Photo source: TJBlackwell, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plumpton Rocks is a Grade II* listed historic house in North Yorkshire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Plumpton Rocks
The lake at Plumpton Rocks was created in the 1760s by damming a stream beneath a cluster of Millstone Grit outcrops, 3.5 miles south-east of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
The 30-acre landscape garden is Grade II* listed, with paths winding between rock formations known by names such as Lion's Den and Lover's Leap.
It remains privately owned and is run as a seasonal visitor attraction.
The gardens are generally open from Easter through to early October each year.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Plumpton Rocks
The gardens are historically linked to the Plumpton family, whose descendants still own the estate today. The lake and its dam were restored and the grounds reopened to visitors in July 2016, before closing again in 2019 for works required under the Reservoirs Act 1975, reopening in September 2022.
Worth knowing
J.M.W. Turner knew the site by its older name, Plompton Rocks, and is believed to have painted the rock formations in the early nineteenth century.
Gardens & grounds at Plumpton Rocks
The 30-acre grounds are threaded with woodland trails and rhododendrons, with the lake and rock faces changing character through the seasons.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Plumpton Rocks
Nearest station: Knaresborough Rail Station (2.3 miles)
Generally open from Easter through to early October each year; check official website for current opening times as hours vary by season.
Places to visit near Plumpton Rocks
Spofforth Castle
View Spofforth Castle on heritage mapSt Michael's Church, Cowthorpe
View St Michael's Church, Cowthorpe on heritage mapSt Martin's Church, Allerton Mauleverer
View St Martin's Church, Allerton Mauleverer on heritage mapAll Saints' Church, Harewood
View All Saints' Church, Harewood on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Plumpton Rocks there are 5 historic properties, including 2 churchs and 2 castles, across Churches Conservation Trust, Historic Houses and English Heritage sites.
Within 10 miles of Plumpton Rocks there are 15 historic properties, including 5 churchs, 5 historic houses and 2 castles, across Historic Houses, Churches Conservation Trust and English Heritage sites.
Within 20 miles of Plumpton Rocks there are 39 historic properties, including 12 historic buildings, 11 historic houses and 10 churchs, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Facts
A Georgian rock and lake garden painted by Turner, still owned by the family that made it.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- North Yorkshire, England
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