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.

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.

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.

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens 

Lovingly tended by owners Vanessa and John Cook for over 40 years, this cottage garden is the perfect place to spend an afternoon as a family. Overflowing with beautiful blooms, why not count the butterflies in the wildflower meadow, or peer into the pond and see if you can spot any newts or frogs? The gardens are also home to some friendly residents including cheeky Pekin Bantams and guinea fowl, plus Donald the cat.  

Take a seat amid the stunning flowers, with birdsong and buzzing bees as your soundtrack, while the kids explore the small play area which is perfect for under 8s.  After your garden adventures, stop by the tearoom for refreshments and a slice of homemade cake, or take inspiration from the plant nursery where you can pick up seedlings for your own garden. 

York’s Family Heritage Garden

Goddards is a hidden gem on the outskirts of York. Once home to the iconic Terry family, famed for their chocolate heritage, it’s a peaceful haven for adults and children alike.  

Wander through five acres of garden ‘rooms’, each with its own charm, and discover fragrant borders and mature trees, a lily pond in the shape of a cross, a rock garden, and an historic glasshouse.  This summer, use your senses to weave your way around the different garden rooms on the new sense-sational summer trail, and experience the gardens as the Terry family would have done with a round of croquet or skittles, with hobby horses for little adventures.

When you’ve finished exploring, soak up the sunshine on the terrace with a takeaway drink or light bite, or take in the view of York racecourse from the orchard. 

Enjoy a walk with the family

Spending time together in nature is a lovely way to make precious memories together. See what animals and wildlife you can spot along your route, and breathe in that fresh Yorkshire air.

The delightful Bewerley Tree Trail is a short walk that includes the charming village of Bewerley and takes you through Fishpond Wood. Alongside the lake, this route offers beautiful views throughout the seasons, from blooming bluebells in the spring to the rich autumn colours, and takes about an hour to complete.

While in the area, you could call into pretty Pateley Bridge for a stop at Cocoa Joe’s for a delicious chocolate drink, or visit the recreation ground for bandstand concerts and fun at the playground.

Peaceful reflections at the priory

Nestled at the foot of the Cleveland Hills, Mount Grace Priory is one of the best-preserved Carthusian Priory ruins in England. Here history and tranquil outdoor space go hand in hand.  Exploring the Priory, House and Gardens is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Wander through the surviving tower and the great cloister and take a peek at the reconstructed monk’s cell to discover what made the layout of Mount Grace Priory so unique.

Whatever time of year you visit, you can delight in the floral spectacle of the arts and crafts garden, which has been recently renovated by celebrated gardener Chris Beardshaw. See bluebells in the spring, elegant roses in Summer, vibrant reds of the Japanese Acers in Autumn, and delicate snowdrops in winter.

Adventures aplenty at Dalby Forest

Whether your idea of an escape is adventure or relaxation, you will find it at Dalby Forest located in the heart of the North York Moors National Park.
With a choice of mountain bike trails graded green, blue and red, Dalby Forest has the right level of adventure for everyone, so bring the bike or hire one at the bike hub. For a slower pace enjoy a walk and keep your eyes peeled for unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest, as well as an abundance of internationally important wildlife species. Dalby Forest is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, so stay late and experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.