Yorkshire


<p>Who says you need to brave the Chelsea Flower Show crush or remortgage for a sandwich to get your flower fix? Yorkshire is blooming marvellous when it comes to green-fingered greatness –&nbsp;and without the London faff. From whimsical walled gardens to sweeping estate parklands and secret floral corners tucked into rolling countryside, we’ve dug up the best private and public gardens to visit right now. So skip the crowds, save the train fare and let Yorkshire be your Chelsea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goldsborough-hall-knaresborough"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/goldsborough-hall-hg5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goldsborough Hall</a>, Knaresborough</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="798" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Goldsborough-Hall-07.jpg" alt="Flowers outside Goldsborough Hall" class="wp-image-3855" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Goldsborough-Hall-07.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Goldsborough-Hall-07-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Goldsborough-Hall-07-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Goldsborough-Hall-07-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>Goldsborough Hall in Knaresborough is very cool to visit for two reasons. Firstly, this 17th century stately home just so happens to be the former home of Princess Mary – and secondly, its gardens are nothing short of spectacular. Its 12 acres of outdoor bliss includes a woodland walk, a covetable glasshouse where they grow produce for the hall’s kitchens, a kitchen garden and the Lime Tree Walk, which was planted by royalty (obvs) in the 1920s. Expect seasonal flowers galore paired with the stunning backdrop of the estate’s privately owned grounds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fawley-house-hull"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/fawley-house-hu15/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fawley House</a>, Hull</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="897" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Fawley-Garden03.jpg" alt="Garden at Fawley" class="wp-image-3853" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Fawley-Garden03.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Fawley-Garden03-300x224.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Fawley-Garden03-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Fawley-Garden03-768x574.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>Built in 1865, Fawley House is a haven of terraced gardens brimming with nature and wildlife. From lavender beds and fruit and vegetable gardens right through to a woodland growing with naturalistic planting and a secret garden to enjoy the peaceful scenes, this is an absolute must visit for the spring/summer. The two bridges crossing the stream to the woodland feels like stepping into a fairytale, while the Quaker Well boasting ferns and hellebores will no doubt transport you to a zone of pure (email free) bliss.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skipwith-hall-selby"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/skipwith-hall-yo8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipwith Hall</a>, Selby </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Skipton-Hall.jpg" alt="Flowers at Skipwith Hall" class="wp-image-3857" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Skipton-Hall.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Skipton-Hall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Skipton-Hall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Skipton-Hall-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>Skipwith Hall is a four-acre walled garden of Queen Anne house. The clever combo of maintaining its rich historical landscaping (by renowned designer Cecil Pinsent) and adopting more rugged wildlife-friendly planting is what makes it a firm favourite for private garden visitors. Book out a day to enjoy their woodland, kitchen garden, Italian garden and kitchen garden &#8211; complete with a very casual herb maze and pool. Quite the step up from the local garden centre cafe. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rudding-park-harrogate"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/3601/3601" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rudding Park</a>, Harrogate</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Rudding-Park-Garden.jpg" alt="Rudding Park Garden" class="wp-image-3859" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Rudding-Park-Garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Rudding-Park-Garden-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Rudding-Park-Garden-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Rudding-Park-Garden-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Rudding-Park-Garden-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An abundance of rhododendrons and azaleas are enough to make you stop and smell the flowers, but that’s just the start of it at Rudding Park. The award-winning hotel and resort in Harrogate is known for its luxury guest experience &#8211; and the formal gardens are no exception. With 20 acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands, there is also an impressive kitchen garden where they grow over 500 (yep, you read that right) different herbs, salads, fruits, and edible flowers for the chefs to cook up a storm with. Sure to get the green fingered fiends inspired for the summer! <a href="https://www.ruddingpark.co.uk/gardens/private-group-garden-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book your private garden tour here.&nbsp;</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-newby-hall-gardens-skelton-on-ure"><a href="https://www.newbyhall.com/things-to-do/the-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newby Hall Gardens</a>, Skelton-on-Ure</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Newby-Hall.jpg" alt="Far away shot of Newby Hall" class="wp-image-3861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Newby-Hall.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Newby-Hall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Newby-Hall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Newby-Hall-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hop in the car to Skelton-on-Ure and you’ll find Newby Hall, a jaw-dropping country house where you can spend a whole day out at. As well as boat trips, an adventure playground, and a miniature railway (suffice to say, the kids will love it here), there’s also their award-winning gardens up for browsing. With creations starting in the 1920s, there’s a grand total of 15 gardens – all of which offer their own unique beauty. This summer you’ll be able to enjoy the double herbaceous border, while the New World salvias are thriving over at the Autumn Garden. Simply book your spot, choose your route, and see where nature takes you.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-york-gate"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/5777/york-gate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York Gate</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/York-Gate.jpg" alt="Gardens at York Gate" class="wp-image-3862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/York-Gate.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/York-Gate-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/York-Gate-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/York-Gate-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>York Gate is a garden with a great cause, raising funds for Perennial &#8211; an organisation supporting people in horticulture. Its charming one acre garden just outside of Leeds is an oasis of calm, colour, and collaborative efforts to make every visitor’s experience one they won’t forget. Head on over to marvel at the tropical plants, joyful tulips and wildflowers that could brighten up even the drizzliest of summer days. Special note for the gardens Grade || National Heritage status, which is inspired by the Arts &amp; Crafts movement for even more ‘wow’ factor.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firby-hall-bedale"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/firby-hall-dl8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firby Hall</a>, Bedale</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Firby-Hall-01.jpg" alt="Gardens at Firby Hall" class="wp-image-3863" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Firby-Hall-01.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Firby-Hall-01-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Firby-Hall-01-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Firby-Hall-01-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>Masham is one of Yorkshire’s most covetable towns thanks to its dreamy walks, independent businesses and historical landmarks. Amongst all this is Firby Hall, a private home nestled in four acres of stunning greenery and now part of the National Garden Scheme. Look North and you’ll see the owner’s restored walled garden; look south and you’ll find two lakes (impressive, eh?) to stop and savour some much-needed moments of peace. The Firby Hall event will be both kid- and dog-friendly, with refreshments available in the walled garden greenhouse. Seriously, does it get more wholesome than this?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-cliff-gardens-scarborough-15-july"><a href="https://www.yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/index.php/events/2025-07-15-south-cliff-gardens-esplanade-scarborough" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Cliff Gardens,</a> Scarborough, 15 July</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Southcliff-Gardens.jpg" alt="Southcliff Gardens" class="wp-image-3864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Southcliff-Gardens.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Southcliff-Gardens-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Southcliff-Gardens-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Southcliff-Gardens-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Wondering what else Scarborough has to offer other than sea and sand? The South Cliff gardens might just pique your interest. These private gardens were built in 1837 and having been passed through six phases of ownership during the Victorian and Edwardian times, so it’s little wonder the gardens are like stepping into a (very beautiful, very chic) time machine. Have a peek at the history behind the designs as well as a guided walk to check out the most covetable features that have stood the test of time. History lessons never looked so bloomin’ good!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parceville-hall-gardens-skipton"><a href="https://www.yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/index.php/events/2025-06-05-parcevall-hall-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parceville Hall Gardens</a>, Skipton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Parceville-HallGardens.jpg" alt="Gardens and house" class="wp-image-3865" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Parceville-HallGardens.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Parceville-HallGardens-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Parceville-HallGardens-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Parceville-HallGardens-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>These 24 acres of woodland and formal gardens was created in the inter-war era, giving it a timeless feel of elegance as well as cultural significance. The original designer Sir William Milner made sure the otherwise empty grounds were given a serious splash of colour and life thanks to its terraced compartments, rose garden, rock garden and a whole new woodland where wildlife can thrive. The coolest part? As part of his work, he was sent gifts of plants from around the world. Choose your tour length (they have a shortened version if steep steps aren’t your thing), bring a picnic, and enjoy the epic features of this pretty darn lovely landscape.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saltmarshe-hall-howden"><a href="https://www.saltmarshehall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saltmarshe Hall</a>, Howden</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Saltmarsh-Hall.jpg" alt="gardens at Saltmarsh from birdseye view" class="wp-image-3866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Saltmarsh-Hall.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Saltmarsh-Hall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Saltmarsh-Hall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Saltmarsh-Hall-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One thing we can’t quite get our heads around is that the Saltmarshe Estate was owned by the same family from 1067 to the 1970s. That means when the new owners moved in in 2012, they were just the third family to live there over the 900 years *insert mind blown emoji*. Safe to say, there’s a whole lot of history to explore in this place &#8211; and the gardens are very much part of the puzzle. The hall, which is set in 17 acres of parkland, features a walled garden, herbaceous borders and walkways shaded with trees galore. Have a good snoop around before digging into a cream tea in their dining rooms with a river view. </p>


Yorkshire in Bloom! Best private gardens to visit

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