The best gardens to visit in West Yorkshire

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Address: West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4JX

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a world-class open-air gallery situated in the beautiful rural landscape of West Yorkshire. Showcasing an extensive collection of contemporary sculptures, the park offers a unique experience where art and nature seamlessly blend together. The park features works by prominent artists such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Damien Hirst, among others. With over 500 acres of stunning parkland, including rolling hills, lakes, and woodlands, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park provides a serene and captivating environment for visitors to explore and engage with art.

Harewood House and Gardens

Address: Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Harewood House and Gardens is a majestic stately home set in expansive grounds overlooking the Yorkshire countryside. The gardens, designed by Capability Brown, are renowned for their beauty and variety. Visitors can explore formal terraces, a walled garden bursting with vibrant blooms, and the Himalayan garden which boasts rare plants collected by the Earl of Harewood on his travels. Harewood House itself is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and is filled with exquisite art collections and historical artifacts. Notably, it has ties to the British royal family as the birthplace of Princess Mary, the Queen's aunt.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

Address: Brodsworth, Doncaster DN5 7XJ

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian life, showcasing a perfectly preserved country house and its surrounding gardens. The formal gardens, with their intricate flower beds, elegant terraces, and beautiful statues, as well as the wilder pleasure grounds, transport visitors back in time. The gardens are particularly famous for their collection of over 100 statues, each representing mythological figures or sentimental Victorian themes. This enchanting garden is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Harlow Carr Gardens

Address: Crag Ln, Harrogate HG3 1QB

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 6pm

Located in Harrogate, Harlow Carr Gardens is an award-winning garden maintained by the Royal Horticultural Society. Spanning 68 acres, the gardens provide a delightful haven for plant lovers. Visitors can wander through flourishing flower borders, rock gardens, and tranquil woodland. Notable features include the Fragrance Garden, designed for the visually impaired, and the stunning Alpine House showcasing a wide variety of alpine plants. The gardens are also home to Betty's Tea House, a famous tearoom offering a quintessentially English experience.

Kirkstall Abbey

Address: Abbey Rd, Leeds LS5 3EH

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Kirkstall Abbey is a 12th-century Cistercian monastery situated in beautiful parkland on the banks of the River Aire. While the abbey itself is a magnificent historical site, the surrounding gardens provide a peaceful and picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Visitors can explore the ruins of the abbey, admire the intricacies of gothic architecture, and enjoy the lush greenery of the park. The abbey has also hosted numerous outdoor events and concerts, adding to its charm and appeal.

Temple Newsam House and Gardens

Address: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm

Temple Newsam House and Gardens is a grand Tudor-Jacobean mansion surrounded by stunning parkland. The gardens feature beautifully manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a renowned rhododendron collection. Visitors can also explore the rare breeds farm within the estate, which is home to various farm animals. The house itself holds significant historical value and was once the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the ill-fated husband of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Nostell Priory and Parkland

Address: Doncaster Rd, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1QE

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm

Nostell Priory and Parkland is an 18th-century architectural masterpiece surrounded by sweeping parkland and gardens. The extensive grounds offer tranquil spaces to enjoy leisurely walks or picnics, with serene lakes and woodland trails. The priory itself showcases splendid interiors, a collection of Chippendale furniture, and impressive art collections. Notably, the house has strong connections to the world of politics and literature, having hosted prominent figures such as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and poet Ted Hughes.

Newby Hall and Gardens

Address: Ripon HG4 5AE

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10.30am - 5.30pm

Newby Hall and Gardens is a stunning Georgian mansion set within 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The gardens are renowned for their water features, including stunning herbaceous borders and decorative fountains. Visitors can also explore the enchanting woodland walk, the Rose Garden filled with over 200 varieties of roses, and the delightful Children's Adventure Garden. Newby Hall has been the family home of the Compton family for over 300 years and their collection of art and furniture is on display within the house.

Skipton Castle and Gardens

Address: Snaygill Industrial Estate, Skipton BD23 2QR

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm

Skipton Castle and Gardens boast an impressive medieval fortress alongside beautiful gardens. The castle's gardens offer a serene escape with lush grassy areas and vibrant flower beds. The castle itself is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England, with over 900 years of history to unravel within its ancient walls. The castle has strong connections to prominent figures such as Lady Anne Clifford, an influential landowner and writer during the 17th century.

Bolton Abbey and Gardens

Address: Skipton BD23 6EX

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm

Bolton Abbey and Gardens are nestled within the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil ambiance. The gardens surrounding the Augustinian monastery ruins feature formal flower beds, meandering rivers, and ancient woodland walks. Visitors can explore the ruins, cross the famous stepping stones, and enjoy scenic walks along the River Wharfe. The area also holds connections to notable figures such as Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), who visited the abbey and found inspiration for some of his famous works.

West Yorkshire boasts a multitude of stunning gardens, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're a lover of art, history, nature, or tranquility, these gardens provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region.