall

Lakeside Bandstand

Upper Lakeside Bandstand

Roundhay Park Geology Trail: 6

Roundhay Castle

Roundhay Park Geology Trail: 5

The Upper Lake

Unmissable attractions to see

Go Ape Temple Newsam

Thwaite Watermill

Stourton Stone Circle

Springhead Park

Thackray Museum of Medicine

Leeds Discovery Centre

Leeds Dock

Royal Armouries Museum

Penny Pocket Park

Tennis Court Tree

Leeds Kirkgate Market

Victoria Leeds

Leeds Corn Exchange

County Arcade

Grand Arcade Clock, Leeds

Essential places to dine

Kendells Bistro

Abashawel Restaurant Leeds

Mazar Restaurant

HOME

Darvish Restaurant

Eat Your Greens

Shimlas leeds

Shears Yard

The Man Behind The Curtain

Three's A Crowd | Leeds

The Swine That Dines

The Ivy Asia Leeds

The Ivy Victoria Quarter Leeds

Thai a Roy Dee

The Cut & Craft Leeds

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

yansing designs

LuxeAura

John Lewis & Partners

Intrigue Fashion

& Other Stories

Indie Makers

Anthropologie

The Great Yorkshire Shop - Local gifts and souvenirs from Leeds & Yorkshire

F&F Clothing

Hidden Wardrobe