Simon Ritchie and family visit the gardens and zoo of Sewerby Hall.

John Greame couldn't have picked a more spectacular spot to build Sewerby Hall in 1714. Perched high on the cliff tops overlooking Bridlington bay, the hall and gardens must have one of the finest views on the east coast.

Although regular visitors to Bridlington, this was our first visit to Sewerby. The place has something for everyone, both young and old; and with an admission price of £3.10 for adults and £1.20 for children over five, it represents very good value.

Even if you know nothing about plants or gardening, a category I happily fall into, you won't fail to be impressed by the spectacular gardens. They are simply stunning.

We could have easily spent the whole day pottering around the walled gardens and rose garden, admiring the statues, water features, and the fabulous monkey puzzle trees, reputed to be among the oldest in England.

But our toddler Elliot had other ideas. I spent much of the time chasing him along the many gravel paths which criss-crossed the well-maintained gardens.

After letting off more steam in the children's the adventure playground, where there are slides, ropes and fun things to climb, we headed for the zoo. It's quite small, but children will love it.

Elliot took a shine to the cheeky, white-fronted Capuchin monkeys, and made oinking noises at the mud-covered Kune pigs.

There are also pygmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as more exotic animals such as wallabies and llamas,

The tiny Humbolt penguins are a big attraction. And they are so tame that I managed to stroke one which waddled up close to me.

There is also a walk-through aviary, where you can get up close to birds from all over the world.

Other attractions include a golf course, putting green, bowling green and cricket pitch. There are plenty of places to picnic, and if you want to have a rest, head for the popular clock tower tearooms.

A land train also operates from the edge of the estate, taking visitors along Bridlington promenade to the beach.

The Sewerby estate, which is set in 50 acres, was bought by the Bridlington Corporation in 1934. It was opened to the public two years later by Hull-born pilot Amy Johnson, who made history in 1930 when she became the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia.

She died in 1941 when the aircraft she was piloting crashed into the Thames estuary and her body was never recovered.

In 1958 her father presented to Sewerby Hall a collection of more than 100 souvenirs and momentoes, including letters, flight log books, medals objects presented to Amy on her travels. These are on permanent display at the museum in the hall.

From July to October, the hall is staging a festival to mark the centenary of Johnson, who was born in 1903, when there will be new displays

On Tuesday, there will be an all-day programme of events to celebrate her birth, including costume re-enactments, dramatic performances and a flypast.

If Johnson were alive today, I'm sure she'd be impressed with all that's been done at Sewerby.

Fact file:

HOW TO GET THERE

Take the A166 from York to Bridlington, then follow the brown signposts. Sewerby Hall is situated in the northern end of the resort.

ADMISSION

Easter to end of September - adults, £3.10; over-60s, £2.40; children over five, £1.20; family ticket, £7.50.

OPENING TIMES

Gardens and zoo open all year round, except Christmas Day. Hall open 10am to 5.30pm until November 2. Reduced hours over winter months.

There is disabled access to the hall, gardens, tearooms, zoo and museum.

Pushchairs are not allowed in the hall or tearooms.

Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington

01262 677874

www.bridlington.net/sewerby

Updated: 8:56 Saturday, June 28, 2003