Park life can't be beat (From Gazette & Herald)

Park life can't be beat

SIR REGINALD and Lady Sheffield invite you to visit their charming North Yorkshire home, Sutton Park.

Surrounded by award-winning gardens, the Sheffields' house, at Sutton-on-the-Forest, near York, is a lovely example of early Georgian architecture and a real treat. It was built by Thomas Atkinson in the 1730 and now holds many beautiful paintings, 18th century furniture and porcelain from what was then Buckingham House, now Palace.

The house also is often filled with another type of beauty - the aroma of freshly-picked flowers from the stately gardens and parks it overlooks. Sutton Park's grounds are so beautifully kept that they have won rave reviews in national publications, and have frequently won the Yorkshire in Bloom competition's tourist board award. The park is also registered with the Yorkshire Screen Commission, since it is such an ideal film location.

The gardens' borders are made up of roses and rare plants that have been carefully cultivated for more than 30 years.

The route through the park was designed by Adam Mickle between 1780 and 1800. Similarly to Lancelot Brown (who designed Sledmere House's gardens), Mickle used a natural approach to the lay-out, so it is casual yet tidy, without an overdone feeling. To complement this and the unique hedges, specimen trees from all over the world have been planted.

So take a wander through the gardens and surrounding woodlands and peek into the Georgian icehouse that still sits on the premises, before having one of the tearoom's superb homemade cakes and scones. Or, plan a full day out, book lunch, see the house and grounds, and then dine in splendour. There are also picnic grounds and a playground for youngsters. Pets are allowed in the woodland area, but not in the gardens.

Unfortunately, Sutton Park only has limited access for disabled visitors because the house is unsuitable for wheelchairs. It does, though, have a lift to the second floor for those who have difficulty walking. The gardens are accessible for manual wheelchairs, or for an electric buggy, available for loan from the park. The property has no disabled toilets.

There is car parking for up to 200 cars

and hard standing for vans and coaches. Wardens patrol the area to ensure your vehicle's safety. First aid is available, should it be needed. The house is open every Sunday and Wednesday and all bank holiday Mondays from 1.30pm to 5pm. Coach parties are asked to please pre-book. The gardens are open daily from 11pm to 5pm until September 29.

Admission charges for the house and gardens are: £5, adults, £2.50 children, £4 OAPs and students, £4.50 coach parties. Admission to only the gardens is £2.50 adults, 50p children, £1.50 OAPs and students, £2 coach parties.

Private parties are welcome all year round by prior arrangement, except on house open days during the season. The admission fee is £5.50 per person (minimum charge for 15 people). This includes a guided tour of the house and access to the gardens. Early evening visits are also possible.

MARGARITA MARTINEZ

Updated: 11:21 Thursday, June 13, 2002