Gardens of Ryedale
04 August 2010
Carefully designed classical vistas, wild meadow orchards, Victorian glasshouses and contemporary garden rooms are just some of the garden gems to be found in Ryedale. Within easy reach of each other, each of them offer a unique experience for visitors. From the magnificent and majestic through to the ornate and tranquil there is something to satisfy every taste.
Ryedale alone has eight uniquely stunning gardens all set within easy reach of one another in beautiful North Yorkshire, one of Britain's largest counties, and offers one of the most diverse landscapes in England.
The Walled Garden at Scampston
This stunning contemporary garden was created by the internationally renowned designer Piet Oudolf in 2004. The sculptural hedges and avenue of lime trees divide the garden into different rooms and walkways. Wild and colourful perennial planting provides a central focus and the overall design layout of the garden can be viewed from a high grass pyramid. The 'Star at Scampston' serves morning coffee, light lunches and teas.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Set against the backdrop of Helmsley Castle, this 5 acre site is home to 120 different varieties of Clematis and the Northern Fruits apple collection. Vines wind their way along arches in the restored Victorian Vinery, the setting for the Vinehouse Cafe. The cafe uses produce from the garden and has a tasty, mainly organic, vegetarian menu. An extensive range of plants can be bought.
Castle Howard
Formal terraces with graceful statues, wide open spaces, lakeside paths and richly planted rose gardens provide the visitor with endless opportunities for gentle walks amongst a riot of colour. Produce form the Ornamental Vegetable Garden can be bought in the Farm Shop and plants, trees and shrubs can be bought from the Plant Centre. The Courtyard Restaurant offers and excellent menu based on local produce.
Nunnington Hall
This charming Elizabethan manor house stands on the banks of the River Rye and is managed by the National Trust. The walled gardens still have traces of the 17th century formal layout. Many old varieties of fruit trees grow in the orchards, including pears and apples found only in Ryedale. The gardens are managed organically.
Wolds Way Lavender
With over 80 lavender beds, and tea room with some baked delights, Wolds Way Lavender at Deer Park, Wintringham provides an opportunity to have a relaxing day out. Harvested lavender is distilled to produce oil which, along with plants and gifts, can be bought in the cafe.
Yorkshire Lavender
Near Terrington has a huge selection of lavenders, a Sensory Garden, and Dry Garden planted with Mediterranean and native dry-loving plants. Plants and gifts are available in the shop. In EJ's Team Room Lavender scones and Lavender ice-cream, are included on the menu.
Rievaulx Terrace & Temples
Constructed in the 1750's, the two temples overlooking Rievaulx Abbey were developed as a family pleasure and picnic site. As in the past, today's visitors are greeted with changing views as they progress along the sweeping grassy terrace.
Arboretum Trust at Castle Howard
This 'Garden of Trees', offers relaxing walks through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Dogs are welcome in the Arboretum. Managed by Castle Howard Arboretum Trust, the collection includes Rhododendrons, Hybrids, shrubs and trees from around the World.
The historic market towns and traditional Yorkshire villages that surround our gardens provide the visitor with high quality accommodation, places to eat, and great shopping. Of course they all offer a great Yorkshire welcome too!
Useful Links
Helmsley Walled Garden
