The new season is finally upon us, and the beginnings of warmer temperatures, optimum walking weather and colourful spring blooms. From stunning meadows that span vast countryside to perfectly preened gardens, here are our picks of some of the most floral locations and gardens to visit in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire is full of beautiful spring walks and beaches to visit in spring and summer – and it also boasts some of the most eye-catching gardens, which may even inspire you to get a little green fingered yourself.
1. East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley
A beautiful 17th-century house in Keighley, East Riddlesden Hall is the perfect place to take in some new surroundings this spring, thanks to its gorgeous, colourful flowers and arrangements that border the property.
From fruit trees and rose bushes to gorgeous pops of colours edging the perfectly preened lawns, it’s a literal breath of fresh air. East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Rd, Riddlesden, Keighley, BD20 5EL.
2. Rievaulx Terrace, Helmsley
Overlooking the stunning Rievaulx Abbey, Rievaulx Terrace is made up of beautiful gardens, with two temples, perfect landscaping and a carpet of spring yellow flowers sprouting from the grass.
It’s a beautiful walk within the North York Moors for those looking to take their first steps into spring – with plenty to see and do in the local area. Rievaulx Terrace, Helmsley, York, YO62 5LJ.
3. Castle Howard, York
One of Yorkshire’s most beautiful locations, Castle Howard’s gardens come to life in the spring, with hues of red, pink, lilac and yellow dotting the estate.
The gardens feature beautifully sculptured archways, traditional, grand gardens and ever opulent water fountains and features to see as you stroll around in the spring sunshine. Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA.
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4. Sledmere House, Driffield
The Grade I listed Sledmere House is a hidden treasure in East Yorkshire town Driffield, with spectacular gardens leading right up to the property and beyond.
From gorgeous, colourful arches blooming with pastel-coloured florals, to captivating geometric placements and bright blocks of gorgeous flowers – it’s a feast for the eyes. Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG.
5. Harewood House, Leeds
Harewood House is a Yorkshire favourite, and it’s easy to see why. From transportive Himalayan Gardens to traditional parkland with beautifully landscaped floral sections, a day out at Harewood House is just what the doctor ordered.
The stunning country house is home to over 100-acres of gardens, with tons to see including a lake, a walled garden and a gorgeous waterfall. Harewood House, Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LE.
6. Muker Meadows, Yorkshire Dales
Not a garden as such, but a fantastic place to kick off the start of spring – Muker Meadows features what feels like miles and miles of bright yellow flowers, all spouting from the grass and creating a bright carpet below the rolling hills of the Dales.
The hay meadows feature a public footpath that you can wander down, with the blooms at their best in June. Hay Meadows, Muker, Swaledale.
7. Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Featuring a meandering pavement that leads you around the colourful gardens, Harlow Carr is packed full of nature, with brightly coloured blooms, sculptured trees, and picture-perfect settings to explore.
There’s a tearoom on-site and plenty of space for you to stretch your legs around, but it really is the impressive gardens that steal the show. RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.
8. Askrigg Meadows, Yorkshire Dales
A glorious place to spot gorgeous wildflowers, Askrigg Meadows can be found in beautiful Wensleydale, with the iconic Yorkshire Dales landscape surrounding. The meadow is home to a number of flower species, with pops of colour throughout making for unbeatable scenery.
9. Thorp Perrow, Bedale
A Victorian arboretum in Bedale, Thorp Perrow is a truly beautiful place, with many stunning settings to take in. From waterside benches that sit under flowing trees, to pastel-coloured gardens and rare, flame-red trees – it’s a nature wonderland. Thorp Perrow, Bedale, DL8 2PS.
10. Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley
The backdrop to the recent remake of The Secret Garden, Helmsley Walled Garden is the perfect escape from the outside world, with yellow wisteria arches, borders of beautiful lilac blooms, and oceans of red tulips. There’s a number of gardens within the site, including an orchard, a Clematis garden, a stunning white garden and more. Helmsley Walled Garden, Cleveland Way, Helmsley, York, YO62 5AH.
11. Farndale, North York Moors
Known as the Daffodil Valley, Farndale boasts a 7-mile stretch of bright yellow daffodils, right in the heart of the North York Moors. The valley offers a fairytale-like stroll with iconic Yorkshire sights, thanks to its rolling hills, thousands of daffodils, and views for miles and miles.
12. York Museum Gardens, York
Flowering around the former grounds of St Mary’s Abbey every spring, York Museum Gardens is one of York’s most beautiful spots, with lots of colours dotting the area. From blooms of daffodils to bushes of lilac, it’s a gorgeous location to sit and take in the spring air. Museum Gardens, Museum St, York, YO1 7FR.
13. Yorkshire Arboretum, York
A whopping collection of trees spanning 128 acres, Yorkshire Arboretum is a delight to stroll through thanks to its rare collection of stunning plants and trees.
The trees blend through shades of green, yellow, orange and red (all year round), with floral-covered grasses, blooming trees and borders of yellow throughout the gardens. Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7BY.
14. Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Sheffield
Sheffield Botanical Gardens can be found just on the outskirts of the city, providing a relaxing spot for locals to wander. Home to a glass pavilion packed full of various species – from tropical plants to rare flowers, the gardens flow from indoors to outdoors, where you’ll find perfectly landscaped acres of land, pops of colour, and interesting formations of flowers. Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield, S10 2LN.
15. The Stray, Harrogate
The Stray in Harrogate can be found in the centre and blooms beautifully in the spring and summer months. If you’re looking for a beautiful day out you won’t be left disappointed with this North Yorkshire spa town. Harrogate N Yorkshire
16. Himalayan Gardens & Sculpture Park, Ripon
This private garden is located in Grewelthorpe near Ripon, which is a hidden gem with vibrant flowers, Himalayan plants and a pagoda that has been transported all the way from Bali. One of the lesser-known beautiful gardens in Yorkshire, and well worth a walk. The Hutts, Grewelthorpe, Ripon, HG4 3DA
17. Scampston Hall Walled Gardens, Malton
A stone’s throw from Malton, these contemporary gardens were designed by acclaimed Dutch gardener Piet Oudolf and is a mix of modern and traditional styles. It’s split into ‘rooms’, which include The Silent Garden, the Serpentine Garden and The Mount. Scampston, Malton YO17 8NG
18. Beningbrough Hall, York
Beningbrough Hall near York is the perfect Yorkshire gardens to visit. Originally designed in the 18th century by John Bourchier falling his grand tour of Europe which sees a lot of Italian inspiration and with colourful Mediterranean flowers and Italian borders. Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
19. Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon
Located at the Fountains Abbey site, this spot it recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is managed by both English Heritage and National the Trust.
You can enjoy Studley Royals Georgian water garden which was designed by John Aislabie in 1718 and is one of the best survival examples. Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY
20. Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Bridlington
A proper secret gem this gardens in Yorkshire is 50 acres of award-winning winding paths, vibrant walled garden and a charming rose garden. In the spring months you can enjoy a Marie Curie Daffodil Trail as well. Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1ED
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