Ripley Hog Scarecrows and Newby Hall

Yesterday we took the grandchildren to Newby Hall, which is a minor Stately Home quite near Ripon. The original Manor of Newby was owned by the Crossland family, who sold it to the Sir Edward Blackett MP in the 1690’s. The old manor house was demolished in 1697 and a new spacious house was built to replace it.

In 1748 the estate was acquired by William Weddell MP, and the house was enlarged during the 1760’s. The present owners (the Compton family) are descended from William Weddell and have restored the Hall and gardens which are now open to the public.




In 1974 a miniature railway was constructed, and this was enlarged in 1985. The train is a 1/5th scale model of the Royal Scott. Sometimes the 'Countess De Grey' or 'Lady Mary Vyner', both of which are LPG powered Diesel-Electric locomotives, operate on the line.

Sir Jackie Stewart (the racing driver) opened an adventure playground in 1979.

On the way to Newby Hall we called in at Ripley to sample some of their famous ice cream, but before we had chance to do that we discovered that we were surrounded by lots of scarecrows disguised as hogs, and in all shapes and sizes, and in all kinds of dress.

After getting to know some of the scarecrows (I particularly liked Hog the Builder,

Michael Jackson,


and the Statue of Liberty,



we got down to some serious ice cream consumption.

The ice creams are sold at the local Ripley Stores and they have a lovely old van to deliver their ices in. This was parked outside the shop.

After looking at lots of their Hog Scarecrows

High School Musical

we then moved on the Newby Hall, and as it was dinner time we sat down for a picnic in the picnic area.

The first thing that met our eyes as we walked into the children’s adventure playground was the miniature railway. Two of the engines were running, The Countess de Gray and The Lady Vyner.

Tom managed to climb to the top of the fort, whilst the two girls queued for the pedalos. By the time their turn had come, Tom had joined them, and they set off on their journey along the shallow lake which surrounds part of the adventure playground.

going flat out and soon to disappear from view.....

After all three safely returned from their trip round the lake, Tom decided to have a go on a rope swing

and Olivia had a try of the Zip Slide.

Mollie and Olivia then decided that a swing in the old fashioned swing boats would be in order.

Then it was on to the miniature railway for a trip around the grounds.

The day was concluded with a fish and chip meal at Murgatroyds - a local fish and chip restaurant, and three tired grandchildren were returned to their respective parents!