Discover the hidden secrets of one of York’s finest homes

Bex Johnson, a conservation volunteer at Beningbrough Hall getting the house ready for the York Residents' Weekend

The weekend is a chance for the city’s rediscover their hometown as a tourist, with attractions across York offering free entry to holders of the York Card.

Beningborough Hall is preparing for an influx of visitors, with lots to see, including a trail through parts of the gardens and halls revealing hidden stories from its past.

There is also the chance to spot birds and wildlife in the walled garden, which has a designated bird hide and feeding station.

28/1/15 Bex Johnson a Conservation volunteer at Beningbrough Hall getting the house ready for the York Residents open weekend this weekend. (GL1004/75c).

Beningborough Hall gardener Tom Longridge said: “At this time of year it’s common to see blue tits, great tits, chaffinches and if you’re very lucky a great spotted woodpecker. My personal favourites are the friendly robins. They’re very tame and quite territorial and wherever you’re working, there’s never one far away looking for that opportune worm.”

The estate will be open from 11am to 3.30pm over the weekend, and the Hall is encouraging York Card holders to visit other nearby attractions including The Treasurer’s House, next door to York Minster, which will be open specifically for guided tours and conservation in action demonstrations.