National Trust Locations: Goddards

With a name like Muddy Boots, you probably already know how we feel about the outdoors - it's something we believe all children should love and get to experience, no matter how messy they may get! But we don’t want those experiences to just be at nursery, we want a love for the outdoors to be encouraged at home too, and not just for the little ones. That’s why we gift families a free 12-month membership to the National Trust when they recommend someone to us, and we recommend a new National Trust location for our families to visit.

This month, we’re looking at Goddards, a wonderful little garden haven just outside York city centre. Throughout the spring and summer months, Goddards is open Thursday to Sunday, making it the perfect little day-time escape for you and your family. On your visit, you can take a stroll through several ‘garden rooms' “filled with scented borders, matured trees, ponds and wilder areas”, as well as a greenhouse, vegetable garden and rock garden. Throughout, you might be able to spot some wildlife too; from butterflies and dragonflies, to frogs and even birds, there’s plenty to look out for during your visit. When exploring the garden, you can find some more secluded areas and lots of space to play. During the summer, areas are set up for tennis and croquet and you can borrow tennis and croquet sets to play a game or two.

Picnic tables are available for your own outdoor dining, but if you’re looking for a bite to eat, head to the kiosk on the terrace where hot and cold drinks are served with light snacks. Take a seat with your refreshments and enjoy the view overlooking the gardens, and maybe even pose for a picture! You can also visit the second hand bookshop in the sun room, where you can purchase a book via donation, or even bring some of your own books to pass on to someone new - how wonderful is that?

With lots of different themes and areas to look at, Goddards is sure to spark your little one’s creativity and imagination. If you visit Goddards with your little ones, make sure to share what you get up to on Famly!