These parks and gardens in Yorkshire are opening as normal this spring

Yorkshire's gardens and country attractions are determined to open as normal during the time of coronavirus.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum and wildlife park (pic: Charlotte Graham)Thorp Perrow Arboretum and wildlife park (pic: Charlotte Graham)
Thorp Perrow Arboretum and wildlife park (pic: Charlotte Graham)

Although many visitor centres, shops and cafes have been shut as a precaution against infection, a large number of gardens and open spaces will open to allow self-isolating people to exercise and enjoy fresh air.

English Heritage have closed all of their manned sites until May 1, and the National Trust have shut their historic houses and visitor facilities, although their grounds and parkland will remain open with free entry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Many outdoor attractions have been closed during winter but are adhering to their planned spring opening dates as normal.

Fountains AbbeyFountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey

This family-owned arboretum contains several nationally significant tree collections and an ornamental lake. The grounds will remain open as will the cafe, although hygiene precautions have been introduced.

RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate

All RHS sites across the country will remain open, but planned activities and workshops involving groups of people have been cancelled. The Bettys cafe at Harlow Carr is closed along with all other Bettys tearooms in Yorkshire.

Parcevall Hall GardensParcevall Hall Gardens
Parcevall Hall Gardens

Parcevall Hall Gardens, near Skipton

These gardens in Wharfedale contain many exotic specimens, including some from the Himalayas. Today, the hall is run as a religious retreat by Walsingham College, but the gardens are open to the public during the summer. They will open on March 30 as planned.

Himalayan Garden, near Ripon

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The BBC have filmed Countryfile at the Himalayan Garden, which is privately owned and run by a charitable trust. Actress Joanna Lumley is a supporter of the gardens, which also have a sculpture trail. The 45-acre site has stunning woodland, three lakes, an arboretum, the north's largest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, and 80 sculptures. There is also a pagoda, summerhouse, Norse hit and Himalayan shelter.

Himalayan Garden and Sculpture ParkHimalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park

The Himalayan Garden has its own microclimate which makes it ideal for rare species such as the blue poppy.

Its popularity has grown to the extent that it has now increased its opening hours. In 2020 the gardens will open from April 10 until November 1. Previously it opened for the season on May Bank Holiday but was closed during August and September.

The gardens will open as planned on April 10, but it's not clear whether the tearoom and plant shop will be open.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon

Sheffield Botanical GardensSheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The visitor centre and cafe are closed, but visitors can still explore the abbey grounds, water gardens and deer park. Entry fees have been suspended.

Bolton Abbey, Wharfedale

The estate grounds are open as normal.

Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley

The gardens are run by the National Trust and will open as normal with entry fees suspended. The castle itself is privately owned and not usually open to the public.

Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Wentworth Castle GardensWentworth Castle Gardens
Wentworth Castle Gardens

These beautiful indoor gardens are open as normal, but there are likely to be restrictions on planned events and activities.

Helmsley Walled Garden

The walled gardens will open as planned for the summer season on April 1, as will the on-site Vinehouse Cafe.

Duncombe Park, Helmsley

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The grounds will open as planned for the summer season on April 13.

York Maze

This popular family attraction on a farm in Elvington, near York, is open as normal.

Castle Howard, near Malton

The house is closed for the forseeable future and the Brideshead Festival has been postponed. The grounds, adventure playground and arboretum remain open and visitors are encouraged.

Stockeld Park, near Wetherby

This family-owned estate only opens its family adventure park during school holidays. It will still hold Easter events as planned.

Kiplin Hall, Richmond

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The house, grounds and tearoom are open although trading hours may change subject to volunteer and staff availability.

York Gate Garden, Leeds

This garden in the village of Adel will open on April 1 as planned. A new cafe was developed during the winter and is has not been confirmed whether this will open.

Scampston Walled Garden

The walled gardens will open for the summer season on April 3.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, near York

The house is closed but the National Trust will keep the gardens and grounds open with free entry.

Newby Hall and Gardens, near Ripon

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The gardens wil open as planned for the summer season on April 1.

Sledmere House and Gardens, Driffield

The house is closed but the gardens and grounds are open with free entry. The estate shops are also delivering fresh produce to elderly residents living nearby free of charge.

Burnby Hall and Gardens, Pocklington

The gardens - which have a nationally significant water lily collection - opened for the summer season on March 14.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield

Open as normal.

Dalby Forest, near Pickering

The Forestry Commission have closed the cafe, shop and visitor centre and cancelled events and group activities. The trails and toilets remain open and visitors are encouraged.

Harewood House, Leeds

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The house was due to open for the season on March 21 but this has now been postponed. The gardens and grounds remain open.

Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge

The National Trust have closed Gibson Mill visitor centre and other facilities, but the woodland walks remain open.

Kirkstall Abbey, Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall, Leeds

Leeds City Council run all three historic sites. The visitor facilities and houses are closed, but the gardens and grounds are open with free entry.

Ripley Castle, near Harrogate

The house is closed but the gardens are open with free entry.

Nostell Priory, Wakefield

The house and visitor facilities are closed but the National Trust will keep the parkland open with free entry.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.