Bide-a-Wee Cottage Garden & Nursery
Stanton, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 8PR
(T) 01670 772238
www.bideawee.co.uk
Drifts of perennials, wildflowers, ferns and grasses, set among natural sandstone rocks and water, create a romantic atmosphere. The 4,000 plant species include a National Collection of Centaurea.
Brantwood
Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD
(T) 01539 441396
www.brantwood.org.uk
A mountainside estate with Victorian gardens leading to John Ruskin's own experimental landscapes, ancient woodlands, moorland and fine views. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Burnby Hall Gardens
33 The Balk, Pocklington, East Riding, Yorkshire YO42 2QF
(T) 01759 307125
www.burnbyhallgardens.com
Two tranquil lakes are home to 80 varieties of hardy water lilies. Other attractions include a secret garden, woodland and a lovely Victorian garden with heather beds and a rock garden.
Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens
Burton Agnes, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 4NB
(T) 01262 490324
www.burtonagnes.com
Lawns, fountains and yew topiary surround the house, while the walled garden contains a maze, potager, beautiful borders and a jungle garden. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Castle Howard
Nr York, North Yorkshire YO60 7DA
(T) 01653 648333
www.castlehoward.co.uk
The magnificent grounds are dotted with elegant lakes, fountains and temples. Roses and delphiniums adorn the walled garden, while Ray Wood is a riot of rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas.
Chesters Walled Garden
Chollerford, Hexham, nr Newcastle, Northumberland NE46 4BQ
(T) 01434 681483
www.chesterswalledgarden.co.uk
A beautiful organic walled garden containing rare perennials mixed with wildflowers in a naturalistic style, full of atmosphere and wildlife. There's a large herb collection and knot garden.
Dalemain
Penrith, Cumbria CA11 OHB
(T) 01768 486450
www.dalemain.com
This richly planted garden has lots of unusual combinations of flowers and shrubs. Don't miss the Himalayan poppies during early summer and the rose walk with its 200 old-fashioned roses.
Duncombe Park
Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5EB
(T) 01439 772625
www.duncombepark.com
A delightful 18th-century landscape garden of 35 acres, offering peaceful woodland walks with picturesque views of temples and mature trees. The house may be visited by guided tour only.
Eggleston Hall Gardens
Eggleston, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 OAG
(T) 01833 650 115
www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk
Tranquillity reigns in this lovely setting with paths meandering along the banks of a moorland stream leading to beautiful borders, organic vegetables, rare and unusual plants, plus fine views over Teesdale.
Harewood House
Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS17 9LG
(T) 0113 2181010
www.harewood.org
Spend a relaxing day exploring these extensive grounds, from the formal terrace and picturesque lakeside walk to the kitchen garden, with its vegetables and orchard.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Cleveland Way, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AH
(T) 01439 771427
www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk
Many unusual flowers, vegetables and fruits flourish in this peaceful walled garden, including 250 varieties of clematis and 52 Yorkshire apples. The restored orchid house is now open.
Holker Hall & Gardens
Cark-in-cartmel, nr Grange-over-sands, Cumbria LA11 7PL
(T) 01539 558328
www.holker.co.uk
Surrounded by an ancient deer park, the gardens are part woodland and part formal. There's plenty to enjoy all year, with highlights including a cascade, labyrinth, large walled kitchen garden, spectacular rhododendrons, and one of the finest and largest lime trees in the country.
Hutton-in the Forest
Penrith, Cumbria CA11 9TH
(T) 01768 484449
www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk
The handsome 18th-century walled garden is filled with elegant flower borders and trained fruit trees, along with impressive topiary on the terraces. Take time to enjoy the woodland walk in the ancient Inglewood Forest.
Land Farm Gardens
Colden, nr Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7PJ
(T) 01422 842260
www.landfarmgardens.co.uk
Meconopsis, rhododendrons and cardiocrinums (giant lilies) are just some of the treasures in this beautiful six acre woodland garden, which lies 300m above sea level.
Leighton Hall
Carnforth Lancashire LA5 9ST
(T) 01524 734474
www.leightonhall.co.uk
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Lakeland Fells, this pretty 19th -century walled garden offers flowers, fragrant herbs and rose-clad walls.
Levens Hall & Gardens
Kendal, Cumbria LA8 OPD
(T) 01539 560 321
www.levenshall.co.uk
The original topiary garden was designed in 1694 and remains virtually unchanged, featuring sculptured yew and box, colourful herbaceous borders, a nuttery and a fountain garden. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Muncaster
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1RQ
(T) 01229 717614
www.muncaster.co.uk
The Lakeland fells form the dramatic backdrop to these beautiful 70-acre gardens, which feature plants from all over the world, most notably the Sino-Himalayan regions. The castle may be visited at extra cost.
National Wildflower Centre
Court Hey Parl, Roby Road, Huyton, Liverpool L16 3NA
(T) 0151 738 1913
www.nwc.org.uk
Discover the beauty and importance of wildflower habitats, and learn how to create them; everything from roof top meadows to wildlife ponds, with not a neatly mowed lawn in sight!
Ness Botanic Gardens
Ness, Neston, Wirral, Cheshire CH64 4AY
(T) 0151 353 0123
www.nessgardens.org.uk
With views overlooking the River Dee, an herbaceous border, potager, laburnum arch, new wildflower meadow and National Collection of sorbus trees, these gardens provide interest all year round.
Newby Hall & Gardens
Skelton, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5AE
www.newbyhall.com
Renowned for its glorious double herbaceous borders, which are among the longest in Europe, this garden is full of rare and beautiful plants in a range of formal settings.
Normanby Hall Country Park
Normanby, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 9HU
www.northlincs.gov.uk/normanby
In the woodland garden, rhododendrons and Himalayan blue poppies abound. There is also a walled kitchen garden, sumptuous borders and peaceful walks in the extensive deer park.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1QB
(T) 01423 565 418
www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
An inspiring garden with much to see and enjoy, including colourful herbaceous displays, alpines and a beautiful wildflower meadow, plus a woodland maze and 'Log Ness' Monster for children.
Ripley Castle Gardens
Ripley, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 3AY
(T) 01423 770152
www.ripleycastle.co.uk
In the walled gardens you'll find glorious borders, herbs and rare varieties of fruit and vegetables while the park offers ancient beech and oak trees and a large lake.
Rydal Mount & Gardens
Rydal, Cumbria LA22 9LU
(T) 01539 433002
www.rydalmount.co.uk
Nestling in the countryside, this beautiful informal garden overlooking Lake Windermere and Rydal Water was originally landscaped by the poet William Wordsworth.
Stilllingfleet Lodge
Stewart Lane, Stillingfleet, North Yorkshire YO19 6HP
(T) 01904 728 506
www.stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk
This organic cottage garden is packed with interesting foliage. Double herbaceous borders lead to a wildflower meadow and pond, and there's a good selection of small trees plus a modern rill garden.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Thorp Perrow, Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 2PR
(T) 01677 425323
www.thorpperrow.com
Enjoy leisurely walks in the 85 acres of woodland, which are home to National Collections of ash, walnut, lime trees, laburnum and cotinus. There is also a bird of prey and mammal centre.
The Walled Garden at Scampston
Scampston Hall, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8NG
(T) 01944 759111
www.scampston.co.uk
Created by acclaimed designer Piet Oudolf, the contemporary perennial meadow planting in the walled garden is magnificent. There is also a woodland walk at extra cost.
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Lowe Lane, Stainsborough, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 3ET
(T) 01226 776040
www.wentworthcastle.org
A £16m restoration project has brought this historic landscape back to life. As well as formal gardens, rhododendrons and magnolias, there are follies and monuments in the parkland.