Four Fabulous Gardens to visit this Spring

As the days lengthen and the sap starts to rise, I always notice the first bikes returning to the lanes around Lastingham — and my thoughts turn to gardens.

If you’re staying at The Green, Lastingham. North York Moors.here are four of my favourite nearby gardens for a spring wander:

Helmsley Walled Garden – a beautiful five-acre garden tucked beneath Helmsley Castle, full of colour, scent and (very importantly) an excellent café.

Scampston Hall and Walled Garden – designed by Piet Oudolf, with wonderful naturalistic planting and a series of garden “rooms” that are lovely to wander through slowly.

Castle Howard – grand terraces, lakes, temples and plenty of space for a proper leg-stretching stroll.

Rievaulx Terrace– not a traditional garden, but one of the most magical views in Yorkshire, looking out across the valley to Rievaulx Abbey.

All perfect places for a spring outing — a wander, some fresh North Yorkshire air, and perhaps a slice of cake along the way.

Which one would you visit first?

Photo credits:

Helmsley Walled Garden – Helmsley Walled Garden (press image)

Scampston Walled Garden – Scampston Hall Estate

Castle Howard Gardens – Castle Howard Estate

Rievaulx Terrace – National Trust Images / Rievaulx Terrace