We have retained the character of the interior of the building by featuring the oak beams and the traditional sash windows but at the same time providing modern facilities such as air conditioning. We aim to provide a relaxing comfortable environment where you can view and try the products at your leisure and, importantly, at your convenience. We understand, from first hand experience, the time demands and restraints on horse owners and competitors.
Visits to the showroom are by appointment. We are able to open the showroom any day of the week and at any time to suite your commitments. Email us or telephone to book a time and date. Group bookings are also available. So if you would like to bring along a few friends and relatives please do not hesitate to do so. We have accommodated a group 50 visitors!
We also hold a series of lectures, demonstrations and equestrian fashion shows on a monthly basis. The dates are published on the web site, or, if you join as a member of Freedom Dressage, we will update you on the forthcoming events.
If you would like to combine a visit to the showroom with a tour of Newby Hall the Gardens, this can be arranged by prior appointment.
For anyone interested we have detailed below a concise introduction to Newby Hall and the gardens.
Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, with some of Britain’s finest Robert Adam interiors Newby Hall is home to a wonderful collection of Chippendale furniture, Gobelins tapestries and classical statuary. With 25 acres of award winning gardens including one of Europe’s largest double herbaceous borders, an enchanting woodland walk and a miniature railway, younger visitors will also enjoy the exciting adventure gardens.
The estate was acquired by William Weddell MP in 1748 and the house was improved and enlarged during the 1760s. The interior was re-modelled and several architects contributed, including Robert Adam.
In 1973, a miniature railway was constructed; it was enlarged in 1985. Running along the bank of the river, the train is pulled by a Battison-built 1/5th scale model of the Royal Scott (6100) on Sundays and Bank Holidays. At other times the train is pulled by the Countess De Grey or Lady Mary Vyner
In 1979, the newly-constructed adventure playground was opened by Sir Jackie Stewart. A 2007 TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park was filmed at the Hall.
The present owners, the Compton family, descended from William Weddell, restored the property and the Hall and gardens are open to the public. The River Ure runs along the south side of the grounds of Newby Hall. It has magnificent herbaceous borders and extensive woodland walks, as well as the usual collections of furniture, painting and precious artefacts within the house.
In 1979, the British Tourist Authority acknowledged the outstanding contribution made by Newby Hall and Gardens to British tourism and in 1983 gave Newby an award for the best restored house and garden. In 1986 Newby Gardens were further honoured, receiving the HHA/Christies Garden of the Year Award and more recently the winner of Yorkshire in Bloom 2008 and a Gold Award in 2009.
Newby Hall is open to the public from the 1st April until the 30th September.