East Riddlesden Hall

After steeping ourselves in the Victorian period with recent visits to both Wightwick Manor and the Bronte Family Parsonage at nearby Haworth, it was a refreshing change to explore a 17th-century manor house and grounds.

Once part of a 2000-acre estate, East Riddlesden Hall now sits surrounded by less than 50 acres and is characterized by a large duck pond virtually at its doorstep. Ancient embroideries and textiles funish the house, as do 17th-century carpets too frail and delicate to be trod upon, not to mention traditional Yorkshire carved oak furniture.

A handling collection in the kitchen proved interesting to Kassie, as did the children's Easter trail and particularly its reward (chocolate). The garden with its many medicinal herbs, old Yorkshire apple trees, and impressive array of perennials and spring-flowering bulbs provided a colourful backdrop to our Easter Sunday meanderings.

Date of Our Last Visit: April 2004