National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens - Durham

Darren B.

Beautiful little hall and gardens in the middle of Durham. Small medieval hall with some interesting features and a second-hand bookshop. Gardens are divided up into sections, and considering it is in a busy city, it is remarkably peaceful. It also offers cracking views of the Cathedral and Castle. Car park is free for members, chargeable for non-members. There is a cafe on site. Dogs are welcome.

Adam C.

Stunning gardens, a joy to behold.
Give yourself at least two hours to look around as there’s lots to see and plenty of seats in the best viewpoints. I could happily spend a whole day in the gardens.
There’s a maze to explore to which would be fun for little ones.
Staff were lovely to.
I can’t comment on tea rooms as got so distracted in the beauty of this immaculately presented and yet still wonderful natural landscape I forgot the time and sailed towards closing time.
There is parking right outside which is paid but free to National Trust members as is the entry.
Its is a charming place and one of the nicest gardens I have ever seen.

Andrew C.

Crook Hall is lovely, small but lovely. Kids started with a race through the little maze, we then wondered the gardens at front of the house, then the house itself before wondering round the allotment, pond and other gardens.

The house hasn't got loads to see, although it's oldest part is the hall. The gardens have a variety of areas albeit small it's really nice to wonder through. We probably stayed for about 2 hours in total. They did have some kids crafting that we could have done, but my kids had limited interest at the time...!

B M.

Great hidden gem near the centre of Durham. Beautiful gardens with a maze to navigate. Tea room at the entrance. Plenty places to have your own picnic around the site. National trust charges apply unless your member ! Car park on site too ( free for members)

Dean S.

Our first ever visit . Recently acquired by the National Trust. The spring buds were just starting to emerge in the gardens, with lots of daffodils about. A pleasant walk around the various gardens with a view of the cathedral. We'll be back again to experience it in full bloom. The medieval hall is a beautiful piece of architecture and info boards give lots of history on the site. The on site cafe had a good selection of food and the coffee was great. Well recommended.

Fırat O.

It has a wonderful nature and the views are magnificent. It will be much more beautiful if you go during the season when the flowers are blooming. The staff at the door were very kind and helpful. There are playgrounds for children. It has a nice cafe. Toilets are clean and useful. Parking is free for national trust members. It is not too expensive for other visitors

Anne S.

Crook Hall was originally built in 1286, but was replaced with new walls in the 1400s.
Thought to be the first domesticated house in Durham.
Crook Hall is literally in the heart of Durham city centre, and has very beautiful grounds.
I gave a 3 star as I'm a wheelchair user and was only able to see less than half of the gardens, with alot of effort from my hubby with the uneven surface ( bricks) &gravel.
As soon as you are in the carpark there is a hill slope which isn't great for wheelchairs.
I will post pictures. We were only there for about 40 minutes.
Ellie who welcomed us,& lovely said the paths are looking to get done at some point.
There is a bookshop, cafe & loos.
The car park charge for non members is £3.30 for 3 hrs.

Richard T.

Wonderful, beautiful National Trust site. The maze is fun, the cafe well set up, the garden delightful. Note it's fairly small so doesn't have room for a kid's play area or have somewhere to let dogs loose. Not criticisms, just facts. Will definitely return again.