Discover the Gardens of West Yorkshire

Take a walk in lovely parkland or relax among coiffured lawns.

Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall 

Beautifully restored late 17th century walled gardens to the rear of Oakwell Hall. The hall was built in 1583 by John Batt and was occupied by the family until the early 18th century. The hall has significant civil war connections and also associations with the Brontës. Charlotte visited regularly in the early 19th century and was so inspired by the hall that she featured it as ‘Fieldhead’ in her novel ‘Shirley’. The Gardens won a Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award in 2012.

Golden Acre Park, Leeds

Consisting of around 137 acres of gardens and woodlands, surrounding a large lake, Golden Acre has been a huge attraction since first opening to the public as an amusement park in 1932. The specialist gardens and varied plant collections are a real favourite, where horticultural trends and fashions provide visitors with inspiration and ideas for their own gardens. The café is also extremely popular and has a couple of outdoor terraces so customers can enjoy the view while sampling the homemade produce.

Harewood

Leeds – There are over 100 acres of award-winning Gardens at Harewood, full of variety with plants from around the world, all in the setting of glorious ‘Capability’ Brown landscape. Explore the magnificent Terrace with its herbaceous and tropical borders, and discover the alpine beauty of the Himalayan Garden with primulas, orchids, cobra lilies and blue poppies. Follow the picturesque lakeside walk, adorned with over 50 kinds of rhododendron, to the Walled Garden where heritage fruit and vegetables are grown. Harewood’s exquisite show garden won Premier Gold Award at the Autumn 2012 Harrogate Flower Show.

Lotherton Hall Estate & Park, Aberford

An Edwardian country house set amongst beautiful formal gardens, parkland and woodland. The gardens were designed by Mrs Gwendolyn Gascoigne in the fashionable Edwardian style of linked but distinct gardens that include beautiful herbaceous borders, a walled rose garden and a distinctive rockery that is currently under restoration. Beyond the gardens discover red deer grazing and woodland paths and trails. Don’t miss the Bird Garden where you will find over 100 species of rare and endangered birds contributing to global conservation projects.

Roundhay Park, Leeds

Roundhay Park is one of the biggest city parks in Europe and comprises of an amazing 700 acres of parkland, woodland and lakes alongside an array of flower beds and gardens. Within the park, you will find some spectacular floral displays in the specialist gardens including the Monet and Alhambra gardens plus 4 gardens that have been previously exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The park is also home to Tropical World, a popular visitor attraction which houses Tropical flora and fauna including crocodiles, meerkats, bats and butterflies.

Shibden Estate, Halifax 

Welcome to Shibden and its 15th century timbered hall, the home of the Lister family for over 300 years. Explore Shibden’s beautifully restored grounds, cascades and the “Paisley Shawl” inspired Victorian bedding designs. Shibden Mereside is the perfect place to relax, ideal for summer saunters or a warm up after a brisk winter’s walk. Events and activities at Shibden include live entertainment, music, walks, guided tours, storytelling and crafts in the park. Craft fairs, exhibitions, workshops and working demonstrations take place regularly.

Temple Newsam, Leeds

Set within 600 hectares of parkland and woodland designed by Capability Brown is one of the great country houses of England.

The renowned Rhododendron and Azalea walk and informal lakeside planting lead to the magnificent Georgian Walled Garden. Home to six National Plant Collections including Primula Auricula, Solenostemon and Chrysanthemum which form part of the magnificent seasonal conservatory displays and the Phlox, Delphinium and Aster Collections which can be found in the slip gardens off the stunning 400 metre herbaceous borders. Families should not miss the working Rare Breed Farm with over 400 animals; youngsters include piglets, chicks and calves all year round.

York Gate

York Gate is a one-acre garden tucked away behind the ancient church in Adel, on the northern outskirts of Leeds. Created by the Spencer family during the second half of the twentieth century, and now owned and managed by Perennial, it is a garden of immense style and craftsmanship, widely recognised as one of the most innovative small gardens of the period.

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