- Grade I listed for both the house and its parkland—the highest designation for heritage importance
- Individual features—such as the Ionic and Tuscan Temples, stable blocks, ha‐ha, orangery, laundry, and Father Time sundial—are listed Grade II or II*
The historian Christopher Hussey praised the estate as “perhaps the most spectacularly beautiful among English landscape conceptions of the 18th century”
The house and grounds have also served as filming locations, including the 2012 BBC mini-series Parade’s End, where Duncombe Park doubled as the fictional Groby Hall
The Grounds Today: Gardens, Woodlands, Wildlife
While the interior remains private, the estate welcomes visitors to explore:
- 30 acres of formal gardens (open April to August), featuring vibrant parterres and a charming “secret garden” by the orangery
- Over 300 acres of parkland (open February to November), comprised of sweeping lawns, veteran trees, hidden “Yew Tunnel”, and woodland paths leading to the River Rye
- Rievaulx Terrace & follies, offering scenic promenades and insight into Enlightenment-era landscape design
- National Nature Reserve, preserving ancient woodland habitats rich in rare fungi and insects
- National Centre for Birds of Prey, a modern addition since 2013, showcasing birds of prey with daily demonstrations
Walking trails vary in length—from shorter strolls to longer routes that loop through Helmsley and past Helmsley Castle Many walkers celebrate the estate as part of circular hikes along the Cleveland Way. shutdown123