Gardens to see in and around Yorkshire England UK

• Dramatic Georgian mansion with one of Britain's finest baroque interiors
• In partnership with National Portrait Gallery, Beningbrough has over 100 famous paintings and seven interpretation galleries with hands-on actvities
• Fantastic Wilderness play area, with new fort
• Functioning walled garden which supplies produce to the restaurant
• Many events, activity days and evening concerts. Special restaurant evenings, such as 'Starters and Desserters' clubs

These delightful Gardens, close to the centre of Pocklington are home to the National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies - the biggest such collection to be found in a natural setting in Europe.

The two lakes that contain the lilies are set in eight acres of beautiful gardens - including rock gardens, a natural shrubbery, formal beds, the Secret Garden, a Victorian Garden and many other attractions

The Gardens were the inspiration of Major Percy Stewart who, on his death in 1963, left his estate in Trust for the enjoyment of the people of Pocklington and the thousands of visitors who come from all over the world. The Stewart Museum in the Gardens provides a fascinating glimpse into his life.

If first impressions hold any credence at all, sight of the magnificent gatehouse at Burton Agnes Hall does not fail to fulfil the expectations of splendour that await the unsuspecting visitor. This is a grand Elizabethan house, full of treasures both old and modern, legends and stories wrapped in its walls, gardens full of interest and surprises, and a history going back to Norman times.

In 1601-1610, it was one of the last major houses built by the celebrated Elizabethan architect, Sir Robert Smythson. Symmetrical in red brick with stone dressings.

Situated on the north east coast of Yorkshire, some six miles inland of Bridlington, the bracing climate at Burton Agnes Hall has been cleverly tamed within spectacular walled gardens. Along with the herbaceous borders, the scented garden and the jungle garden, all ages will delight in the giant outdoor board games to be found sheltering between the plants

Cannon Hall is a country house museum set in 70 acres of historic parkland. For over two hundred years Cannon Hall was home to the Spencer (later Spencer-Stanhope) family, who made their fortune in the local iron industry.

In the 1760s the architect John Carr of York was employed by the family to enlarge the Hall and redesign the interior. Subsequent alterations include the addition of the magnificent oak-panelled Ballroom in 1891.

The Tearooms are open at weekends and during school holidays for homemade light refreshments in the traditional setting of the kitchens and Servants' Hall. The Museum also has a shop stocking a range of greetings cards, local history books, confectionery and giftware.

Set in beautiful countryside at the entrance to Wensleydale, this extensive romantic garden is surrounded by 18th Century Parkland with a superb John Carr house.

Fine trees and woodland walks combine with an interesting collection of alpines and extensive shrubs and roses. Explore the stream garden with its large architectural plants and reflection ponds.

Duncombe Park is amongst Yorkshire’s most amazing historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from elegant rooms and the spectacular gardens to the finest shopping, food and drink and many miles of walks in the parkland. The home of Lord and Lady Feversham is set in the magnificent landscape of North Yorkshire just a stone throw away from the North York Moors.

The house, gardens, parkland centre, tearooms and gift shops are open from 6th May to 28th October 2007. Duncombe Park has a long tradition of welcoming local people and holiday makers from around the world.

The garden landscape at Harewood House was determined by the designer Capability Brown in the mid 1700s when the foundations for the Palladian Country House were being laid out. The restored Victorian parterre and flower borders have panormaic views over the beautiful parkland. In the 1840s Sir Charles Barry was commissioned to design grand improvements, the Terrace Garden being one of these. In the Lower Terrace the Herbaceous Border with its hardy perennials, annuals and climbing roses lead to the striking bronze figure in the centre. Stroll through the mature woodland and rhododendrons to view the lake with its abundant wildlife.

The RHS merged with the Northern Horticultural Society in 2001 and, with the merger, came the acquisition of Harlow Carr.

The Northern Horticultural Society was founded in 1946 with the objective of 'promoting and developing the science, art and practice of horticulture with special reference to the conditions pertaining to the North of England'. The Society leased 10.5 hectares of mixed woodland, pasture and arable land at Harlow Hill from Harrogate Corporation and opened the Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens in 1950.The chief aim was to set up a trial ground where the suitability of plants for growing in northern climates could be assessed. The original 10.5 hectares has been extended to 27.5 and the merger with the RHS will ensure that Harlow Carr becomes a premier botanic garden in the North of England.

Helmsley Walled Garden is a beautiful five acre walled garden in the heart of North Yorkshire, England. Dating from 1758, and set against the spectacular backdrop of Helmsley Castle in the grounds of Duncombe Park, the garden is gradually being restored to its former glory. Originally built to supply the Duncombe estate with fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, it was abandoned in the 1970's until, in 1994 extensive restoration was started to bring it back to life as a fully working kitchen garden.

he walls have now been refurnished with fruit trees, including special collections of 52 Yorkshire apples and 34 Victorian vines, and over 250 clematis varieties, and restoration work has been completed on the garden's centre piece, the Orchid House. Our own naturally produced vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits and a wide range of plants, including many rare species, are all for sale. Under the magical ruins and ramparts of Helmsley Castle, this is a romantic oasis to sit and picnic or just watch the world go by.

Kiplin Hall, in the beautiful Vale of Mowbray, was built in the 1620s for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I, later 1st Lord Baltimore and founder of Maryland, USA. Its design was unique in Jacobean architecture, with central domed towers on each side of a tall symmetrical pavilion in mellow red brick.

Owned by four fascinating families, connected by blood and marriage over four centuries, the Hall is now furnished as a welcoming Victorian family home and contains paintings and furniture collected by the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots. The paintings include many family portraits, a large collection of watercolours by Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford and many other paintings of note.

Lotherton was the home of the Gascoigne family, who created a charming home in the days before the first World War. Given to Leeds City Council in 1968, the house boasts fine furniture and painting with collections of ceramics and superb displays of costume.

The Costume Gallery regularly hosts exhibitions on fashion related topics whilst the Nightingale Gallery is the venue for regular exhibitions by local artists.

The gardens are being replanted with old varieties to recreate the original Edwardian garden. Lotherton Bird Garden contains one the finest collections of species, many of them rare or endangered.

The grounds also contain a number of Red Deer.

Newby Hall was built between 1691-1695 and shortly afterwards the owner, Sir Edward Blackett, commissioned Peter Aram as head gardener to lay out formal gardens and avenues in keeping with the period. Very little of Aram's layout for Newby remains today and the present design is largely attributable to the present owner's grandfather, the late Major Edward Compton, who inherited Newby in 1921. Robin Compton had spent most of his leisure hours, away from business activities, gardening and studying plants and how they behave and Jane Compton was also passionately interested in flowers, possessing an unusual flair for colour and design. Today they have totally restored and replanted these lovely gardens over a ten year period. They have been honoured to win the BTA Heritage Award acknowledging their outstanding contribution to tourism for the restoration of Newby Hall and Gardens and the HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year Award.

Normanby Hall Country Park provides
the perfect day out for all the family

Return to the elegance of a more leisurely era in the beautiful Regency Hall and learn about Lincolnshire's rich rural heritage in the fascinating Farm Museum. Step back in time in the award winning Victorian Walled Garden and stroll through the beautiful Pleasure Grounds with their stunning herbaceous borders.

Enjoy the extensive woodland with its wealth of wildlife, or walk through the Deer Park with its herds of Red and Fallow Deer.

There are self-guided nature trails which allow visitors to enjoy the park throughout its constantly changing seasons. Younger children will enjoy watching the ducks and peacocks or playing in the adventure playground. On most Sundays throughout the open season, 31 March until 30 September 2007, they can ride on the newly extended miniature railway, or take part in a free Crafty Kids workshop in the Farm Museum. There are also special children's events throughout the year.

Nostell Priory is surrounded by a generous landscape park and gardens, with good trees.

The park leads down to a lake where there are attractive waterside walks and plantings of flowering trees and shrubs including rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.

There is a fine summerhouse and attractive Gothic arch. Nearer the house a rose garden is the main feature.

Honey-coloured country house, set on the banks of the River Rye, Once home to the doctor of Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth I, Unusual collection of miniature rooms with tiny furnishings and musical instruments, Totally organic walled-garden, retaining a lovely 17th-century character, Fantastic changing programme of art and photographic exhibitions.

The sheltered walled garden on the bank of the River Rye, with its delightful mixed borders, orchards of traditional fruit varieties and spring-flowering meadows, complements this mellow 17th-century manor house. From the magnificent oak-panelled hall, three staircases lead to the family rooms, the nursery, the haunted room and the attics, with their fascinating Carlisle collection of miniature rooms fully furnished to reflect different periods

The unusual garden surrounding Old Sleningford Hall (not open to the public) has a virtually unspoiled early-19th century layout.

The peaceful garden, with extensive lawns and fine old trees, is full of interest. There are long herbaceous borders backed by perfectly clipped beech and yew hedges. The walled kitchen garden contains box hedges, masses of vegetables and fruit, and flowers and grasses grown for cutting and drying.

A woodland walk leads to a water garden with a beautiful lake and islands. Here visitors can admire the swans, ducks and koi carp. Other features of the garden include a watermill and a Victorian fernery.

Parcevall Hall Gardens lie on a steep hillside and are the only RHS and English Heritage registered gardens open to the public in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The sixteen acres of formal and woodland gardens rise up the hillside and command impressive views of Simons Seat and Wharfedale.

The gardens were laid out by the late Sir William Milner from 1927 onwards, and are planted with many specimen trees and shrubs collected from Western China and the Himalayas.

Within a shelterbelt of woodland, the gardens comprise of the following features: Rock Garden with pools, Orchard with old apple varieties, Formal Terraces, Herb Garden, Woodland trails, Camellia Walk, Rose Garden, Chapel Garden, Cliff Walk

Renishaw Hall’s formal Italianate gardens are divided into rooms by immaculate yew hedges, embellished with a sumptuous collection of plants.

The gardens have season long interest, from the Bluebell fortnight where the adjacent woods display Magnolias, Rhododendrons and a Laburnum Tunnel.
Through June when over a thousand roses open. Into July and August when the colour themed herbaceous borders are at their best.

There is also a Children's Garden for exploring, climbing, fun educational trails, horticulture, story telling and much more.

• Two classical Georgian temples set on an elevated grass terrace
• Exquisite ceiling painting depicting mythological scenes
• Stunning vistas over the Ryedale Valley and Rievaulx Abbey far below
• Landscaped garden with fantastic spring flowers
• Good level access and batricars available Childrens trails and activities

Roundhay Park &; Tropical World are set in 700 acres of Park and gardens. A Green Flag winning parkland, discover lakes, woodlands, rolling parkland, a castle folly, formal bedding and raised carpet bed designs. You can also find re-interpretations of the Spanish Alhambra Gardens and the Giverny Monet Garden. Tropical World´s exotic glasshouses are home to a recreated Rainforest environment which includes rare bromeliads, hoyas and an extensive succulent and cacti collection in the desert house. The exotic animals, which roam free around this tropical environment, ensure an enjoyable visit for all the family all year round.

Sledmere House is the home of Sir Tatton Sykes, 8th Baronet. There has been a Manor House at Sledmere since medieval times.
The present house was begun in 1751 by Richard Sykes and extended in the 1790's by Sir Christopher Sykes 2nd Baronet.
The gardens and parkland can offer enjoyment for all, from beautiful 18th Century Walled Rose Garden and recently laid out Parterre, to the acres of open space and woodland. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, long walk or just a relaxing summer picnic in the grounds along with the grazing deer nearby.

Sewerby Hall is situated 2 miles north of the seaside resort of Bridlington, on the East Yorkshire coast. The grade I listed country house is set in 50 acres of landscaped gardens in a cliff top location on the outskirts of Sewerby village.

The house was built 1714-1720 by John Greame. Bow wings and a portico were added in 1808-1811. Later additions include an Orangery and dining room.

The lovely gardens of Sewerby extend some 50 acres and offer magnificent views over Bridlington bay, from Flamborough headland to the north-east, down to Spurn Point looking south. The gardens are a skilful blend of art and nature, with formal walks, terraces and contrasting woodland.

The magnificent monkey puzzle trees of the pleasure gardens are reputed to be amongst the oldest in England, and there are many more fine specimen trees over 200 years old.

Sheffield Botanical Gardens cover 19 acres and were first opened in 1836. Originally designed by Robert Marnock in the Gardenesque style, the site now has fifteen different garden areas featuring collections of plants from all over the world, including Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rock-and-water plantings. The National Collections of Weigela and Diervilla are sited here. The Gardens contain several listed buildings including the restored Grade II* listed curvilinear Glass Pavilions, some of the earliest ever built, which were officially re-opened by HRH The Prince of Wales on 1 September 2003.

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nurseries can offer you an interesting and enjoyable afternoon out. With its tranquil setting in the grounds of a 18th century farmhouse. Experience the wild flower walk leading to a natural pond, our long herbaceous borders and the colour themed cottage garden style plantings surrounding the house.

The garden has been selected to feature in "The Good Gardens Guide" edited by Peter King, "The Daily Telegraph Gardeners' Guide to Britain" by Patrick Taylor and the "Gardeners' Favourite Nurseries" by Leslie Geddes-Brown. It was also featured in "The English Garden", "Yorkshire Life", "The Garden" and many others.

John Aislabie inherited the Studley estate in 1693 and devoted himself to the creation of the garden he had begun in 1718. After his death in 1742, his son William extended his scheme by purchasing the remains of the Abbey. He also extended the landscaped area in the picturesque romantic style, contrasting with the formality of his father's work. Between them, the two created what is arguably England's most important 18th century Water Garden.

The Water Garden, with its formal, geometric design and its extraordinary vistas, was inspired by the work of the great French landscape gardeners but is entirely individual in character. The only professional advice John Aislabie appears to have received was from the distinguished Palladian architect, Colen Campbell. His gardener William Fisher was an employee of the estate, and the garden works were carried out by local labour under the direction of local man John Simpson, who was succeeded in 1728 by the master mason Robert Doe from London.

Sutton Park was built in the eighteenth century by Philip Harland. It is now the family home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield. When the Sheffields bought the house in 1963 they moved much of their collection from Normanby Park in Lincolnshire. Large parts of this collection were originally from Buckingham House.

Sutton Park is a charming and lived-in house, built of mellow brick in 1730 by Thomas Atkinson. The House contains beautiful eighteenth century furniture, paintings mostly from Buckingham House, now Buckingham Palace, and an important collection of porcelain. Magnificent plaster work by Cortese.

The House is a fine example of early Georgian architecture overlooking beautiful parkland. It is filled with a rich collection of treasures all put together with great style and always filled with flowers from the garden.

The award winning gardens won the Silver Gilt Award in Yorkshire in Bloom 2007 and can be viewed from April to September each year, you may also have refreshments in the award winning tea room after your walk.

Temple Newsam is one of the great historic estates in England. Set within over 1500 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, it is a magnificent Tudor–Jacobean mansion.

Famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley and home to the Ingram family for over 300 years, the mansion houses rich collections of works of art.

The garden is renowned for its Rhododendron and Azalea walk and features the National Plant Collections of Delphinium, Phlox and Aster novi–belgii. Europe's largest working Rare Breeds Farm, with over 400 animals, is set within the original estate Home Farm.

Set within the 18th century walls of the original kitchen garden for Scampston Hall, today the Walled Garden has an exciting and unashamedly modern feel to it and complements the adjacent 18th century 'Capability' Brown park.

The garden had been derelict for nearly fifty years when, with their usual enthusiasm and vision Sir Charles and Lady Legard undertook the huge renovation task.

Not content with a traditional restoration project - they had already done that in the House and surrounding gardens, they set about producing a stunning garden with a contemporary feel.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum is one of the finest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. This 85 acre arboretum is unique to Britain, if not Europe, in that it was the creation of one man, Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner (1895 - 1977) and is now owned and managed by Sir John Ropner.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum extends to 85 acres (35 hectares), and currently has 1744 different taxa. This number continues to increase as new trees and shrubs are planted each year. The Arboretum is laid out in Sections, and identified as Section A to Section Z, plus Milbank Pinetum, and Spring Wood. Each Section inter-connects with its neighbour via paths, grass walks, glades, bays, or avenues. A walk around the Arboretum can be a journey of plant discovery that takes you around the continents of the world; with many of the tree and shrub genera and species planted having origins in China, Japan, North America, Chile, and Europe.

The Falcons of Thorp Perrow is the ultimate family day out, incorporating the opportunity to learn more about birds of prey and associated wildlife, with the enjoyment of hands on experience for all the family. Combined with the beautiful and historic Arboretum, a full and spectacular day in the Yorkshire countryside is complete.

One of the most important historic gardens in the North of England

After capturing the nation's imagination on the BBC TV series 'Restoration', the secret gardens of the Earls of Strafford are being carefully restored in a major project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Rare formal gardens have been rediscovered, National Collections of Rhododendrons, Camellias and Magnolias enhanced, and over 100,000 bulbs planted throughout the 50 acre garden to create a carpet of colour. Many of the 26 listed buildings and monuments across the only Grade 1 listed parkland and garden are being repaired and opened for visitors. With its atmospheric views, woodland walks and majestic follies - including a dramatic viewing platform at the top of a castle folly 600 feet above sea level - there is something for everyone to enjoy in the gardens all year 'round.

Beyond the gardens over 500 acres of historic parkland can be explored via the Monument Trail, a new 2 mile path taking you through the beautiful countryside of Stainborough and linking several restored follies and native woods.

The one acre garden at York Gate was created by the Spencer family between 1951 and 1994. Laid out in a series of smaller gardens with different themes and in contrasting styles, it is a garden of great diversity and exceptional quality.

The inner gardens include a dell with stream, a pinetum, a kitchen garden, a white and silver garden, a contemporary garden and the famous herb garden with its fine topiary. Striking architectural features play a key role throughout the garden, which is also noted for its beautiful detailing and exquisite vistas. It is now owned by the charity, Perennial.

Yorkshire Sculpture park is set in the grounds of the Bretton Estate Wakefield which was designed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The park is 500 acres ranging from wooded areas to open spaces providing a landscape for modern and contemporary sculptures by artist's from around the world.

The park is a great place to see outdoor sculpture in a natural setting anytime of the year, going on a wet day is not advisable as there is not much to do inside. The sculpture park is a good place to take children as they can run about and explore the grounds finding different works.

There is car parking next to the Visitor Centre, there is disabled parking and limited access in some areas. The Visitor Centre has a shop, restaurant and toilets. Café is good with a nice terrace to walk out on to. Parts of the grounds are accessible by pushchairs and wheelchairs, if you have mobility difficulties you can book a scooter which is free, tel: 01924 830302 for details.