HARROGATE - 25 MINS FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
RHS Garden
Harlow Carr
Fifty-eight acres of inspired planting in a natural valley setting on the edge of Harrogate. Woodland, streamside gardens, a kitchen garden, rose garden and one of England's finest ornamental tree collections - all within easy reach of Pateley Bridge. Bettys tearoom on site.
Visit information
- Address
- Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- From Pateley Bridge
- 25 minutes via B6165
- Open
- Daily. Winter 9.30am-4pm. Summer 9.30am-6pm. Check rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr for current hours.
- Entry
- RHS members free. Non-members: adults and concessions - see website. Under 5s free.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads welcome in most parts of the garden
- Cafe
- Large Harlow Carr Bettys on site - one of the best tearooms in the north
ON SITE
Bettys at Harlow Carr
Yorkshire's most famous tearoom company has its Harlow Carr branch set in a beautiful glasshouse at the edge of the garden. Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and the full Bettys cake and pastry selection. One of the best reasons to visit even on a day when the weather isn't ideal.
The gardens
The Streamside Garden
Harlow Carr sits on a hillside above a natural stream, and the streamside garden follows the water through a changing sequence of planting. Candelabra primulas in spring, astilbes and hostas in summer, dogwood colour in winter. One of the most visited sections of the garden.
The Woodland
The northern section of the garden is dominated by mature woodland, underplanted with rhododendrons, azaleas and ferns. In late April and May when the rhododendrons are in full flower, this section is extraordinary. The scent carries on still days all the way down to the stream.
The Kitchen Garden
A working kitchen garden demonstrating vegetable growing through the year. Beautifully maintained raised beds, fruit cages and cutting flowers. The section includes a heritage apple orchard with varieties not available commercially.
The Rock Garden
One of the oldest features of the original garden, the rock garden has been planted with alpines and hardy perennials in the cracks and crevices of the limestone. At its best in late spring and early summer.
The Flower Garden
Formal beds at the centre of the garden, replanted twice a year with bedding and seasonal interest. Spectacular in summer and a useful reference for home gardeners wanting ideas for their own plots.
The Arboretum
A collection of trees and large shrubs gathered over decades. Particularly good in autumn when the colours are at their peak, and in spring for the blossom sequence from the cherries, crabapples and magnolias.
What's on through the year
Daffodils and early bulbs in March. Blossom on the ornamental trees in April. Rhododendrons and azaleas reach their peak in late April and May. The streamside primulas are at their best in May.
The rose garden comes into its first flush. Alliums and hardy geraniums fill the borders. The kitchen garden is in full production. Generally the busiest month in terms of visitor numbers.
Herbaceous borders at maximum height and colour. Water features are a draw on hot days. The garden's cafe and terrace are at their best. Evening openings occasionally available.
Asters, dahlias and late perennials. The woodland colour builds through October. The kitchen garden harvest is at its peak. Quieter and often the most atmospheric time to visit.
The garden doesn't close. Winter stems, bark texture and structure take centre stage. Snowdrops appear in January in sheltered spots. The garden is at its quietest and most personal in winter.
Plan your visit
Harlow Carr is 25 minutes from Pateley Bridge on the B6165 into Harrogate. Allow at least three hours for the garden. Combine with Harrogate town centre for a full day out.