After 50 years of divided ownership, neglect and under-funding, many of the buildings and designed landscape features had fallen into disrepair and dereliction.

After years of careful planning, work began in the summer of 2005 on a challenging £16m programme to restore and develop this magnificent estate which was in danger of being lost.

Phase One of the restoration (2005 – 2008) included:

• Restoration of the gardens - including the Union Jack Garden, Secret Garden, Stainborough Castle and protection works to the Conservatory
• Restoration of the parkland and woodland – including planting over 21,000 trees
• Creation of visitor facilities in the Home Farm
• Major repairs to the roof and façade of Wentworth Castle
• Access road, paths, car parks and signage
• Development of the Home Farm complex to enhance training facilities for the Northern College.

Our next challenge is to raise £4m which will allowthe restoration of our dilapidated Victorian Conservatory. 

The gardens were relatively unknown until 2003 when they appeared in the BBC 2 TV series "Restoration". The programme featured two of our most 'at risk' historic buildings - the Victorian Conservatory, and the 18th Century Folly Castle. We came a close third in the national poll, and the publicity has been vital in raising the profile of the estate to a national audience.