Many people head near this Grade 1 listed building without realising what’s close by. Some don’t even know it’s on their doorstep.
Wentworth Woodhouse, dubbed as ‘Yorkshire’s best kept secret’ by those who’ve visited the stately home which has featured in a range of popular films, is the first place to be featured in a new series A Guide t’Yorkshire.
Why are we called Mr and Mrs Yorkshire?
Mr and Mrs Yorkshire aka Sophie Mei Lan and Danny Malin set up their popular youtube channel last year to celebrate everything weird and wonderful about Yorkshire.
Since being married the pair are technically ‘Mr and Mrs Mei Lan Malin,’ but were dubbed Mr and Mrs Yorkshire because they’re both individually known for their ‘Yorkshire-ness.’ And it’s easier to say than Mr and Mrs Mei Lan Malin.
In their first guide as part of their docu-series they head to Rotherham to explore Wentworth, the village synonymous for being ‘super strict,’ having rules around having to have a ‘Wentworth Green’ coloured door and ‘off-white’ window sills.
Sophie wanted to take Danny to visit Wentworth Woodhouse which is the main house on the estate.
Sophie aka Mrs Yorkshire said: “I couldn’t believe that Danny grew up in nearby Barnsley but had never visited here, only Wentworth Garden Centre.”
The pair took their camerawoman to Wentworth Woodhouse which is where people normally drive down the path and turn around when they realise it’s not the garden centre.
Sophie said: “I love the fact that it’s a hidden gem but it’s actually got the UK’s largest facade because the front of the house is super long.”
The house even doubled up as Buckingham Palace in Churchill biopic Darkest Hour.
Danny added: “I couldn’t believe how vast it is. It used to employ more than one thousand people according to current staff at the house.”
The house has been saved in recent times by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.
Sophie added: “I tried to count the rooms but it’s virtually impossible because so many doors are actually cupboards.
“There’s believed to be around 300 rooms but staff said they’re often finding more.”
The Trust has been redeveloping it since taking ownership in 2016 for £7m but shortly after it had to pay £10m to have their roof fixed.
The house is a popular film location. It has recently hosted the cast of Gentleman Jack, Netflix’s The Crown, Gary Oldman in Oscar winning film Darkest Hour, Downton Abbey, and ITV’s Victoria.
Sophie added: “Walking around it’s hard to believe people don’t know about this place. It’s epic. Id only ever been on walks and picnics in the grounds but the house is amazing. It’s a full day out.”
Food reviewer Danny tested out the Butler’s Pantry. For lunch which is the cafe inside Wentworth Woodhouse.
Danny said: “I was recommended to try the homemade Irish Stew. It was a hearty stew, good price and a good portion too.
“The jacket tatties looked epic.”
Sophie tried the vegan butternut squash curry and the camerawoman had a delicious toastie.
They even do Afternoon Tea in the long dining room,
Sophie said: “It was affordable, tasty and packed with flavour. There were lots of vegan options for me too.”
To watch, go to: https://youtu.be/urs3G24hn5E?si=QvR3Z7oMpBCrckLF
Mr and Mrs Yorkshire 