The secret gardens
Discover the hidden gems in the grounds of a National Trust property near you
AS the days lengthen and the warmer weather arrives, there are few things more magical to explore than a beautiful garden.
Wander alongside blooming borders and spectacular curtains of colour in formal gardens, or step into kitchen gardens and conservatories to see what’s growing.
Take in the sights and scents of late spring at National Trust places in the North East and Yorkshire. Your visit will help keep National Trust gardens blooming for many years to come.
Here are just some to explore:
LINDISFARNE CASTLE Holy Island, Northumberland
Find the most northerly garden on this list at Lindisfarne Castle. Today, the vegetable patch that once fed the soldiers who lived there is a carpet of colour.
Discover hardy annuals, vibrant perennials and heritage vegetables. Heading into June, this sheltered spot fills with the scent of eight varieties of sweet pea.
WALLINGTON Near Cambo, Northumberland
Only 20 miles from Newcastle, a late spring highlight are the primulas on the East Drive. In the walled garden the cut flower borders zing with colour and hardy perennials take over on the Lower Terrace.
Picnic on the lawn or by the pond, with the garden kiosk on hand for drinks. Look out for gardeners busy creating a new area to enjoy in the autumn.
SEATON DELAVAL HALL Seaton Sluice, Northumberland
The owners of the Hall were flamboyant and their formal garden is too – they take on a coat of many colours in late spring. The bright yellow canopy of the laburnum arch is a picture-perfect sight, with approximately 20 individual trees covering the long tunnel. Rhododendrons, in white, pink and pale purples, are also making an appearance.
A special Tibetan cherry tree, planted as part of a project to regenerate the South East garden, might be flowering for the very first time and this area also has two playful installations to find.
GIBSIDE Near Gateshead
Gibside’s 18th century garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Stroll in the dappled shade of the trees, relax with a picnic on the Avenue or take in the colour of the Walled Garden. In late spring the ancient hay meadows begin to burst into life, full of vibrant yellow rattle, dainty selfheal, common-spotted orchids, lady’s bedstraw and purple betony.
ORMESBY HALL Near Middlesbrough
A stone’s throw from the centre of Middlesbrough is the formal garden of the Pennyman family. In May, the wisteria frames the dining room windows of their Georgian Mansion in a purple haze. Flowering rhododendrons add dashes of delicate white, purple and pink to the borders. Take in the scents of wild garlic and azaleas – bees love their vivid yellow and bright orange colour. New borders of tropical plants bloom from early June and there are over 40 species of fern in the fernery.
NUNNINGTON HALL Near York
The orchard meadows are full of life and colour in late spring as flowers and grasses bloom. Roses are appearing, alliums are flowering and the gardening team’s favourite flowering shrub, Cistus ‘Christopher Gable’ (named after the ballet dancer), is putting on a show.
Buzz Border is the place to be for bees, butterflies and other insects and it’s the best time to watch the red mason bees laying their eggs through observation boxes.
BENINGBROUGH HALL, GALLERY & GARDENS Near York
The Pergola, designed by RHS Chelsea gold award-winning garden designer Andy Sturgeon, takes centre stage in May and early June, with white wisteria overhead and scented shrubs, perennials, and bulbs at your feet. Wildflowers are opening, along with alliums, peonies and roses – soon joined by the heady scents of mock orange and other flowering shrubs along the double border. Look out for Tulipa ‘Hemisphere’ as the petals turn from white to pink and red.
NOSTELL Near Wakefield
This working kitchen garden is alive with bees and birds in late spring. Vegetables are true to the varieties available in the 18th and 19th century, including giant onions, herbs and 19 types of rhubarb.
The herbaceous borders are filling out, the scent of wild garlic is in the air and bluebells and wisteria are at their brightest.
WENTWORTH CASTLE GARDENS Near Barnsley
Not far from Barnsley is this oasis of calm. Visit in May and you’ll spot a sea of pinks, purples and creams as the rhododendrons near one of the estate’s monuments – the Sun Monument – come into their own.
The stunning Azalea Garden is a rainbow of bright oranges, vivid yellows and beautiful reds, while the Union Jack Garden is being redesigned this year, with the help of the local community.