Beningbrough tulips c National Trust Joanne Parker

Glorious National Trust Gardens

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Spend a day in a garden with a difference at the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal near Ripon this summer. See the new art exhibition ‘A Landscape Painter’s Perspective’ by one of northern England's leading landscape artists Peter M Hicks in Fountains Mill, before wandering along the banks of the river Skell from the abbey to the Georgian water garden - a garden of canals, cascades, and tranquil moon ponds.

Explore the follies around the garden; the Temple of Piety, the Octagon Tower, and the Temple of Fame to name but a few and enjoy cup of tea and a National Trust scone at the tearoom overlooking Studley Lake.

Plan your day at Fountains Abbey

Nunnington Hall

The gardens at Nunnington Hall are the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet, nestled on a quiet riverbank near Helmsley. Peaceful hidden spots, colourful peacocks and colourful flowers offer a great day out.

The summer sees the transition in the meadows from a sea of buttercups in early summer, to a carpet of ox-eye daises as summer progresses. The orchards trees begin swelling their young fruits of apples, pears and plums, in anticipation of the bountiful autumn harvests yet to come.

The borders are full of life, many shrubs and herbaceous flowers are creating ever-changing textures and colour as we work our way through the summer months. From Alliums and Iris to Geraniums and Dahlias, there is always something different to see.

Plan your trip to Nunnington

Goddards

It’s all about the gardens at Goddards, the five acres of Arts and Crafts inspired grounds are often described as one of York’s hidden gems. With views overlooking the racecourse and the clock tower of the old Terry factory beyond, this is the former home of the Terry family.

Take a stroll through the fragrant garden, colourful herbaceous borders, orchard and there’s even a greenhouse to explore. Grab a cuppa from the kiosk, find a spot on the terrace and take in the view. Over the summer months, the gardens are open for longer from Thursday – Sunday. Join a garden talk taking place every Friday and learn more about the history of the gardens from a member of the gardens team.

Plan a visit to Goddards, including how to get there as parking is limited to accessible spaces only.

Beningbrough

Discover the evolving gardens at Beningbrough, just north of York. Explore the formal gardens which includes a two-acre walled kitchen garden, stunning scented floral borders and the wisteria covered Pergola. Each area shines at different times of the year, giving a reason to return. Historic trees and wildlife pockets add to the year-round appeal.

The herbaceous borders give a different feel as the seasons progress, with spiky bursts of colour from alliums under the pear arch in spring, to subtle pastels in the double border in early summer, through to the vibrancy and late colour in the south border. The walled garden is the place to see how the produce is growing, at its best around blossom and harvest time.

The internationally acclaimed garden designer Andy Sturgeon has developed a long-term vision for the garden; to refresh, improve and, in some areas, reinvent the spaces. The new Mediterranean Garden is a key aspect of the project and is in the final stages of planting, due to open later in the summer. Don’t miss this refreshed space which will provide new pathways, seating areas and water features to explore and enjoy.

Plan your trip to Beningbrough