Magnificent Walled Gardens of York, England

Garden Design's self-guided day trip to picturesque English walled gardens

As recommended by English garden expert and tour guide Karen Chapman

The walled city of York in northeast England offers so much to the visitor. From the narrow, cobbled streets of The Shambles, dating back to medieval times, to the famous Gothic Minster and quintessential English tearooms, this ancient city is steeped in history.

For a change of pace, take a short scenic drive to explore three enchanting gardens. Begin your adventure at Sledmere, a charming country house serving as a delightful backdrop for the revitalized Walled Garden, potager, and formal fruit garden. From here, you will travel to Scampston Hall, one of the finest regency country houses in North Yorkshire, where you'll enjoy the Walled Garden designed by renowned Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Finally, round out the day with a visit to Helmsley. Set on the edge of the North York Moors and dating back to 1758, this is the perfect garden in which to simply relax and absorb the surrounding beauty.

If you have additional time, check out the National Garden Scheme for other public and private gardens that may be open when you are in the area.

1. Sledmere Walled Garden

Home to Sir Tatton Sykes, Sledmere is situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. You could easily spend an entire day here exploring the house, parkland, and many outdoor attractions, with the Coach House café offering the perfect spot for tea or lunch. However, for the keen gardener with limited time, I would recommend focusing on the beautiful 18th century Walled Garden. Within this area are a succession of smaller gardens planted using a variety of naturalistic techniques and alive with the sights and sounds of birds, butterflies, and bees. Featured on BBC Gardeners World, these borders have been planted with a keen eye for color and form in inspired combinations.

If time allows, explore the grounds and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Should you be visiting with children, they will love The Spotty Pig Adventure Play Farm; while young and old alike will appreciate the historic stables and a visit to see the magnificent ‘Sledmere Shires’.

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Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG, United Kingdom GET DIRECTIONS

+44 1377 236637

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2. Scampston Walled Garden

Should your visit coincide with the Hall being open to visitors, this would be a most memorable start to your tour, especially if you should happen to meet the owner, Sir Charles Legard, or his son, Chris. For garden lovers, however, the real draw is the award-winning Walled Garden featuring contemporary perennial meadows as well as more traditional English design elements.

Serpentine forms of yew, cubes of boxwood, pleached limes, and formal hedges are all used to provide structure and define spaces, with each garden room offering a distinctive character.

Visitors are advised to finish their tour on the Mount, a vast pyramid-like structure. This viewpoint affords an overview of the entire design as well as more distant views.

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Malton YO17 8NG, United Kingdom GET DIRECTIONS

+44 1944 759111

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3. Helmsley Walled Garden

Sitting beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle, this five-acre garden has been restored after years of neglect. It is now a beautiful place for all to enjoy, and specifically a place for horticultural therapy for vulnerable adults. Helmsley Walled Garden is maintained by a core of dedicated volunteers and features a variety of gardens, including glasshouses brimming with color, a traditional double herbaceous hot border running the length of the garden, a clematis garden showcasing over 100 varieties, and a new edible flower garden set within the vegetable patch.

Enjoy some of the homegrown produce in the café, and be sure to visit the Garden Shop to look for a special souvenir, knowing that you are supporting this worthy program.

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Cleveland Way, Helmsley, York YO62 5AH, United Kingdom GET DIRECTIONS

+44 1439 771427

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About your local garden expert Karen Chapman

Born in England, I grew up with a trowel in my hand. Gardening was simply a way of life.

After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 1996, I joined one of the leading garden nurseries as a garden plant specialist. Ten years later, I established Le jardinet, specializing in creating artistic plant combinations with a four-season foliage framework, functional outdoor living spaces, and deer resistant, summer-dry designs.

I teach both container and landscape design in workshops and seminars across the country as well offering a range of online learning opportunities and leading garden tours to England.

When I'm not teaching garden design or talking about it I'm usually writing about it, my articles and designs being featured in many national gardening publications including Garden Design. I have co-authored two books: the award-winning Fine Foliage (St. Lynn's Press, 2013) and the highly acclaimed Gardening with Foliage First (Timber Press, 2017) while my latest book, Deer Resistant Design: Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer was released in July 2019 (Timber Press).

Website: https://lejardinetdesigns.com

Sledmere Walled Garden

Scampston Walled Garden

Helmsley Walled Garden

Magnificent Walled Gardens of York, England

1. Sledmere Walled Garden

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2. Scampston Walled Garden

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3. Helmsley Walled Garden

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United States

International

About your local garden expert Karen Chapman