Gardens in York, North Yorkshire

“On Sunday, 17 September 2023, I had my first visit to Helmsley. I was unpleasantly surprised by awful service in a local bar, which made me fear that this was a village that did not welcome strangers. After wandering around the village and visiting the fascinating church and a bookshop that disappointingly did not sell second hand books, my sister and her husband suggested that we visit this walled garden. My mood was not great after walking around a village that was clearly very popular and yet seemed strangely unwelcoming, and I had lost all appetite for walking around a garden. However we had a delightful cup of tea in the cafe by the garden and this lifted my spirit and my desire to see the garden. I am SO glad I did. The garden is superb. One of the best of its kind I have visited in England. Glorious flowers, plants and fruit trees, wonderful peaceful setting, with the backdrop of the ruined castle, and a place for quiet reflection. Even in late summer, the gardens are outstanding. The chickens here have a happy and privileged life! I love walled gardens. And this one is very special. As the garden was closing when we left I had only a very short time to visit the bookshop but it was wonderful, as was the lady working there and selling tickets to the garden. Could have bought many things in the excellent shop (huge stock of jams, chutneys, sauces etc), which contained a small but excellent collection of books and some wonderful greeting cards and other things. As it was I made an impulse buy of a beautiful framed colour print of the garden, only £20. Wonderful place. Will come again soon I hope with my children.”

“Came on a Sunday, cafe & restaurant serving roast dinners, cakes and coffees. Had a coffee and scone which was very nice. The roast dinners looked really nice. It was the opening weekend of the Christmas shop and Santa and Mrs. Claus were walking about, talking to kids and having photos. Love the farm shop, had loads of nice cakes, scones and seasonal produce. Overall a really nice garden centre and well worth a visit.”

“Improved in many ways. Plants are well tended. Cafe still needs attention. An all day breakfast would help. The coffee is excellent. Staff are friendlier too.”