Having lived in France for many years I finally became homesick, not for the UK but for Yorkshire. What can be more beautiful than the Yorkshire Dales or more stunning than the Moors. And then there are the stately homes and gardens, arboretums, nature walks and so much more. Some are open all year round, others open seasonally. Below are just a selection of my favourites currently open or opening shortly.
All Year Round
Fountains Abbey and the Studley Roger Water Gardens.
Brimham Rocks
Plumpton Rocks
Thorp Perrow Arboretum (longer opening hours for spring)
March
1st March – The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard
21st March – Constable Burton Hall
22nd March & 5th July – Goldsborough Hall Open Gardens (National Gardens Scheme)
April
National Garden Scheme in North Yorkshire. Gardens open to the public for limited times – often only one day. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Littlethorpe Manor which you can either tour by appointment or visit on an NGS open day.
1st April – Newby Hall Gardens
3rd April – Harewood House
3rd April – The Walled Garden at Scampston
25th April – The Himalayan Garden; this is essential viewing for anybody who loves Rhodedendrons and other ericaceous plants. You can also buy many of the plants you see.
24th to 27th April – Harrogate Spring Flower Show; recently rated Britain’s best gardening event.