Helmsley Walled Garden

Helmsley Walled Garden is nestled in the North York Moors National Park, surrounded by the Duncombe Park landscape, and overlooked by the historic Helmsley Castle. This hidden gem not only attracts tens of thousands of visitors as a popular tourist destination and RHS-Partner Garden, but also serves as a charitable organisation supporting over 100 volunteers. Within the garden’s safe and inclusive space, people gather to nurture plants and to also foster social connections, acquire new skills, and cultivate exceptional horticultural practices. This is what sets Helmsley Walled Garden apart; its use of forward-thinking sustainable horticultural practices, with community gardening at the heart of its approach.

The garden itself is entirely maintained by a team of volunteers, guided by dedicated coordinators and a garden director. Each volunteer's contribution, regardless of their background or abilities, plays a vital role in enhancing the garden's beauty, the visitor experience, and consequently fostering a sense of accomplishment. A beautiful garden, changing lives. A beautifully planted and fully accessible garden, our 100m double herbaceous border hit their peak in August, but there is always something to see.  From apple blossom in April, tulips, irises and the Laburnum Arch in May, roses and peonies in June, through to apple harvest starting in August and on to the autumn glow of the Hot Border in October.  There are smaller, intimate gardens within the walls and plenty of places to sit with benches dotted about to enjoy views of Helmsley Castle.

Discover delicious varieties of vegetables growing in our Kitchen Garden. Or see herbs used by medieval monks for medicine in the Physic Garden. Explore our collection of over 100 different apple varieties or walk in the Clematis Garden. Our central glass house is home to our National Collection of Rosebud Pelargoniums, and we have our own Auricula Theatre, made by maintenance volunteers. Our plant centre has a wide selection of seasonal plants for sale, many of which have been grown on site through our latest horticultural project, Learning to Grow. Our Garden shop is beautifully curated, selling a wide range of artisanal cards, crafts and gifts, with a wide range of products made in Yorkshire. Bring a picnic or eat at The Vine House Café which provides delicious drinks, cakes, light snacks and lunches.

We have a full list of events running throughout the year from willow-weaving to drawing and painting workshops, to theatre in the garden, there’s something for everyone. We welcome groups and offer a discount for groups of 15 or more. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome everywhere. Children, aged sixteen and under are admitted free of charge.  Our garden is fully accessible, and we have a small number of blue badge parking spaces available, and two wheelchairs for loan - please book online. Carers have free entry.