A hidden gem in a small green corner of Durham is drawing back thousands of visitors after a two-year closure.
The National Trust took ownership of Crook Hall and Gardens, which was previously in private hands, in late March.
Following various reinstatement work it reopened to the public on July 13, and, in its first fortnight, welcomed almost 4,000 visitors to the medieval hall and surrounding ten-acres of gardens, paddocks and fields.
Many more have followed since the advent of the school summer holidays, with various themed activities taking place throughout the six weeks, including children’s sports days on Thursdays.
Read more: PICTURES: National Trust's Crook Hall Gardens in Durham reopens
Simon Colvine, visitor operations and experience manager at Crook Hall Gardens, said in those first two weeks 3,805 visitors toured the site, which is a stone’s throw from the city centre, off Frankland Lane and Sidegate.
“We’ve certainly seen an increase in daily visitors since the school holidays have started and the sports activities have been really popular.
“More sports, crafts and even a saxophone quartet are planned for the next few weeks.
“The maze is a draw for young and old alike.
“We’ve had lots of lovely feedback about the gardens and lots of questions about why the rest of the house isn’t open.
“The café’s been really busy with people enjoying the offer as it is, with plans to increase what is on offer as soon as we are able.”
As Mr Colvine said, the medieval hall is the only portion of the building now open to visitors.
The Georgian house remains empty, but there are longer term plans to transform it into National Trust holiday accommodation.
Read more: National Trust reveals reopening date for Crook Hall, Durham
Mike Innerdale, regional director for the National Trust in the North, said it was satisfying to finally welcome people back to the green haven.
“It’s such a historically important and locally cherished place, which the National Trust is delighted to have taken into our care on behalf of the nation.
"The hall, cafe and beautiful gardens have been closed to the public for nearly two years and, with the forecast looking fantastic, it’s wonderful to see people back in this little corner of Durham again.”
Crook Hall Gardens, which includes the medieval hall, inter-connecting gardens, a pond and maze are open daily, from 10am to 4pm until October 30.
The site will also be open during the winter, with opening times set to be confirmed later in the year.
Recruitment for a new project manager to develop "green corridor" plans over the next three years begins shortly, joining the 11 other new roles created at the property, plus various seasonal opportunities in the cafe.
There are also opportunities for volunteering, including visitor welcome, gardening, outdoor activities, walk leaders, administration and fundraising.
Further information about visiting or volunteering are available via www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crook-hall-gardens or www.facebook.com/crookhallgardensnt, Crook Hall’s Facebook site.
Read next:
* National Trust plans to reopen Durham's Crook Hall
* Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham, to close down for good
* Crook Hall's 800 years of history as it enters liquidation
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