Location: York
Top Things to do in York
Countries
What to do and see in York, England: The Best Gardens
Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.
Restaurants in York
1. Breezy Knees Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 530 reviews
With over 20 acres of extensive gardens featuring more than 7,000 different varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees and described by Monty Don as "a beautiful modern garden created on the grandest possible scale, Breezy Knees is one of the largest gardens in Northern England.
Reviewed By SandraS953
What a wonderful find.Thank you Gardeners world for featuring this glorious garden. Please explore all the different gardens as there is something lovely to see. Even though it was in September we missed it at its best, it must be breathtaking in the spring and Summer. Must go back to see then! It is very well laid out and easy to see everything if you follow the map/ticket given on entry.
2. Museum Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,065 reviews
The Yorkshire Museum, home to some of the richest archaeological finds in Europe, is set amidst its own Gardens, which offer picnic areas and scenic walkways.
Reviewed By SharonJT67 - Durham, United Kingdom
Lovely well maintained gardens adjacent to the river, plenty of places to sit & watch the world go by away from the crowds, alternatively grab a delicious ice cream from the rescue van, a coffee or cold drink from the bike cart or take a look at the visiting birds of prey, the ruins look as majestic as ever, the weather was scorching it was such a great day to visit!
3. Clarence Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
A fun place for the whole family, this scenic park consists of a landscaped lawn area with mature trees and flowerbeds, bowling greens and a separate children's playground.
4. Goddards House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Hidden away on the outskirts of York, next to the racecourse is the former home of the Terry family. A beautifully designed building that now is the regional office for the National Trust, however the garden can be visited on selected days by pre-booking through the Goddards website. The five acres of garden rooms offer a variety beyond their size. Herbaceous borders, formal lawns and ponds, fragrant beds, a small orchard and kitchen garden area, historic glasshouse and wildlife pond. Takeaway refreshments are available from the terrace whilst you watch the wildlife at work or set off for another circuit around the garden. Please note: the house and tearoom are currently closed and there is only accessible parking on site.
Reviewed By 336andreih
Fantastic location of the house, and great that the NT is able to keep this family home of the Terry family as a tribute to the historical link of York and Chocolate. The small dining room is recommended for lunch and the grounds looked particularly stunning , well tended and groomed.
5. Yorkshire Lavender
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 622 reviews
Yorkshire's Premier Triple Award-Winning Lavender Farm, Lavender Gardens and Specialist Plant Nursery set in a spectacular hillside farm of nearly 60 acres, within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Reviewed By roger_ashcroft - Witham, United Kingdom
Visited while on holiday after a recommendation by friends.A wonderful day out,beautifully laid out gardens,a nursery with a fantastic selection of plants and a great tea room.A very relaxing atmosphere with wonder walks around the gardens.
