WE UNDERSTAND that August can be an expensive month, especially for families.

That’s why we’re proud to be able offer so many things to see and do that won’t break the bank, including the outside space.

The fields to the bottom of the hall are open to everyone, including dogs, and are free to enjoy every day between 9am and 5pm.

Secret steps lead to the field that welcomes adventure. Young explorers can find their way to the centre of the grass maze, race through the will ow tunnel and head to the riverbank to skim stones.

There’s plenty of space to run and play and it’s a great area for a game of football with friends, to ride a bike, or fly a kite.

A wander over a small wooden bridge will lead to a friendly hotel that welcomes bugs of all shapes and sizes. The path around the field is easy to follow and passes the barn owl house – a wonderful home high in a tree.

This outdoor space makes a great place for a picnic; families can make the most of the summer sun by finding the perfect spot to put down their blankets and enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends.

In addition to the lower fields, there’s lots of wildlife to look out for around the duck pond just beyond the entrance gates. As well as the flock of mallards, there are moorhen to spot and a heron that makes a daily visit to the pond.

Duck food is sold in the shop for 50p a bag and all money raised from the sale of duck food goes back into looking after the whole site here.

The tea-room and shop are just past the duck pond and are both free to visit. There’s a wonderful selection of items available in the shop including picnic rugs, cards, kitchen accessories and gifts.

Books beckon the attention of readers of all ages, biscuits are disguised in beautiful tins, there are garden plants, printed scarves and something to suit everyone.

In the tea-room visitors can sit under the 400-year-old beams to enjoy lunch or a light snack. There’s always a great choice of sandwiches and cakes available, as well as children’s meal boxes for £4.95.

By supporting the shop and tea-room, visitors are helping to look after this local treasure - we need to sell 33 scones to pay for four hours of repair work to the stitching on a 400-year-old wall hanging.

For anyone wishing to explore the house and gardens, an admission charge will apply for non-National Trust members.

Annual National Trust membership can be bought in the shop from as little as £5.40 per month. This gives unlimited visits to East Riddlesden Hall and hundreds of other unforgettable places, such as nearby World Heritage Site - Fountains Abbey.

Not forgetting that every new membership and every member visit to East Riddlesden Hall helps us to look after and protect it for future generations.