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31
May 2024
Yorkshire's Open Gardens are in full bloom - here's where to visit
It's that time of year again; where residents across Harrogate and beyond open their spectacular gardens for the public to enjoy - and all for a good cause.
The National Garden scheme gives visitors access to a stunning array of private gardens, orchards and grounds all over the UK.
The initiative opens over 3,500 gardens across Britain that can only be accessed via the event, with the proceeds going to a variety of charities. Having started in 1927, it has since raised over £70 million for nursing and health charities.
North Yorkshire is certainly not short of a beautiful garden or two - here's where you can enjoy some of the flora and fauna on display in the first half of June.
There are plenty more openings running throughout the rest of June and July too, so be sure to look out for further articles highlighting some of the later summer events.
Some venues even run their own open gardens days, which are not part of the national scheme. If you have one coming up, let us know by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to our listings.
Harrogate
Stone Ring Close is opening on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June with 5 gardens on show from 12pm to 5pm.
Each garden is unique, with steep paths taking you through herbaceous borders and late spring shrubberies descending to Stone Rings Beck.
A dance group and children’s quiz will be hosted in one of the gardens. Plant sales and refreshments are also on offer. All proceeds go to the Caring for Life charity based at Crag House, and Northern Ballet’s Outreach Program.
No dogs unless they are assistance dogs.
Entry is £6, £3 for under 16s, and free for under 12s. Tickets are available at the entrance table on the day.
The gardens at Norton Conyers, open this Sunday. Credit: Helen Tabor
Shipley
Shipley is hosting 17 open gardens in the Nab Wood area on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June from 1pm to 5pm.
Among the beautiful suburban gardens, there are displays of ceramics, sculptures and pots in support of their chosen Community Arts Charity Host to Hive.
Tea and cakes will be available, and the proceeds will go to The Children’s Society.
Entry is £4 and free for under 16s. Tickets can be bought on the day at 15 Nab Wood Rise, Shipley.
Thornton
Thorton’s 20 gardens will be open on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June from 12pm to 5pm.
View a wide range of small and extensive terrace hillside gardens, wildlife ponds, wilderness corners and work in progress gardens.
Visit Kipping House where Elizebeth Furth, a friend of the famous Brontë sisters lived, along with Bell Chapel Garden and community-run Sapgate garden. Refreshments are available and dogs on leads are welcome.
Proceeds will go to the Brontë Birthplace Community Ownership Campaign.
Entry is £5, which covers both days, and free for under 16s. Tickets are found at the Community Centre.
Saint Michael's Hospice Open Gardens
Croft-on-Tees
Croft-on Tees are opening 18 gardens for you to visit on the 15 and 16 June between 10.30am and 5pm.
There are gardens of all sizes, cottage and riverside gardens, and a Lewis Carol exhibition in the church, who lived in the village for 25 years. Owners of the gardens will be there to give advice and sell plants also grown by them.
At the village hall there will be refreshments, and where you can also buy tickets. Dogs on leads are welcome and all proceeds go to St. Peter’s Church.
Entry is £7 and free for under 12s.
Pickering
The Pickering open gardens will be accessible on the 15 June from 10am to 4pm.
Come and see a range of gorgeous gardens, courtyards and allotments, with all proceeds being shared between the Pickering Community Infant and Nursery school, and Pickering Junior School.
Entry is £5 and free for under 16s. You can buy tickets on the day or in advance at Reeds marketplace.
Scagglethorpe
Scagglethorpe is showcasing their first open gardens on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June from 11am to 4pm.
There are 14 gardens in total: walk through the village to see beautiful hidden gardens, and a variety of orchards, vegetable patches and ponds. The village hall will host refreshments serving homemade cakes and tea. The proceeds will go to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity.
Entry is £5 and free for under 16s. Tickets can be bought from their stall at the bus shelter near the parking area.
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