Parcevall Hall Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

Walsingham College (Yorkshire Properties)

Nestling in a tranquil and picturesque setting, high on a hillside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and steeped in history, Parcevall Hall Gardens is considered to be a fine example of the arts and crafts movement. They are the vision of Sir William Milner (1893-1960), a far-sighted architect, horticulturist and plantsman, who designed the gardens to be in total harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Today they stand as a lasting testament to his remarkable insight, beginning his project by first rebuilding the derelict 16th/early 17th century shell of Parcevall Hall. A mammoth task, once completed the hall was to become Sir William’s home for 30 years as he continued to develop the gardens right up until his death, with his godmother, Queen Mary, being a frequent visitor.

Gradually emerging from desolate, treeless and windswept moorland is the wonderful landscape that is Parcevall Hall Gardens, comprising formal south facing terraces, specialist plants, woodland walks, a rose garden, unusual perennials, alpine and woodland plants and specialist trees and shrubs, with many items having been collected from Western China and the Himalayas. The rock garden is considered to be the finest of its kind in Northern England. A devout Anglo-Catholic, Sir William’s faith is reflected throughout, but notably by the Red Borders representing the blood at the foot of Christ’s Cross.

Located at the head of a valley and rising to a height of 200ft, Parcevall Hall Gardens offers wonderful views in every direction and is a horticultural delight. The hall itself is not open to garden visitors and is used by the Diocese of West Yorkshire and The Dales as a retreat house and conference centre, although its architectural features can be appreciated at close range from several vantage points.