Guest Blog Post: Winter Walks & A Year of New Experiences at Birdsall House
Article written by Birdsall House, published 09/03/3026
This January, Birdsall House welcomed guests for a bracing winter walk across the estate for the first in a growing programme of seasonal events designed to open up this historic setting in new and engaging ways, just a short distance from the vibrant market town of Malton. With wellbeing very much in focus at the start of the year and following a similar outdoor mental health walk led by The Princess of Wales in the Peak District, Birdsall’s own “Beat the January Blues” walk offered guests the chance to step outside, embrace the fresh Yorkshire Wolds air and enjoy the restorative power of nature.
Lady Cara Willoughby, who along with her husband James and three children, calls Birdsall House home, guided the walk with her knowledge of the estate and its history. Birdsall has been in the same family for nearly 500 years, with generations of the Willoughby family shaping the house, grounds and gardens we see today.
It was a typical grey January morning, mist hanging low over the parkland and a steady drizzle in the air, but spirits were high as locals gathered at the house before setting off across parkland, woodland tracks and open countryside. As they walked, Lady Cara shared stories of Birdsall’s history, its landscape and the wildlife which thrives here. From sweeping views across the Vale of York and up to the Yorkshire Wolds, to glimpses of the estate’s much-loved peacocks, the walk offered a rare opportunity to experience Birdsall beyond its grand façade, all within easy reach of the bustling town of Malton.
After the walk, guests were invited into the warmth of The Old Kitchens, Birdsall House’s speak-easy inspired event space complete with its own dance floor and cocktail lounge. Guests were welcomed with hot drinks, cake and conversation. A fitting end to a gentle exploration of the estate in its atmospheric winter stillness.
On April 22nd, Birdsall is hosting ‘An Evening with Angus Ashworth’. Following the success of the recent Warner Brothers Discovery series Angus Ashworth: Heritage Hero and over 100 episodes of The Yorkshire Auction House, the beloved Yorkshire Auctioneer will be regaling his time filming at Birdsall House with Lady Cara as well as providing an entertaining evening about his varied career in the army and antiques alike.
Looking ahead to summer, Birdsall House will come alive with music for Birdsall Summer Live with The Overtones on Saturday 16th May as the multi-platinum selling vocal harmony group return to perform in a spectacular open-air concert in the parkland. Adding to the excitement, Birdsall is launching its very own talent search, Birdsall House Talent Call, to discover an emerging act from the area to take the stage as the evening’s opening performance. A wonderful opportunity for Malton musicians to perform in this unique historic setting.
A little while afterwards, on 14th June, the estate will welcome riders from across the region again for the popular Yorkshire Mountain Bike Marathon in collaboration with Northern Ride cycle shop in Malton. Set against the rolling landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds surrounding Birdsall, the event will see cyclists tackling a challenging course through the estate’s countryside, offering both competitors and spectators a thrilling way to experience this beautiful landscape. With routes of 25km, 40km and 80km the event is suitable for younger novice riders up to top athlete riders. Now in its ninth year the event has a loyal following of riders of all ages who return annually to test their mental and physical strength.
The Birdsall events season will also include a special musical evening in Birdsall Church with internationally renowned mezzo soprano Dame Sarah Connolly. Marking the date of 4 July, the programme will celebrate an American musical theme. Renowned for her extraordinary voice and acclaimed performances across the world’s leading opera houses and concert halls, Dame Sarah will bring a truly memorable cultural highlight to the peaceful setting of Birdsall Church. The event will support Horatio’s Garden, the charity that creates and maintains accessible, therapeutic gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. Their next garden is planned for Middlesbrough, making this a cause with a real and meaningful connection to our region.
Birdsall has always been a place of history, landscape and hospitality. By opening its doors throughout the year the team hopes to share more of what makes this area so special. Inviting visitors to return throughout the seasons and discover both the estate and the wider Malton area in new ways.
With spring on the horizon and a summer programme already taking shape, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for events at Birdsall House and for visitors to the Malton area alike.
To find out more about events at Birdsall House please visit: https://birdsallestates.co.uk/events
To apply to be the opening act for Birdsall Summer Live with The Overtones, please visit our events page; https://birdsallestates.co.uk/events/birdsall-talent-call