Gardens in Northumberland

Alnwick & Morpeth Region

Alnwick Garden

The centrepiece of The Alnwick Garden is the Grand Cascade, a magnificent tumbling mass of water, ending in an eruption of fountains sending 350 litres of water into the air every second. A computer system synchronises four sensational displays that offer not only a visual treat but more interactive enjoyment too for younger visitors who can play amongst the water jets.

Beyond the Grand Cascade lies the Ornamental Garden, a symmetrical structured garden with a strong European influence, brimming with over 16,500 plants.
Within the newly opened Serpent Garden, a holly serpent holds fascinating water sculptures designed by one of the world’s leading water sculptors, William Pye.
Nestled in a corner of The Garden is the Rose Garden, a mixture of pergola lined paths and walkways, covered in climbing and shrub roses mixed with glorious clematis and honeysuckle. This garden combines colour and fragrance to tempt the senses, with a collection of over 3000 roses.
The bamboo Labyrinth is a one-way maze created by one of the world’s leading maze designers, Adrian Fisher. Once you have started, you must always keep moving forwards, and never turn back. You will find the ingenious challenge formed by the paths surprisingly difficult to solve.
In the Poison Garden you can come face to face with plants so deadly they have to be kept behind bars! With some of world’s most poisonous plants growing side by side, you will be guided through this garden finding out all sorts of stories about how plants have killed and cured over the ages.
Outside of the main Garden wall lies the Treehouse, an enormous wooden structure with turrets and suspended walkways in the sky. Accessed by ramp, this treehouse is accessible to all. Why not enjoy a meal at the heart of the treehouse where the unique interior with a huge open log fire, high backed chairs, tree-sliced tables and creepers creates a completely natural looking environment?

The Alnwick Garden team and volunteers are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about The Alnwick Garden. A warm welcome awaits you in the Garden Cafe and Treehouse with a range of freshly prepared home-made fare. There are 14 wheelchairs available for use by visitors - phone 01665 511350 to reserve one. Tickets: There is now a combined ticket available to visit the Alnwick Castle and Garden see Garden website for current entry price.
Car Parking: There is now a £2 fee for car parking at the Garden although you can park in the long stay car parks in Alnwick Town centre for a similar fee. There are many cafés and tea rooms in Alnwick Town centre a short walk from the Garden and Castle.
2010 - Open 364 days of the year. For up todate entry prices and admission times please see the www.alnwickgarden.com website for further information.

Bide-a-Wee Cottage
Stanton, Netherwitton, Morpeth   Tel 01670 772262

This delightful garden at Bide-a-Wee Cottage set in a disused quarry covers around 2 acres. It was designed by Mark Robson and has many colourful plantings making full use of the quarry rock faces. There are many wildflowers including a National Collection of Cornflowers. Sea also the spring fed pool with astilbes and loosestrife. There are also Rhododendrons, conifers and grasses, and many unusual plants. Bide-a-Wee Cottage is a real plants-man's garden.
Open: May - August. Sats and Weds only - 1.30pm - 5pm. Partial disabled access.
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Belsay Quarry Gardens
Belsay, Morpeth

Belsay Hall houses 30 acres of magnificent formal and informal gardens including the famous quarry gardens with their distinct micro-climate. Here rhododendrons may be found in bloom even in the middle of winter. The Cragwood Walk is especially popular in February when it has a carpet of snowdrops. In June the whole Garden is a mass of colour!
2010 Open: daily, from April - September 10:00am - 5:00pm 7 days. November - March 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursday - Sunday. Tea Shop open as house April to October. March, weekends only.
See Visitor Information on the English Heritage website for current information. Or telephone: +44 (0)1661 881636. Partially accessible for visitors in wheelchairs.
 • Visitor Information

Howick Hall
Nr. Longhoughton, Alnwick.

The collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas is particularly striking in early June, although there are some stunning early rhododendrons displayed in the woodland walks near the house. The spring bulbs however are stunning and delightful. Howick was the home of Earl Grey, the Prime Minister of England from 1830-1834, whose favourite tea blend is now the most popular tea blend in the world. The recently opened Earl Grey Tea Room is situated within the house, although the main house is not open to the public.. There are many woodland walks, the "long walk" leads from the garden to the sea. See the web site for further information. The Summer Borders are an absolute delight!

NB. This is one of the best gardens in Northumberland, a real 'gardeners garden'
2010 Open: early February - mid November. British Summertime daily 12 - 6pm. British Wintertime clocks Wed - Sun. 10.30am - 4pm. Tea rooms open at these times. Tel: +44 (0)1665 577285.
Dogs are not allowed in the gardens. For further information please see their excellent website.
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Cragside
Rothbury

"Fantastic" is the only word to describe the setting for Lord Armstrong's Cragside. bring your walking boots and explore this truly wonderful landscape. 900 acres of hillside, lakes and woodlands with paths and country drives, famous for their early summer displays of colourful rhododendrons. Cragside House was the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity and "The Power Circuit" is a 1.5 mile circular walk which includes the restored Ram and Power Houses with their hydraulic and hydro-electric machinery. The remarkable Orchard House, ferneries, rose loggia and Italian garden are all within walking distance of the Country House at the heart of the estate. The formal garden includes a spectacular display of dahlia's in August/September. The top terrace of formal garden, where there is a new butterfly and bee garden, is accessible for wheelchair users. There is an adventure playground near Nellie's Moss lakes, with the "Labyrinth Maze" nearby.
2010 Gardens and Estate open during week 13th to 21st February, then 6th - 7th March.
House until 1st November. See the Cragside website for comprehensive information or you can telephone +44 (0)1669 620333.
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Wallington Gardens
Near Cambo

Beautiful 100 acre grounds consisting of lawns, lakes, gardens (famous for their scented roses) and woodland with a particularly attractive walled garden and conservatory. The grounds bear the distinctive hallmark of landscape architect Capability Brown, who was born in Cambo. There are fine walks along the river Wansbeck. The woods attract a variety of interesting birdlife including both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The gardens include scented plants and a Braille guide is available.
Grounds open: All year (daylight hours from 10am) Walled Garden restricted opening times. Restaurant and Farm Shop year round.
See Web site for opening hours or Tel: +44 (0)1670 774283.
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Herterton House Gardens
Near Cambo

Herterton House is a 16th century farmhouse set in small formal garden of 1 acre, with topiary, physic and flower gardens, a plant nursery and "fancy" garden with 2 storey gazebo. It is an absolute delight to walk around and should be a must on your visit to Northumberland. It is five minutes drive north of Wallington Hall just off the B6342.
Open: Apr-Sept, Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun, 1330-1730.
Further information: +44 (0)1670 774278.

Longframlington Gardens

Nursery and plant centre with Enroute coffee shop.
12 acres of landscaped gardens and recently planted arboretum. Topical Climate Change Interpretation and Display throughout the garden walks. Take in the seasonal change of the all-year interest planting schemes, large range of labelled plants.
Open all year, daily 08.30am - 5:00pm. Tel: (01665) 570382.
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South East Northumberland

Seaton Delaval Hall

Lady Hastings' gardens are truly magnificient with formal box
knot gardens infilled with roses, statuary, and wonderful colourful borders.
Seaton Delaval Hall is a great English Baroque villa designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval, built between 1719 and 1732, with superb formal gardens and colourful borders. It is much more than an architectural masterpiece. For 900 years, the estate has been a stage for drama, intrigue and romance while the surrounding landscape has fuelled industrial revolution. The Hall has survived terrible fires, military occupation and potential ruin. For up to date information please visit the website.


2010 Gardens and Estate open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
1st May to 31st October 11am - 5pm
1st November to 31st December 11am - 3pm. Group Tours by appointment on Tuesdays - Thursdays.
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South West Northumberland

Chesters Walled Garden
Near Chollerford