Helmsley Walled Garden
Helmsley Walled Garden nestles within the North York Moors National Park in the heart of North Yorkshire. This historic garden dates from 1758 and forms part of the Duncombe Park Estate.
Situated in the picturesque market town of Helmsley this is a popular visitor attraction offering stunning views of the
surrounding parkland and the resilient, medieval ruin of Helmsley Castle.
Spanning over five acres the garden has a relaxed and gentle atmosphere where you can enjoy the ebb and flow of nature. Visitors will discover restful lawns, abundant perennial borders, vibrant wildflower beds, a kitchen garden, orchards, and historic glasshouses. Other must-see features include the Plant Heritage national collection of Rosebud Pelargoniums and the heritage Yorkshire apple collection, made up of over seventy home-bred varieties. The garden also boasts an alpine garden based on an award-winning design. This is a new addition to the many intimate spaces to be found here, following Silver-Gilt
success at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, 2024.
As featured on BBC Gardeners World, this desirable tourist destination and RHS-Partner Garden also serves as a charitable organisation. Once a thriving kitchen garden for the Feversham family who still reside in the nearby Duncombe Park House, this hidden gem is a wonderful example of a garden adapting over time. Guided by a group of dedicated coordinators, a team of over one-hundred volunteers maintain this restorative garden. The volunteer scheme aims to foster a sense of accomplishment and belonging for those who suffer with varying difficulties including depression, learning disabilities, and low confidence. Here they have created a safe space to harness social connections while cultivating exceptional horticultural practices. Nurturing plants and people are key values at the heart of this community housed within these historic walls. Helmsley Walled Garden is very much ‘a beautiful garden, changing lives.’
With fully accessible pathways throughout, visitors can leisurely meander through the garden, indulging in mindful moments while walking the grass labyrinth or simply find a quiet corner to rest and take in the tranquillity of being outside in nature. With a range of seating and picnic areas a visit to this captivating garden can last the entire day.
During your visit you can enjoy refreshments at The Vine House Café, housed within the old vinery. Here they serve a delicious and seasonal range of homemade cakes, pastries, and lunches, often using produce from the kitchen garden, along with hot and cold beverages. The Garden Shop and plant centre offers an array of locally sourced artisan gifts, books, greetings cards and
gardening accessories alongside a wide range of plants, many of which are propagated by the volunteer team.
The walled garden, shop and café are open Wednesday through to Sunday from 10am until 5pm, April to October. And 10am until 4pm, November, December, and March. Tickets are valid all day, permitting visitors to come in and out of the garden at their leisure.