Gardens
Castle Howard
As well as magnificent landscaped parklands, the house also has large rose and walled gardens, along with a recently-opened plant centre. www.castlehoward.co.uk
Duncombe Park
Stunning 18th Century gardens with majestic views over Ryedale. There are also way-marked walks through 450 acres of parkland – and all just a stone’s throw from the hotel. www.duncombepark.com
Yorkshire Lavender
A large lavender farm and plant nursery. There is also a sensory garden, Mediterranean dry garden and a quite amazing range of goods produced from the lavender. www.yorkshirelavender.com
Sutton Park
A frequent winner of Yorkshire in Bloom, the gardens seem to attract more visitors than the house. Walled pool garden, Edwardian fernery, nature trail and woodland walks. www.castlesandgardens.co.uk
Newby Hall
25 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds, with rare plants and Europe’s longest double herbaceous borders, with numerous compartmented gardens. www.newbyhall.com
Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Woodland Garden
The creation of just one man, Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner Bt, this stunning arboretum covers 85 acres of woodland walks. Also home to The Falcons of Thorp Perrow. www.thorpperrow.com
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
The North’s premier botanical garden takes in around 58 acres on the edge of Harrogate. This showcase of horticultural excellence combines informative displays with peace and tranquillity. www.rhs.org.uk
Wolds Way Lavender
Acres of lavender in all it’s varieties and products, including wonderful honey. www.deerparkfarm.com
Studley Royal
Built by Sir Thomas Aislaby and his son William after they were exiled from London in a financial scandal in the 1700s, the gardens are on a breathtaking scale and form one day out with Fountains Abbey. A World heritage site. www.fountainsabbey.org.uk
The Walled Garden at Scampston
This exciting new garden opens for the first time in 2004. Designed by Piet Oudolf, winner of Gold and Best in Show at Chelsea 2000, this inspired modern design in the 4.5 acre walled garden features the designer’s use of grasses and perennial meadow planting, flowering from June until October. www.scampston.co.uk
The Helmsley Walled Garden
A short stroll from the Black Swan, this magical hidden garden has surprises round every corner. The towering walls surround five acres of busy kitchen gardens, producing hundreds of varieties of organic fruit and vegetables. Have a picnic on the lawns or stroll through the romantic scented borders. www.helmsleywalledgarden.co.uk
The Forbidden Corner
Something different this – a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises in a four-acre garden in the heart of the Dales. The Temple of the Underworld, The Eye of the Needle, a huge glass pyramid…..the kids will love it.
www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/theforbiddencorner/index.html
