Burnby Hall Gardens & Museum

About the garden

Owned by

Stewarts Trust CIO

Burnby Hall Gardens & Museum are situated in the charming town of Pocklington on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds.   

Originally the estate of Major Percy Stewart, adventurer and collector, the gardens were developed by him and left in trust on his death in 1962.   

The gardens comprise upper and lower lakes set in nine acres of woodland and garden, and contain a National Collection of more than 100 varieties of hardy water lily. Carp and roach are in both lakes in large numbers and can be hand fed by visitors.   

There are walkways around both lakes, an ornamental bridge, a contemporary walled garden, an aviary garden, an Edwardian Backhouse-designed rock garden, a stumpery, and a birch walk. The constantly changing vistas offered provide a haven of tranquillity at all times of the year, particularly in the summer months when the water lilies are in full bloom.

The gardens are seven times winners of the Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award for Country Houses, Estates, Parks and Gardens (2010 to 2016).    

The Stewart Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts collected by Major Stewart on eight world tours undertaken between 1906 and 1926, many of which have been deemed by UNESCO as being of national and international importance.

Events are held throughout the spring and summer, and include an annual Tulip Festival in May, children’s events on Wednesdays during the spring and summer holiday periods, regular Sunday brass band concerts, and outdoor theatre events. A café, gift shop and playground are situated on the site. All facilities are wheelchair and pushchair friendly.