Take time to find peace and tranquillity in the gardens and outdoor spaces of some of North Yorkshire’s best-loved historic sites. Discover beautiful gardens around Ripon, Harrogate, Northallerton and beyond and find your perfect escape.
Experience a hint of the Mediterranean
Located just outside the City of York, Beningbrough has over eight acres of formal gardens to explore. Take some time out to stop and relax in the formal gardens. In summer, take in the sweet scents of the double herbaceous border or if you visit in Autumn, enjoy bursts of Autumn colours along the lime tree avenue on the north side of the hall.
Be one of the first to experience the new Mediterranean Garden, which has been transformed from a grassy area to a stunning space created by award-winning garden designer Andy Sturgeon. Explore the pathways, hidden nooks, and relaxing seating areas for a truly magical escape.
Enjoy quality time at Newby Hall and Garden
Open until 29 September, there is so much to discover in the gardens at Newby Hall near Ripon. Home to the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, Newby Hall is the perfect place to meet with friends, have quality family time or take some time to yourself.
Take a relaxing boat trip along the River Ure, indulge your inner child on the Miniature Railway or see the famous Bear House. Afterwards, explore Newby’s award-winning gardens, from the iconic Herbaceous Border through to the sweet smells of the Autumn Garden.
Find famous views at Castle Howard
Peace and tranquillity await in Castle Howard’s 1,000 acres of parkland. Take a relaxing stroll in the woodland, enjoy sweeping views of the castle from the lake, and enjoy the colour and fragrance of the Walled Garden. As you wander through the garden, you’ll spot familiar views as Castle Howard has been the location for countless film and television productions, from Brideshead Revisited through to the Netflix drama Bridgerton.
After taking a stroll around the grounds, visit Castle Howard’s Garden Centre. The ideal spot for green-fingered visitors, you can take a piece of the beauty of this place home with you, to remind you of your escape to North Yorkshire.
Discover North Yorkshire’s links to the USA
Located to the northwest of the county town of Northallerton, Kiplin Hall is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The Jacobean house was built by George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and Founder of Maryland in the USA in the early 1620s as a hunting lodge and has retained its charm and character.
Explore the sights and smells of the kitchen garden, soak in the beauty of the formal garden, and enjoy far-reaching views across the lake to the folly. After exploring the gardens, enjoy a tasty treat in the Tea Room, which is stocked with fresh produce from the Kitchen Garden.
Relax in picturesque parks and gardens
You don’t have to head into the countryside to find a perfect escape surrounded by North Yorkshire’s history and heritage. If you’re spending the day in the historic Spa town of Harrogate, overlooking the historic Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate is the Grade II listed Valley Gardens where you can explore the different areas and garden styles.
Alternatively, while it is famous for its long lines of cherry blossom in the spring, The Stray is an iconic Harrogate landmark and is perfect for a relaxing stroll in all the seasons. Dating back to 1778, The Stray has grazed livestock, has been used as allotments and wheatfields during the Second World War, and has even been used as an airfield for light aircraft.
These are just a small selection of the many beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces in the heart of North Yorkshire. Visit our Find Your Escape page and start planning your trip.
