Burnby Hall Gardens are unique, with the national collection of hardy water lilies (Nymphaea) being described as the best in a natural setting in Europe. Around 50,000 visitors a year come to explore this fantastic landscape, and this project, supported by a grant of £634,000, will help ensure that the legacy of Major Percy Marlborough Stewart and his wife Katharine remains a reality for future generations.

The essence of project is to renovate the lakes, revitalise the hardy water lilies and ornamental fish within them, restore the 1920’s rock garden to its original appearance, re-develop an Edwardian Potting shed on the site as a visitor feature, and create a bespoke learning zone for educational groups.

It is tremendous that the importance of Burnby Hall Gardens has been recognised by a national body like HLF.

Richard Haynes, Chairman

The Gardens have traditionally attracted a diverse range of visitors and the project itself has given the Stewart's Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum Trust the opportunity to explore how they might further develop the Gardens and their heritage for the enjoyment of a wider visitor base.

Work to enhance the experience of those with sight problems, learning disabilities and dementia have provided very exciting opportunities which they hope to develop with the funding provided.

“This is really wonderful news, both for the Gardens and for the wider Pocklington area,” said Richard Haynes, Chairman of Stewart’s Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum Trust. “It is tremendous that the importance of Burnby Hall Gardens has been recognised by a national body like HLF.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “This award to Burnby Hall Gardens will allow visitors to explore the fantastic natural heritage of this award-winning attraction. Thanks to National Lottery players the future of the internationally important collection of lilies, as well as many other elements of these beautiful gardens, will be secured for local people and visitors to enjoy.”