BENINGBROUGH Hall, once a modest Elizabethan manor house built around 1556, was rebuilt by John Bourchier in 1716.
Local craftsman William Thornton left his mark on the building, some of which is in the Italian style. After being in the Bourchiers family for more than 100 years it was passed on to the Dawnays in 1827 but the estate was sold in 1916 in a neglected state. Fortunately, a wealthy heiress, Lady Chesterfield, bought the house, and restored and furnished it, transforming it into a welcoming family home.
During the Second World War, Beningbrough Hall was used by the RAF and Lady Chesterfield was forced to move into a smaller property. However, when hostilities ended Lady Chesterfield lost no time restoring her home for a second time. A year later, in 1957, the estate was acquired by The National Trust. If you visit the house you will find many gems: the magnificent cantilevered staircase, the fine carving on the cornices and the grand crimson damask draped bed will delight you. Also you will enjoy the 100-plus paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. There are racks and lockers provided, plus discounts on the entry fee to the house and gardens for cyclists.
Your route
At the T- junction, turn right and continue along the main street. At the roundabout turn left signed to Alne and Boroughbridge. In a couple of hundred yards go left signed to Alne and Aldwark.
Soon, cross the A19 via a bridge then cycle across flat countryside. After passing over a steel-sided railway bridge you eventually arrive at Alne.
Negotiate the hairpin bends in the village then, at the crossroads, go left signed to Tollerton and York. The next village is Tollerton. Pass through the village following signs for Newton on Ouse.
Keep following signs for Newton on Ouse to a T-junction in the village. Turn right here then shortly go left signed to Beningbrough Hall.
Exit the hall as directed then turn left at the T-junction which will take you back to Newton on Ouse.
Turn left in the village to cycle along to Linton on Ouse where you might like to visit the most unusual church before continuing along past the RAF airfield on the right. The church was last restored by Lydia Dawnay of Beningbrough Hall in 1849.
On the left is the River Ouse which you now follow north west. At the T-junction, turn right signed to Aldwark and Easingwold then go left signed to Aldwark. Cycle through the village then in a couple of miles turn left, signed to Flawith and Helperby. Then, at the T-junction, go left signed to Helperby and Tholthorpe to soon arrive at the village of Flawith. Take the road to Helperby now and when the view opens to the left you can see the White Horse of Kilburn in the distance. Enjoy this rural ride and eventually you reach Helperby Brafferton. Keep on the main road through the village to cycle along some long, straight roads to Raskelf. Continue along through Raskelf and you will soon reach Easingwold. At the roundabout go right to follow signs back to the market place.
The facts
Distance: 26 miles/42km
Terrain: flat
Best map: OS Landrangers 99 and 100
Start/grid ref: Easingwold, grid ref: 529698
Refreshments: cafes and pubs in Easingwold, pubs in most villages en route, café at Beningbrough Hall Toilets: Easingwold Market Place, Beningbrough Hall
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