Hidden Yorkshire: Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden

Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden is a Yorkshire hidden gem that is hiding in plain sight. While many visitors flock to the spectacular Aysgarth Falls waterfalls, only a handful stop to explore this charming retreat just a short walk away.

The garden is a beautiful place to explore in the heart of Aysgarth village. Especially if you want to step away from the crowds that gather to explore the falls.

In this post I’m going to share everything you need to know about Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden including the history, how to get there, and more. Ready? Let’s go!

About Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden

Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden has been on my radar to explore for a little while now. A reader emailed me with some photos of it and I knew it needed to go on my list! (Thank you so much for the suggestion!)

It has been quite some time since that initial email; however, I finally had the perfect opportunity to get there when we booked to stay at The Temple Folly for James’s birthday. The folly where we were staying is only a four-minute drive down the road, so I really had no excuse!

We stopped at the garden on the way to our accommodation. It was around 4pm on a Friday and we were extremely fortunate to have the entire garden to ourselves. This hidden gem really is a quiet little spot!

We spent around 30 minutes wandering around the garden and exploring all the nooks and crannies before continuing on to check in to our home for the weekend.

I really enjoyed our visit, and it was a brilliant place to pass some time while we were waiting until our check in time. Although the garden is only little, it is packed full of surprises!

Keep reading to discover everything I learned during our visit.

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What is Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden?

So, what is Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden?

A rock garden or rockery is a garden or part of a garden that is primarily landscaped using rocks and stones. Hardy alpine plants are then added in around the rocks to create the “garden” feel in the rocky landscape.

Aysgarth Rock Garden is an alpine garden which was built between 1906 and 1914. Alpine specialists James Backhouse & Son of York design it at the request of Frank Sayer Graham, who was a local game dealer and amateur horticulturist. He lived in the cottage opposite the garden, and though the space had previously been used for growing fruit and vegetables, he had something a little more ornamental in mind for it.

Graham requested a ‘walk through grotto’ was built on the land. This goal was achieved by moving in local limestone to create the rockscape, with winding paths weaving between them. The cracks in the limestone blocks create unique microclimates and provide shelter for the alpine plants that spring out of the gaps.

Although rock and alpine gardens were hugely popular at the time of its construction, they have since fallen out of fashion. This makes Aysgarth rock garden a rare surviving example from the Edwardian period.

Since 1988 the garden has been classed as a listed building, despite the fact there is no building there, to prevent anyone from knocking it down to build a building here. It was a wise decision, as this little corner of history is well worth preserving and enjoying!

If you would like to learn more about the history of Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden, check out this fascinating book on its creation and receation.

Who owns Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden?

Today, Mr and Mrs Anderson own the garden. Although they privately own the space, permissive access is granted to the garden during daylight hours.

Previous owners have kept the garden private in the past, so it is a real treat that the current owners have chosen to share it with visitors. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and experience it thanks to their willingness to share it!

In return for their generosity, be sure to leave a donation in the box at the entrance to help maintain the garden so others can enjoy it too.

Where is Aysgarth Rock Garden?

You can find the rock garden in the heart of Aysgarth village. It is located on the A684 between Swinithwaite and Hawes, close to Thornton Road. The garden can be seen from the road, accessible via a couple of steps and a gate.

Please note that you cannot park on the road directly outside the garden. Instead, continue driving only a few hundred metres towards the village. Here, there is a layby where you can pull in and park safely without obstructing the road.

Exploring Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden

“Magical” and “otherworldly” are words visitors often use to describe Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden and when you visit, it is easy to see why.

Despite its small size, the garden has a significant impact and really makes an impression. From the meandering paths and hidden grottos to the vast variety of plants and relaxing water feature, stepping inside really is like wandering into your own little paradise.

Keep reading to discover the highlights from my visit to Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden.

Things to do at Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden

To be honest, the best thing you can do at Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden is simply to explore. I urge you to take every twisting path and explore every hidden nook to see what you discover. Much like the man made caves at Holden Park in Oakworth, Aysgarth rock garden has surprises around every corner!

Any keen horticulturalist will want to examine the 300+ varieties of plants dotted throughout the garden. And even if you don’t have much of a green thumb, like me, you will still be amazed by the hardy little plants that are desperately clinging to the rocks. It seems almost impossible that they can hold on in the, at time unforgiving, Yorkshire climate.

There are also many benches dotted throughout the garden, which make ideal places to sit down and simply soak up the atmosphere of the place. On a nice day, I could picture myself curling up on a bench with a good book and there’s a chance I wouldn’t be disturbed for hours!

The garden also has a small lawn space at the back. Although it isn’t big, it would easily be a lovely place to relax on a blanket on a sunny day. Just remember, if you are packing snacks or a picnic, make sure you take all rubbish away with you. It is vital to preserve the beauty of this spot.

What not to do at Aysgarth Rock Garden

While there is plenty to explore in the garden, it is probably easier to list the handful of things you cannot do at Aysgarth Rock Garden.

• Stray from the path – the rocky landscape is uneven underfoot so to avoid accidents and damage you must stick to the path.
• Climb the rocks – this is not only dangerous for you, but can also damage the rocks and plants growing from them.
• Take cuttings – there are lots of rare plants in the garden that are carefully cultivated for this specific environment. Taking cuttings is prohibited.
• Bump your head – many of the archways in the garden are low so watch your head! I fell victim to this one when I was looking through the viewfinder capturing photos. I don’t recommend it!

Children and dogs are welcome to visit the garden but must be closely supervised to ensure they don’t cause any damage. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

How long does it take to visit Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden?

The rock garden is only a small space which doesn’t take long to explore. However, make sure you allocate enough time to admire each of the winding paths and the many species of flowers.

Most visitors will spend between 30-60 minutes strolling through the garden, taking photos and learning about the history from the information boards.

However, if you choose to bring a book or a picnic and relax on one of the benches or the lawn, you could easily lose yourself for several hours in this little haven!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting the garden to help you plan your trip.

What time does Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden open?

The garden does not have set opening and closing hours. Instead, the garden advertises is open during daylight hours.

This means the garden is accessible from dawn until dusk year-round. As a result, visiting hours are extended during the summer month and shorter during winter.

Is Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden free to visit?

There is no charge to visit Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden. However, there is a donation box just inside the entrance to the garden.

The money raised via donations go towards the maintenance of the garden. So, if you enjoy your visit, please consider leaving a donation for the continuing upkeep so future visitors can enjoy the garden too!

Can dogs visit Aysgarth Rock Garden?

Yes, dogs are welcome but must always remain on a lead. Please clean up after your dog and ensure they remain on the footpaths to avoid damaging any of the plants.

Other things to do near Aysgarth Rock Garden

While you are visiting Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden, make sure you explore some of the other incredible sights in the area. Here are a few of my favourites I recommend you check out:

• Aysgarth Falls – an impressive series of three waterfalls extending across one mile of the River Ure. The falls are impressive to behold and you can spend time exploring the woodland walk beside them.
• Buttertubs Pass – one of the most scenic roads in the Yorkshire Dales. A fantastic drive to admire the spectacular views across the Dales.
• Cauldron Falls – an enchanting waterfall in the village of West Burton. It is a picturesque spot just two miles from the rock garden. It can be reached by car or on foot.
• The Forbidden Corner – one of the most unique attractions in the Yorkshire Dales. This mystical folly features labyrinthine underground passages and mythical creatures. It is a place of wonder for visitors of all ages.

Places to Stay in Aysgarth

If you are planning an extended in the Yorkshire Dales, I know the perfect spot!

We booked our stay at The Temple Folly, which is just a few minutes’ drive down the road from Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden.

This unique one-bedroom holiday home is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. The octagonal building dates from the 18th-Century and is Grade II listed. It has a cosy living room and kitchen downstairs, plus a toilet/shower room.

Upstairs, the elegant bedroom is accessed via stone staircase and a sweeping balcony that wraps around the outside of the building. The views from here are stunning.

Oh, and speaking of the views, you can even admire them from the woodfired hot tub after a long day exploring!

Tearing myself away from The Temple Folly at the end of the stay was heartbreaking! We’ll definitely stay here again in the future!

If you’re looking for something bigger when you visit the Yorkshire Dales, here are some more great places to stay in Aysgarth.

Before You Go

So, here’s everything I learned about Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden on my visit. This charming little gem is truly one-of-a-kind. It is a unique glimpse into gardening fashions of the past, which continues to enchant visitors to this day.

If you find yourself passing by Aysgarth, be sure to pull up and pop inside to experience it for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

If you want to discover more hidden gems in the county, you can find the complete Hidden Yorkshire series here.

And if you want more Yorkshire gardens inspiration, download your free Yorkshire Gardens Checklist for a list of the top twenty must-visit gardens in the region! How many have you visited?

Until our next adventure,

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