Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds in the small market town of Pocklington lies the beautiful Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum. 

The gardens were created by Major Percy Marlborough Stewart 1871-1962. He and his wife Catherine bought the estate in 1904 and spent a vast majority of their lives creating this wonderful garden. The Major was a renown world traveller, having visited almost all the continents of the world, less Antartica. It was during these overseas visits that he managed to collect a wide range of artifax, including cultural and religious items, many of which are on display in the 'Stewart Museum' which is situated in the coffee shop. 

Major Stewart died in 1962, his wife predeceased him and with having no children, he willed the gardens and collections to be left in trust for the benefit of the people of Pocklington, and it is this trust today that runs the estate.

Today the two lakes are home to the 'National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies' and a visit between June and August sees the lilies in their full glory. 

A walk around the gardens and ponds is a must, the footpaths around the lakes lead you through to the formal gardens with beautiful landscaping, everywhere you turn there is a different view and feature to capture your eye. At the far end of the gardens is the 'Stumpery' which has a marvelous collection of ancient tree stumps and roots, forming grotesque shapes, interspaced with some intricate carvings. Continuing your walk around the garden you pass 'Jamies Bridge' spanning the smaller lake, to the Rockery, and onto the 'Victorian Garden' which during August is a mass of colour and beautiful wiffs of lavender fill the air. Continuing on past the 'Aviary' and into the 'Secret Garden' which is full with a wide selection of plants and is full of colour with one or two surprises as well. The gardens have been awarded 'Gold' in the 'Yorkshire in Bloom competition' for the last three years and it easy to see why.

The Coffee shop sells a wide selection of food and confectionary as well as drinks and is situated close to the large lake giving wonderful views from the windows.  Throughout the year the gardens host many outdoor events to cater for all the family.

Certainly a great place to visit in Yorkshire.