Yorkshire is home to some spectacular gardens. From award winners to hidden gems, you don’t have to go far to find an incredible Yorkshire garden. Here is your guide to the most beautiful gardens in Yorkshire you need to visit this summer.
This guide shares the top 20 gardens in Yorkshire you don’t want to miss this season. It includes an introduction to the garden, where you can find them, and where to go to learn more.
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Beautiful Gardens in Yorkshire
When the sun is shining on a lazy summer afternoon, there is nothing better than discovering a beautiful Yorkshire garden.
There are many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire. They all vary dramatically in size and style, but each one is charming and enchanting.
There is something so peaceful about spending an afternoon immersed in nature. Gardens are a great reminder of how beautiful and surprising the natural world is. It might also leave you feeling inspired to create your own green space at home!
So, whether you are looking to unwind, be inspired or simply to be surprised by somewhere new, here are the best gardens in Yorkshire to visit this summer!
Beautiful Gardens in North Yorkshire
There are many beautiful gardens in North Yorkshire. This list is by no means definitive, but if you want to find the best gardens in Yorkshire to visit this summer, these are the North Yorkshire gardens that should be at the top of your list!
Breezy Knees Garden
Breezy Knees Gardens is easily one of the most beautiful gardens in North Yorkshire. The gardens bloom in vibrant colours and carefully curated sections. Each garden is wonderfully themed and transports you seamlessly from one pretty garden to the next.
The gardens are the perfect place to explore on a sunny day. They have a tranquil feel and are the ideal place to unwind on a lazy summer afternoon!
Address: Breezy Knees Gardens, Common Lane, Warthill, York, YO19 5XS
Helmsley Walled Garden
Helmsley Walled Garden is a charming historic walled garden in the North York Moors. The garden was built in 1759 beneath the ruins of Helmsley Castle.
This tranquil garden is packed with vibrant blooms. It is designed to create a relaxing space where people can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors. It is a wonderful place to unwind, reflect and meditate.
The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday from March to December. There is also a cafe, gift shop and plant sales area you can visit, without paying for entry to the garden. Garden tickets must be booked in advance.
RHS members with an individual membership can visit for free on Wednesdays. Free entry only applicable to one member with a joint RHS membership. Find out more about an RHS membership here.
Address: Helmsley Walled Garden, Cleveland Way, Helmsley, YO62 5AH
Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
Between the months of April and October, you can experience a taste of the Himalayas, right here in Yorkshire!
The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park is one of Nidderdale’s best hidden gems! Your visit will take you on a stroll through beautifully sculpted gardens full of colourful blooms, acres of peaceful woodland and striking sculptures.
As well as the stunning gardens and sculptures, there are several charming structures throughout the garden including a picturesque, thatched summerhouse, colourful pagoda, and an impressive Himalayan shelter.
The Himalayan Garden is the perfect place to get a unique perspective on the beautiful Nidderdale countryside.
Address: Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Hutts Lane, Ripon, HG4 3DA
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. They inspire a passion for gardening through their five national gardens and many flower shows.
With such a wealth of experience and such a huge passion for gardening, you can guarantee a visit to RHS Harlow Carr will be awe-inspiring. Throughout the seasons the garden is an enchanting place to admire and learn about gardening from those who know it best.
Address: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB
Studley Royal Water Garden
Studley Royal Water Garden shares a site with Fountains Abbey. Just to highlight how special this site is, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is managed by both English Heritage and the National Trust.
The garden at Studley Royal was created by John Aislabie in 1718. It is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The focal point of the garden is a series of serene pools and lakes.
A trip to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a full day experience to take in everything across this sprawling site.
Address: Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY
Yorkshire Lavender
During the summer months it isn’t unusual to see your Instagram feed flooded with striking purple lavender fields. These picturesque purple gardens have grown in popularity thanks to their Insta-appeal. However, you don’t need to travel to the continent to admire their beauty – we have one right here in Yorkshire!
This beautiful hillside farm spans nearly 60 acres. It is nestled in the stunning Howardian Hills AONB. As well as admiring the pretty lavender, it is the ideal place to soak up spectacular panoramic views!
Yorkshire lavender also has a plant nursery, tearoom, and gift shop on the site. It is a beautiful place to spend a sunny summer day! Tickets must be booked in advance.
Address: Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington, York, YO60 6PB
Gardens in West Yorkshire
Amidst the hardy industrial towns, there are many beautiful gardens in West Yorkshire. Many of these charming gardens are hidden gems and one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Don’t miss these gardens in West Yorkshire this summer!
Dove Cottage Nursery
Dove Cottage Nursery is a pretty family-run nursery in Halifax. It is just a short distance down the road from Shibden Hall.
The nursery specialises in hardy plants with a wild appearance to promote and protect insects such as bees and butterflies. You can purchase a vast selection of plants from the shop.
But as well as the nursery, Dove Cottage also boasts a charming 1/3 acre garden. This pretty walled garden is open to the public and is accessible from the nursery sales area.
You enter the garden through a green oak gate, and it is enclosed by Yorkshire stone walls. The enchanting garden feels like a wild and natural garden that is reminiscent of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. It is a beautiful place to escape to nature.
Note: Dove Cottage Nursery will not open to the public in 2022.
Address: Dove Cottage Nursery, Shibden Hall Road, Shibden, Halifax, HX3 9XA
East Riddlesden Hall
The 17th-century manor house East Riddlesden Hall is cosy and charming. This enchanting building has a pottered history to be unearthed as you make your way from room to room. On your visit you will also discover how it was saved from demolition by two local brothers.
But East Riddlesden Hall’s best feature is its carefully crafted garden which is beautiful during the spring and summer months. A stroll through the gardens is a must when you visit. It is quintessentially English!
Address: East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, BD20 5EL
Harewood House Gardens
The gardens at Harewood House are spectacular and not to be missed! The sprawling Harewood Estate is home to a wonderful variety of gardens for you to explore.
If you love to discover gardens of distinctive styles, Harewood House is the perfect place to visit. You will discover the carefully crafted Terrace Gardens located immediately behind the house. These are the formal gardens we often associate with stately homes.
However, as you venture further into the estate, you will unearth even more beautiful gardens. These include a woodland garden, Himalayan Garden, and a walled garden. Each one is picturesque and enchanting.
Harewood also features a bird garden. Admittedly, this collection of aviaries features more birds than plants than a typical garden. But it is a sight not to be missed on your visit!
Address: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Nostell
Nostell near Wakefield is the largest of the National Trust houses in West Yorkshire. This grand Palladian house almost never came to fruition after numerous financial challenges. But after 200 years, the house was finally completed and today visitors can enjoy the beautiful building.
As well as the house, Nostell is renowned for its beautiful gardens. You can see the kitchen garden and sample the produce in the cafe or enjoy a peaceful lakeside stroll. The grounds at Nostell are sprawling, so you could spend the full day exploring them!
Address: Nostell, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield, WF4 1QE
York Gate Garden
York Gate Garden is a charming one-acre garden. It was crafted and maintained by the Spencer family between 1951 and 1994. And today, it is one of the finest small gardens in the country.
The garden is now under the care of Perennial. They carefully maintain the garden to keep the Spencer family’s name and legacy alive.
York Gate Garden takes inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement. The gardens are designed as a series of interlinked ‘rooms,’ which gives each space a distinct feel and style.
The site also features a cafe, plant nursery and gift shop. You must book admission tickets in advance.
Address: York Gate Garden, Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds LS16 8DW
Gardens in East Yorkshire
East Yorkshire is home to many pretty gardens. From grand stately homes to an inner-city oasis. Here are the best gardens in East Yorkshire.
Coronation Garden
Coronation Garden is a tranquil garden located just off North Bar Within in Beverley. The land was previously the site of a Georgian manor house, which was demolished, and the land was used as the burial grounds for St Mary’s Church.
The space was transformed into a public park in 1955 and Coronation Garden was created to commemorate the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Headstones from the burial ground still line the walls of the gardens. It is a beautiful place to unwind and rest your feet after exploring Beverley!
Address: Coronation Garden, North Bar Within, Beverley HU17 8DL
Sewerby Hall & Gardens
Sewerby Hall has over 50 acres of award-winning gardens. Explore the winding paths of the Pleasure Garden or soak up the vibrant walled garden. There is also a charming rose garden and shady woodland walk.
During the spring months you can enjoy a Marie Curie Daffodil Trail. It’s a wonderful opportunity to admire the early signs of the season.
Address: Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1ED
Sledmere House
The gardens at Sledmere house are rapidly growing in recognition. So much so that they were recently featured on BBC Gardeners World.
Sledmere’s Gardens are lively, vibrant pops of colour that look beautiful throughout the seasons. Parts of the gardens take inspiration from the arts. This includes the Angel Garden, inspired by a song by Sarah McLachlan and Lark Ascending, inspired by the music of Vaughan Williams.
Address: Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG
Queen’s Gardens
The formal Queen’s Gardens in Hull city centre provides a charming oasis in the bustling city. They are an ingenious repurposing of an old dock and are the perfect place for a stroll.
Queen’s Gardens has a charming central avenue that is lined with trees. Either side is a series of sunken gardens with lawns and pretty borders. If you enter the garden from the west, you will pass through the vibrant circus of vibrant flowers surrounding the rose bowl fountain.
Address: Queen’s Gardens, Hull, HU1 3FA
Gardens in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is home to some of the best-known gardens in Yorkshire. From award-winning gardens to firm favourites, here are the best gardens in South Yorkshire. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to visit this season!
Brodsworth Hall
Brodsworth Hall is a beautiful Victorian home that English Heritage chose to ‘conserve as found’. This means that extraordinarily little has changed since they took over ownership from the previous resident. It feels like the owner might have just popped out and could walk in the door at any moment!
But behind the house you can also enjoy the spectacular gardens of Brodsworth Hall. The gardens have been lovingly restored and carefully crafted. On your visit you can explore the formal garden, Italian garden, grove and rose garden.
These truly enchanting gardens feel like a world of their own as you explore the winding paths and hidden sections. The gardens of Brodsworth Hall are the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Address: Brodsworth Hall, Brodsworth, Doncaster, DN5 7XJ
Cannon Hall & Gardens
The gardens at Cannon Hall are a spectacular site. There were meticulously planned and carefully crafted with love and passion to create an enchanting fairy tale setting.
Cannon Hall Gardens are so romantic, they are a popular marriage proposal spot! It is easy to see why when you are admiring the vibrant borders, quiet pools, and magical hidden corners.
Address: Cannon Hall, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836 and span an impressive 19 acres. They are considered a site of special historic and architectural interest. Follow the winding paths through 18 different beautiful garden areas.
Each garden is thoughtfully themed around a geographical or botanical theme. Some of the gardens include Mediterranean and Himalayan gardens, as well as Evolution themed and Prairie style gardens.
Address: Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Road, Broomhall, Sheffield, S10 2LN
Sheffield Winter Garden
Sheffield Winter Garden is a tropical retreat throughout the year. It is the largest urban glasshouse anywhere in Europe. It has won multiple awards and is a wonderful place to escape the bustle of Sheffield city centre.
The tropical climate of the garden means it is the perfect place to explore on a cooler day. The garden is home to more than 2,000 plants from around the world. Grab a coffee from the cafe and immerse yourself in the city-centre tropical paradise.
Address: Sheffield Winter Garden, 90 Surrey St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2LH
Wentworth Castle Garden
When William Wentworth died in 1695, Thomas Wentworth expected to inherit the grand family home of Wentworth Woodhouse. However, it went to his cousin, Thomas Watson.
To outshine his relative, he bought his own elaborate home, Wentworth Castle, just six miles away. But it was the gardens that were the real gem of this Wentworth estate. Today, Wentworth Castle is recognised as one of the UK’s greatest 18th century landscaped estates.
It is easy to see why on a visit.
The sprawling landscape of gardens, parklands and even a castle that isn’t quite what it seems will wow any visitor who takes the time to explore them. It is a beautiful and vibrant place to visit during the spring and summer months.
Address: Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, S75 3EN
Which of these beautiful gardens in Yorkshire will you visit next?
So, with so many spectacular gardens in Yorkshire, which one do you plan to visit next? Let me know in the comments which garden you can’t wait to visit, or which one is you favourite!
And if you want more Yorkshire gardens inspiration, download your free Yorkshire Gardens Checklist for a list of the top 20 must-visit gardens in the region! How many have you visited?
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
great guide! I love the gardens that have the gorgeous arches so definitely going to check some of these out next time I’m in the area!
I’m so glad you like the guide! We’re lucky to have some beautiful gardens in Yorkshire, I hope you get an opportunity to explore them soon!
Oh my goodness, all of these gardens are so beautiful. How do you choose which one (or ones) to visit if you are only in the area for a short period of time?
They are stunning, aren’t they! It is tricky to narrow down the list! If you’re only in the area for a short amount of time I’d recommend limiting your trips to the ones that are geographically closest. If you’re visiting the Yorkshire Dales for example, it is a great excuse to visit two or three gardens in the North Yorkshire area. Tackling the whole of Yorkshire in one trip could be pretty overwhelming, but focusing on one of the four regions would make for an amazing trip!
Such beautiful gardens! Great to stroll through and definitely perfect for a photography session. Would love to spend some time at any one of these beautiful places.
There are some spectacular gardens in Yorkshire, aren’t there? It is definitely super tricky to choose just one to see!
Wow, these gardens are so beautiful, and each one seems so unique! I would love to visit the Breezy Knees Garden to see the gorgeous blooms in the spring and summer and the Sheffield Winter Garden when it’s cold outside. Thanks for sharing!
Each garden is really unique! I’m not an avid gardener myself but I love to visit and admire other people’s hard work, and it is incredible to see how individual each garden is! Breezy Knees Gardens is absolutely stunning – it was a magical place to explore! Thanks for reading!
So many beautiful gardens! I’d want to visit them all but if I was short on time start out with the lovely Harewood House and Canon Hall! They all sound like wonderful places to walk in a serene setting.
It is so hard to choose just one garden in Yorkshire to visit, isn’t it? Harewood House is one of my absolute favourite places – the house is gorgeous as well as the gardens! They are all beautiful places to visit though. Thanks for reading!
This is the perfect time of year for this! Fabulous post Hannah! All of these gardens are beeeautiful! I love the look of Harewood House Gardens and Nostell.
p.s. your summer dresses are gorgeous too.
Thanks Josy! I’m so glad you like this guide. We’re very lucky to have so many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire! Harewood House and Nostell are both such lovely places! And I’m glad you like the dresses too! I can’t resist a floral maxi dress!
I love visiting gardens! This summer I am heading to gardens in Cornwall. Maybe next time to gardens in Yorkshire… Thanks for the useful tips and nice photos!
Ooh I’m so glad to hear you love gardens too! They’re one of my favourite places to explore in the summer! I bet Cornwall has some amazing gardens! It is somewhere I’d really love to visit – I hope you have a wonderful time! And I hope you get the chance to visit these Yorkshire gardens soon too! Thanks for reading!
How lucky you are to live in such a lovely place. It would be hard to pick a favorite. They are all so beautiful.
I am very lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful gardens! It is definitely impossible to pick a favourite!
I absolutely love gardens, they are my happy place. I had hoped to visit one in London this year but it was too early in the season. Thank you for this list. Now I have a nice guide to reference when I return for a visit!
Gardens are a great place to clear your head, aren’t they? I love visiting them to unwind! What a shame you didn’t manage to see any gardens while you were in London. It’s a great excuse to plan a return trip though! Thanks for reading!
Wow! I am in love with these gardens. It’s hard to choose one out of all the fantastic gardens. I need to plan a trip to Yorkshire to see some of them. Thank you for sharing. I always love reading your posts.
They are beautiful gardens, aren’t they? It is really tricky to choose where to start! I hope you get an opportunity to visit Yorkshire soon to see some of them! Thanks for reading!
All the gardens look beautiful and would be a great place to spend a summer day. I love the architecture in the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park!
The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park is a lovely place and a bit of a hidden gem! It was great to see the gardens, sculptures and incredible buildings!
Loved this article. I live in London, a bit far for a day trip but in case I’ll go to visit the North of England, now I know so many places to visit.
Thank you very much for this article. I love your pictures!
I’m so glad you like the guide! I hope you get an opportunity to spend a weekend (or longer!) exploring Yorkshire and visiting some of these beautiful gardens! Thanks for reading!
I feel like you could turn this post into a coffee table book- stunning photos! And great insider tips.. will share this post with friends traveling to that region in the fall.
Thanks so much Jennifer! Yorkshire does have some beautiful gardens which makes them a dream to photograph! Thanks for reading and sharing!
Love gardens! This is a great summary, thank you for sharing. It all sounds wonderful but I think I would go to Breezy Knees first for the name alone LOL.
Gardens are such a beautiful place to explore, aren’t they? Breezy Knees Gardens are spectacular and they do have a wonderful name! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Sign me up! I would love to see all of these. The Cannon Hall & Gardens are particularly enchanting, and would likely see first. I didn’t realize all these places existed in Yorkshire area.
There are so many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire, aren’t there? They are all lovely places to visit and many of them are hidden gems not many people know about! I hope you get a chance to explore them!
Hannah, this is such a lovely post! The gardens are gorgeous. No doubt, summer is THE time to visit this region. I especially love the East Riddlesden Garden with the gorgeous manor house next to it.
I’m so glad you like this guide! I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire. East Riddlesden Hall is a beautiful place to visit, both the hall and gardens! I hope you have a chance to visit!
Woah, who would’ve thought there are so many – and such beautiful – gardens in Yorkshire! Thanks for sharing this lovely guide – casual strolls and picnic fix seems to be sorted 🙂
Ah yes! So many great places for a picnic nearby! We’re lucky to have so many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire! Thanks for reading!
Spending a day wandering through any of these gardens would be wonderful! Such a variety to choose from too!
It is great that there are so many gardens in Yorkshire and that they are all so varied in style – I’m so lucky to have so many nearby to choose from!
I love visiting gardens. I genuinely feel that gardens in different regions refresh in you a way that is unique.
I completely agree! I love visiting gardens around the world. They are all so zen but have their own unique feel to them. Isn’t nature magical?
I think my #1 place to visit would be the lavender fields in Yorkshire. I bet it smells heavenly. But truthfully I would like to see all these places. Great post!
Thanks Terri, I’m glad you like the post! Lavender fields are so magical, aren’t they? They look and smell amazing!
Your photos are so beautiful! I love all the colours of the flowers. I have visited the Yorkshire Dales but I had no idea there were so many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire. Definitely a reason to go back!
Thanks so much! I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful gardens! I hope you get the chance to come back to Yorkshire and visit some of these gardens soon!
Yorkshire Lavender is still on my list! I’ve driven past it a number of times but haven’t stopped at it. Love the look of some of these other gardens though.
There are some lovely gardens in Yorkshire, aren’t there? I’m hoping to get to Yorkshire lavender this summer! I love lavender fields!
I love visiting gardens. I feel that gardens in different regions refresh in you a way that is unique.
I agree! There are so many beautiful gardens around the world aren’t there? Each with their own unique style! We’re so lucky to have so many beautiful gardens in Yorkshire to admire!