Helmsley Walled Garden
Free RHS Member days
10am–4pm (closes 3pm in March, November and December), Wednesday (plus daily in October), March–December
About the garden
Used as one of the filming locations for the new adaptation of The Secret Garden, Helmsley Walled Garden spans five glorious acres in the North York Moors National Park. Originally the kitchen garden for Duncombe Park, it was abandoned in the 1980s. In 1994, local resident Alison Ticehurst began its restoration with the goal of creating a beautiful garden for visitors while also providing a therapeutic place. Today, the garden continues to offer nature-based activities to support individuals dealing with issues such as depression and social isolation.
The garden is constantly evolving. Highlights include a labyrinth, sculpture trail, a Native Plants Border showcasing British native plants that support insects, butterflies and pollinators, and a replanting of the Physic Garden. Work is ongoing in the Secret Garden, planted with flowers mentioned in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel. A new addition is the alpine garden, which was first displayed at Harrogate Spring Flower Show 2024.
Facilities
- Accessible garden
- Dogs welcome
- Plant sales
- Refreshments
- Toilets
Key features
- Sculpture
- Glasshouse (open to public)
- National Plant Collections
- Potager
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.