Ben's Yard Unveiled: A Rural Utopia Bursting with Discovery
Ben’s Yard, the new rural retail village on the Stuntney Estate, is now open, with visitors delighting in this verdant hub of restoration, nourishment and entertainment. The new destination is to be explored by all ages and is a naturally immersive experience to be enjoyed; a place where sophisticated shopping, inclusive hospitality and untamed nature meet.

Redefining a traditional shopping and leisure experience, Ben’s Yard champions local businesses and quintessentially British brands, with the carefully curated selection of retailers offering everything from meticulously curated homewares to independent British fashion. Guests are now able to dive head first into this unique shopping spree; Something about Rose offers a personalised, fashion-forward shopping visit, or add a touch of elegance to homes with bold blooms from Thatch & Roses and interior treasures from Love Lane By Abi, who also both host interactive styling workshops. Need the perfect gift? Freda & Bert has all guests covered. For those craving a beauty refresh, guests can be transformed by The Hair Company's expert styling.
Gourmands can satiate their palate thanks to the seasonally inspired menu at Ben’s Yard Restaurant. Visitors stopping by at Ben’s Yard Café will relish in delectable delights such as nourishing salads, sandwiches, freshly made smoothies, sweet treats and coffees (with fully compostable cups and lids). If time is too short to eat on site, Malloy’s Craft Butchery is the butcher that champions sustainability, combining a farm-to-plate ethos with eco-friendly practices, such as off-grid farming and wildflower cultivation to offset its carbon footprint.
Ben’s Yard is a sensory and holistic experience, where families are able to make the most of the rewilded, blooming wildflower trails. Meandering through this woodland and fenland is a tonic on any day. Fitness enthusiasts are not forgotten, as speedsters might prefer to power up the journey with a Spoke and Motor electric bicycle. The thoughtfully created two-and-half-kilometre loop on an easier hardcore path is for all to enjoy, designed with bikes and buggies in mind. Children and adults alike can spend the day exploring the wildflower-woven estate and enchanting Ely Cathedral-inspired adventure playground.
Victoria Morbey, Founder of Ben’s Yard comments: “Five years ago, I was standing in my kitchen on a Saturday morning, trying to work out how I was going to get everything done. I had a haircut to organise for my daughter, flowers to buy for my grandmother, I had to walk the dogs and buy meat for a barbecue we were hosting that evening - all with four children to entertain. I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could do all this in one place, and that’s when we had the idea of Ben’s Yard. Ben’s Yard offers a unique mixture of three things; retail, hospitality and wellbeing. Every business that is part of our rural retail village has the same ethos and exceptional customer service. When we look at Ben’s Yard today, we see exactly what we would have loved to have found for our own family five years ago, it’s also what other people have told me they want for their families. Together we're so pleased to have made the idea a reality and we're delighted to share this fantastic destination with all our guests."
Alastair Morbey, Founder of Ben’s Yard comments: “It was important to us to have a special place to spend outside in nature too, which is why we've created beautiful walks on hard-core paths through the wildflower meadows and woodland full of deer. Guests can then explore through the wetlands past the reservoir, taking in the views of Ely Cathedral and the Cambridgeshire Fens. We also spent a lot of time working with our chef team to develop menus at Ben's Yard Restaurant and Ben's Yard Café that cater to everyone. These menus celebrate the seasons, the farm and the landscape, and are filled with fresh and healthy ingredients. We hope that adults will come and enjoy a glass of wine with us too! With the adventure playground for children and a consistent calendar of family events that fit with the Ben's Yard values, we hope that means there will be something here for everyone, always.”
If all this wasn’t enough to discover, Ben's Yard is also set to host captivating seasonal events throughout the year, making the most of their distinctive event space:
THE BEACH AT BEN’S YARD: 15th July – 3rd September
Ready for the ultimate summer thrill? Hit The Beach at Ben’s Yard. It will provide all the hustle-bustle of an epic urban beach experience that'll make it an unforgettable family day out during the long summer holidays. Dig into a giant sandy oasis and splash around in a vast paddling pool. But that's just the start! Stout hearts will race on exhilarating fairground rides, tastebuds will be tantalised thanks to an array of food stalls and a myriad of events and games will keep smiles on the kids and their parents faces.
SUNDOWN CINEMA: 15th - 17th September
Ben’s Yard won’t let the fading summer dim the fun, as guests can re-light the nights with a trip to the ‘Sundown Cinema at Ben's Yard’. Be immersed in an alfresco movie experience unlike any other, nestled within the beautiful landscape of the Fens, with four crowd-pleasers being screened under the stars. Fancy an 80s rewind? Dive into Top Gun:Maverick or Dirty Dancing for an evening trip down memory lane. Whilst young-at-heart viewers will enjoy afternoon shows featuring Matilda the Musical and Disney's enchanting Encanto. An on-site hot food van will serve hearty, delicious meals alongside everyone's favourite - popcorn! Tickets kick-off at £9 for kids, with a deluxe package for two at £55, offering popcorn, prosecco, and the comfort of deckchairs.
MAKERS MARKETS: 29th August - 25th September
As passionate advocates of sustainability and home-grown craftsmanship, Ben's Yard unveils its ‘Makers Markets’, spotlighting and supporting the talent of local artisans and craftspeople.
From 5th - 11th September, delve into the immersive 3D landscapes by Donna Goymer, brought to life using paper, paint, and thread. Guests can treat pooches with Toby's Favourites, makers of wholesome, plant-based dog treats with absolutely no wheat or meat. Ignite the senses with Thistle & Glow's luxurious, hand-poured soy candles and wax melts.
The following week, 12th - 18th September, guests can update their wardrobe with Mill House Millinery's bespoke hats and fascinators and some exquisite, handmade silver pieces from JewelleryByJulie. Whilst aroma lovers can update the smell of their home with Ticketyboo hand-poured home fragrances.
During 19th -25th September, elevate self-care with Bloom in Soap's eco-focused botanical skincare and wellbeing products. Then spoil canine friends with Crafts By Kate's handmade designs, and bring warmth to the home with Little Bear & Friends' charming handcrafted wooden signs and gifts.
At Ben's Yard, guests don't just visit, they experience a rural retreat that caters to every wish. It’s a new haven for retail therapy, gastronomical delights, natural beauty, charming events, exercising and spending quality time alone or with loved ones. A visit here is not to be missed, at Ben's Yard there is something for everyone, always.
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