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Belsay Castle (EH) Belsay, Northumberland.
Photo © English Heritage Photo Library
The thirty acres of magnificent landscaped grounds and gardens are Belsay's particular glory. The quarry gardens and the Cragwood Walk are the most special features. Sir Charles Monck, who built the present hall, saw the potential of the stone quarries, and introduced many rare and fine specimens into them to make a garden.
Succeeding generations extended the quarry and added to its planting. They made a green gorge, its sheer walls hung with exotic plants and the floor dotted with ferns. It is an adventure in itself to explore its paths and shady corners. Rhododendrons are among Belsay's great delights; many beautiful examples grow in the quarry, as well as in the terraces at the front of the Hall, with their beds of roses, lilies, lavender and other fragrant and brightly- coloured plants. National Collection of Iris (series spuriae).
Bide a wee Cottage Stanton, Netherwitton, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Set within the picturesque Northumbrian Countryside a most unique quarry garden, featuring unusual perennials, natural rock, stonework, and water. A Wildflower meadow walk with bee hives lies on the edge of the garden.
The garden has been the subject of television programmes Gardeners World being one, featured in the 'Sunday Supplements' and magazines such as the Royal Horticultural Society Journal 'The Garden'. Bide-A-Wee is also the holder of the National Collection of Centaurea.
A nursery featuring unusual perennials and plants produced from the garden and hardy in the harsh Northumbrian climate.
Beningbrough Hall and Gardens (NT) Shipton, York.Photo © NTPL / Derry Moore
The gardens, surrounded by water meadows, comprise an American garden, a Victorian conservatory, box-edged rose gardens, a lily pool and aromatic borders in the newly restored walled garden.
Brodsworth Hall (EH) nr. Doncaster, North Yorkshire.
Photo © English Heritage Photo Library
Brodsworth Hall and gardens have remained virtually untouched since the 1860s. The gardens include formal terraces, a croquet lawn, summerhouse, a romantic quarry garden and a curious 'target house'.
Castle Howard York, North Yorkshire.
Photo © 2005 Castle Howard
Magnificent 18th century palace surrounded by extensive landscaped grounds. The walled garden contains over 400 old roses. James Russell started the garden in 1975 and occupies a large square area that has long been devoted to vegetables. The southern half is Lady Cecilia's Garden; the northern half is divided into two roughly square gardens; the Sundial Garden is where you find modern roses. Standard roses are planted among them, adding height and small explosions of colour.
Castle Howard Arboretum Trust York, North Yorkshire.
Photo © Castle Howard Arboretum Trust
The new arboretum at Castle Howard represents one of the most exciting new developments in horticulture and botany for the new millennium. When planting began in 1975, the late Lord Howard and James Russell, VMH, shared a vision to create one of the most comprehensive collections of hardy woody plants in Europe.Because of the botanical importance of the extensive collections of woody plants held in both the arboretum and in the woodland garden in Ray Wood, a joint charitable trust has been formed between Castle Howard and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to safeguard the future of the collections.
These remarkable collections, comprising some 6,500 different taxa (identifiably different types of plant) were planted from 1968, when the valuable historic collection formed at the Sunningdale Nursery in Surrey was transported to Ray Wood. This 40-acre area of woodland had been clear-felled and reforested with hardwoods in 1948, but was first surveyed in 1563 and much of the extant ground flora is characteristic of secondary ancient woodland. Ray Wood today boasts a wonderful collection of rhododendrons, some 500 species and 300 important hybrids, along with many other rare shrubs and trees, among them other members of the family Ericaceae, such as Vaccinium and Gaultheria, and considerable collections of genera such as Sorbus, Magnolia, Rosa and Acer.
In the arboretum, a native flora of species-rich grassland, dotted with orchids, king cups and bog bean, nestles beneath exotic trees gathered from around the temperate world, providing a landscape that is unique in both style and substance.
Chesters Walled Garden Chollerford, Hexham.
Photo © Chesters Walled Garden
Chesters Walled Garden is a 2 acre 18th century garden, surrounded on three sides by sheltering woods of beech and yew, and open to the south with views over the lovely Tyne valley. Situated next to Chesters Roman Fort, it is on the line of Hadrian's Wall - the site of a Roman road actually crosses the garden. For over 200 years the fruit and vegetable garden for Chesters house, it is now a unique herb and herbaceous garden. It boasts one of the largest collections of herbs in the country growing ebulliently behind neatly clipped box hedges.There is a National Collection of Origanum and Thymus, the thyme being grown on the thirty metre long, raised Thyme Bank. There is a small Roman Garden showing the plants the Romans cultivated during their occupation of Britain. Organically run, the garden attracts diverse wildlife; frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies with its two ponds, woodpeckers and many other birds (bird count on display in shop) and even red squirrels. Wildflowers blend in the full borders with rarer perennials, attracting numerous bumble bees as well as being used for their loose, design qualities. The specialist nursery sells a wide range of herbs, herbaceous perennials, wildflowers and David Austin Roses.
Constable Burton Hall Gardens nr. Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
Photo © Constable Burton Hall Gardens
Fine trees and woodland walks combine with a terraced woodland garden of lilies, ferns, hardy shrubs, roses and wild flowers attached to a beautiful palladian house designed by John Carr (house not open). Near main entrance drive is a stream, bog garden and rockery. Good spring display of daffodils, aconites and snowdrops. New lily pond.
Cragside (NT) Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Photo © 2007 NTPL / Rupert Truman
'The palace of a modern magician', inventor Lord Armstrong, it boasts possibly the largest rock garden in Europe. Remarkable Orchard House, ferneries, rose loggia and Italian garden are within walking distance of the house.
Crook Hall Gardens Durham.
Photo © 2008 Crook Hall
Crook Hall built in the 13th century is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Durham. The Hall is a jumble of buildings reflecting its historical development. A medieval Hall merges into a Jacobean section with an attached Georgian house. The house is surrounded by 6 acres of romantic gardens laid out in a series of rooms such as the Shakespeare Garden, the Cathedral Garden and the Secret Walled Garden. Durham’s bustling market place is a short walk away and many who view the gardens describe it as a ‘peaceful oasis’. A fact that possibly led William Wordsworth and John Ruskin to visit the gardens for quiet contemplation.
Durham University Botanic Garden Durham.
Photo © 2007 Durham University
The gardens contain a Tropical House, Cactus House, Conservatory, Prince Bishops Garden, Woodland Garden, Gazebo Garden, Alpine Garden, New Zealand Collection and an American Arboretum and Tree Trail.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden (NT) Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire
Photo © 2007 NTPL / Andrew Butler
One of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden. Elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas. Showy autumn colouring.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr (RHS) Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Photo © The Royal Horticultural Society 2006
One of Yorkshire’s most relaxing yet inspiring locations at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.The stunning 58 acre garden is seeing exciting new developments while retaining its uniquely tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Dramatic Rose Revolution borders display the clever use of mixed perennials, grasses and roses beautifully whilst combining sustainable practice, inspirational horticulture with a contemporary twist. National Collections of Fuchsia (sect Quelusia), Polypodium and Rheum (culinary).
Also not to be missed are the superb new Main Borders, a gorgeous mix of herbaceous perennials, grasses and shrubs. Gardens through Time takes you through 200 years of gardening history up to a contemporary garden designed by Diarmuid Gavin as featured in the BBC Two series. The inspiring Kitchen Garden, superb Streamside and enticing Scented Garden are also highlights of the garden.
Harlow Carr shows what can be grown in the north, including some surprises and offers interest for all seasons, from woodland to wildflowers and alpines to autumn colour. Events all year include outdoor theatre, festivals, workshops and children’s activities. With an extensive Shop & Plant Centre and the fabulous Bettys Café Tea Rooms offering delicious food and the best teas and coffees, it really is growing to inspire and offers a great day out. Free parking, cafe bar, extensive Plant Centre and the largest gardening bookshop in the north.
Herterton House Hartington, Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Photo © Alnwick Tourism Association
One acre of formal garden within stone walls around a sixteenth century farmhouse. This small garden is a delight to the eye with excellent colour coordination and some unusual species. Also a small topiary and a physic garden.
Hollies Botanical Garden Leeds, Yorkshire.
Leeds botanical garden, the home of 4 National Council Collections for the conservation of plants and gardens.
Houghall Gardens Durham.
Set in 25 acres the gardens at Durham Houghall College presents a range of gardening styles with an arboretum containing some rare tree varieties as well as the National Collection of Sorbus (sect Aria & Micromeles). Large heather bed, alpine house, water garden, naturalised narcissus plantings. Large arboretum with fully labelled plantings. Orchid House (entry by arrangement.)
Howick Hall Gardens Alnwick, Northumberland.
Photo © Howick Hall 2005
The gardens at Howick are primarily the work of Charles, 5th Earl Grey, his wife Mabel, and their daughter Lady Mary Howick between 1920 and 2001. They established and maintained an informal and natural style of gardening first advocated by William Robinson in the late 19th Century, which completely replaced the more formal Victorian planting of their ancestors. All that is left of the old garden are some of the mature trees; all else was swept away. Lovely flower and shrub gardens. In the spring and early summer the Woodland Garden is particularly lovely with rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. Extensive grounds including formal gardens around house.
A new Arboretum opened on 1st April 2006, with a formal opening by Roy Lancaster on 29th April. It covers about 65 acres at the moment and virtually all of it has been grown from seed collected in the wild since 1985. There are about 11,000 trees and shrubs from about 1,800 taxa planted in six geographical groups.
Kirkley Hall Ponteland, Northumberland.
Photo © Crown copyright 1995 - 2005
A horticultural training college with interesting ornamental borders, sunken garden and alpines. National Collection of Fagus.
Wall-trained fruit trees and greenhouse plants.
Land Farm Garden Colden, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
Gardens are at 1,000ft on a north-facing slope; approximately 4 acres subdivided into alpine, herbaceous borders, formal and woodland gardens.
Longframlington Gardens Longframlington, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Photo © Longframlington Gardens
Gardens and arburetum, designed by Hazel Huddleston, covering almost 12 acres of land. These interesting, newly made gardens are planted with thousands of plants, chosen to provide interest and colour throughout the whole year.
Mount Grace Priory (NT) Staddle Bridge, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.
Photo © 2007 NTPL / C. P. Robinson
Mount Grace Priory, Britain's last preserved Carthusian monastery, is nestled amongst attractive woodlands. The extensive gardens include a herb garden, a delightful fish pond and a monk's cell. There is also a nature trail.
Newby Hall Gardens Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Photo © 2007 Newby Hall & Gardens Estate Office
The gardens at Newby Hall extend over 40 acres and were established in the 1920s and are full of rare and interesting plants. They include a 19th century statue walk and a woodland discovery walk. National Collection of cornus (excl florida cvs). See also the Sisley Tours web site.
Parcevall Hall Gardens Skyreholme, Skipton, North Yorkshire.
The first mention of Parcevall Hall is in the will of Peter Yorke in 1589. The gardens, as they exist today, were created by Sir William Milner in a project which started in 1927 and took thirty men three years to complete. Sir William enjoyed the advice of some of the best amateur gardeners of the time and planted many types of rhododendrons and shrubs and plants from Western China and Tibet.There is a wood, a cliff garden, an orchard and a wonderful semi-natural rock garden through which a stream flows on its way to feed the ponds and water features of the more formal areas and terraces fronting the hall. The very pure water supply is from an old mine level in the hills closeby. The pools grow Charophytes, higher algaes only growing in the purest spring water. The terraces and long red borders are laid out on the form of the Cross as Sir William was a deeply religioius man. He left the property to the Walsingham Shrine who let it to Bradford Diocese to run as a Retreat House. Parcevall Hall gardens have evolved to be in harmony with the surrounding fells and are utterly quiet and peaceful.
Raby Castle Staindrop, Darlington, Co. Durham.
Photo © Raby Estates
The Gardens have been considerably altered during this century, particularly since 1980, but many of the original features remain. In particular, there are the two fine old yew hedges, and the ornamental pond, originally constructed to provide water for the Kitchen Garden.There is a new conservatory whose front replicates the 19th century original, rose gardens; formal lawns; and the informal heather and conifer garden. The East Garden contains the main herbaceous border, designed by the Dowager Lady Barnard, with species of trees within the lawn, such as the Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipafera) and the Wedding Day Rose whose petals transforms through three colour changes.
The Ranch House 60 Clara Drive, Calverley, nr Leeds.
Photo © NGS 1999-2008
A 2 acre garden created in 1998 by owner. Series of interconnecting areas separated by yew hedges are linked by grass paths. Rose and clematis arches provide a succession of harmonious plantings to the numerous herbaceous and mixed borders. Ponds; woodland garden has evolving underplanting beneath mature trees with shrubs and woodlanders creating a naturalistic atmosphere. Efficient composting system.Opening Dates & Times: Home-made teas. Visitors welcome by appt May to Aug, groups of 10+, coaches permitted.
Contact: Preston Harrison Tel: 0113 257 0114
Directions: 8m NW of Leeds. From A6120 ring road, take A657 through Calverley. Turn right just before petrol stn. House ½m on right.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens Sheffield, Yorkshire.
Photo © 2007 Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust
Extensive 19 acre garden with over 5,500 species of plants, including disabled persons garden. Gardens are Grade II Listed by English Heritage as a garden of special architectural and historical interest. Grounds landscaped in the gardens que style by Robert Marnock, a famous 19th century landscape designer. The Gardens have recently been fully restored. National Collection of Diervilla and Weigela.
Studley Royal Water Garden - see Fountains Abbey.
Wallington (NT) Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Photo © 2007 NTPL / Matthew Antrobus
An enchanting terraced walled garden with themed mixed borders and splendid conservatory. National Collection of Sambucus.
Wentworth Castle Lowe Lane, Stainborough, Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Photo © 2007 Wentworth Castle Trust 2007
One of the most important historic gardens in the North of England, this hidden gem from the 18th century opened fully for the first time on a daily basis in May 2007, 10am-5pm. Wentworth Castle, a grade I listed building, is the home of Northern College for Residential Adult Education. The gardens and 500 acre landscape surrounding it are, historically, among the most important in the country, having been designated grade I on English Heritages's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. They contain rare surviving features, such as the serpentine watercourse and formal wilderness garden, as well as the structures amongst the first of their kind to have been constructed in a garden, such as the mock castle.The Gardens were laid out in the 18th century by Sir Thomas Wentworth (1672-1739), 1st Earl of Strafford (second creation) and his son William, 2nd Earl (1722-1791), initially as a result of a bitter feud with another branch of the Wentworth Family.
Thomas was suceeded by his son William in 1739, by which time the fashion was moving towards laying out gardens in a more natural style. During the 19th century many exotic trees and shrubs, especially hardy hybrid rhododendrons, were planted and a conservatory and rockery built. In the mid 20th century the gardens fell into neglect until clearance work in the 1970s and part restoration of Stainborough Castle in the 1980s and the establishment of the first of the three National Plant Collections in the Gardens. As there are important contributions from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, the restoration philosophy is to restore the best remaining elements from each period.
The gardens care for 3 National Plant Collections, comprising of species rhododendrons, species magnolias and williamsii hybrid camellias, and also contain an important collection of hardy hybrid rhododendrons, which produce spectacular colour in late May and early June.
York Gate Adel, Leeds, Yorkshire.
Photo © Perennial
York Gate is a fabulous garden owned and managed by Perennial (formerly the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society). A one acre plantsman's garden it is divided into fourteen individual 'rooms' each with unique architectural features. What makes this garden exceptional is the exquisite detail to be found within each: the pavement maze in the driveway, the espaliered cedar in the pinetum, the meticulous arrangement of stone setts and gravel along the path in the canal garden.Another distinguishing feature is the skill with which these rooms are united into a coherent whole. This is achieved using a continuous succession of vistas, each culminating in a focal point - perfectly placed and immaculately proportioned - be it a potting shed window, an eight foot high sundial or an old water pump.
Open from Easter until the end of September, every Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday 2-5pm. Also a few selected evenings. Private visits are also welcome. Please telephone (0)113 2678240. This garden is highly recommended!
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