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12
Apr 2022
Boroughbridge walled garden opens as wedding venue
An historic walled garden in the Harrogate district has completed a five-year renovation and is set to open for its first wedding season.
For years the walled garden at Helperby Hall near Boroughbridge languished in a state of disrepair, with its impressive neoclassical stone cupola and pavilions hidden by high walls.
Now, after a programme of refurbishment the garden has been brought back to life — as a wedding venue. It will cost about £3,500 to hire for two days.
The unusual venue is the idea of Lady Harriet Milnes Coates, who was determined to find a use for the four acres of lawns and historic outbuildings which sit in the grounds of the family home, Helperby Hall.
The Grade II listed walled garden, which was originally constructed in the late 19th century, was variously used as a formal garden, a kitchen garden and a horse riding arena.
But when it was left without a purpose, the corner pavilions and classical cupola were at risk of collapse.
First ever weddings
Planning permission for repairs to the buildings and change of use took three years to achieve.
Work then began to clear old greenhouses and overgrown planting, reestablish pathways and restore the buildings. But builders had to down tools during covid.
Once the lockdowns ended work resumed, with the gardeners cottage completely renovated.
One of the final pieces of work was to renew the roofing of the cupola, whose wooden beams had rotted.
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The garden finally received a wedding license to conduct ceremonies in October 2021, and this year will hold its first ever weddings.
Now the Walled Garden Helperby has teamed up with Leeds-based award-winning events company Dine, to organise and run weddings at the historic garden.
Daniel Gill of Dine says:
The garden is holding an open day for wedding couples on April 23 from 12 noon until 4pm. Visits are by appointment only.
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