Yorkshire has a considerable wealth of history, and an enviable spread of stately homes is included among those buildings of great architectural interest. Situated just a few miles south of Ripon is one such fine example in the guise of Newby Hall. Little is known of the site until it was purchased by Sir Edward Blackett in the late 17th century, when he built an impressive mansion to replace an earlier dwelling house.

The architect of Blackett's house is unknown, although it was styled after Sir Christopher Wren, and has remained the core of the building as it evolved over the next 250 years. In 1748 Newby Hall was sold to William Weddell, an avid collector of classical art, who was looking for somewhere appropriate to house his sculptures and tapestries. Two new wings were added, and the original block was largely remodelled, providing Weddell with a magnificent Roman-style gallery and an exquisite neo-classical room.

When Lord Grantham inherited Newby Hall in 1792, he converted Weddell's dining room to accommodate his large collection of books, and further extended the house at the north west corner to provide a new dining room. His daughter commissioned the building of the church in the park, reputed to be 'one of the finest Victorian churches in Yorkshire', and her son completed the last of the building work by the addition of a Victorian Wing at the end of the 19th century. In its final form, Newby Hall incorporated Wren's influence, Georgian elegance, Regency charm and Victorian restraint. But, above all, there is the unmistakable mark of one of the great masters of interior design - Robert Adams.

After the First World War, Newby Hall passed on to Major Edward Compton and it is largely due to the work carried out by him that Newby can be proud of its award-winning gardens. While the house had been the subject of constant improvement over time, the gardens had remained virtually untouched until the Major arrived. For over 50 years he dedicated his time to planning and planting out a series of formal gardens that would complement Newby Hall, and provide some beautiful vistas from the main house.

During the past three decades Newby Hall has been totally restored and redecorated, and the 25 acres of gardens have been lovingly maintained. The present generation of the Compton family continue to reside in the north wing of this magnificent Hall, but everyone is made to feel extremely welcome with plenty of facilities and distractions to ensure that the visit is both enjoyable and memorable.