Beautiful Open Gardens in The Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale AONB

Perhaps it’s at this time of year that our thoughts turn to the beautiful Open Gardens that we have. Here in the dales, do we have more than our fair share, I’m not at all sure but we do seem to have quite a few. Some large, some quite small, some within a village opening their gardens just once in the year for us explore, some not quite what you would imagine but all gorgeous and a delight and well worth a look.

I’m sure I will have missed some off those mentioned below, please do let me know which and I can add them.

The most famous I presume is RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, Newby Hall near Ripon, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden also near Ripon and Thorpe Perrow Arboretum, just outside Bedale, which are all so different but all so beautiful. When our children and grand children were small we visited Newby Hall quite a few times as there was playground and miniature railway which they thoroughly enjoyed and we could enjoy the blooms whilst wending a slow way through the gardens to get there. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is great for a picnic at any time of year and Thorpe Perrow Arboretum will take your breath away with the stunning colours as the seasons go by.

Smaller gardens but no less worthy of a visit include The Parcelval Hall Gardens near Appletreewick, the Himalyan Gardens near Masham, Bolton Castle at Castle Bolton, Aysgarth Rock Garden in Aysgarth, even the little community garden in Wensley behind the Candle Workshop is well worth a detour for. A stunner in a very small space is Millgate House in Richmond and don’t forget to put on your calendar the Tulip Festival at Constable Burton Hall in Constable Burton always held on the early Spring Bank holiday weekend.

Don’t forget the Village Open Gardens which have their own charm and I’m amazed at how many ideas are floating round my head after a day exploring.  This year at Galphay 27 June, Dacre Banks and Summerbridge 11 July and in Tunstall 12 June. These do vary from year to year, Carperby usually has  one and Bellerby but I don’t think so this year. Again please do check, perhaps the best place is on the National Garden Scheme website.

Please do always check for opening times but most of all enjoy!

All our cottages are well within striking distance of these gardens. Please call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or of course book on line if you wish. Hear from you soon!