The gardens at Goddards

The secret garden 

The first impression of the house is it peeking through the foliage and pollarded chestnut trees as a secret escape for the Terry family in the centre of York. Hidden away from the busy street set amongst glorious gardens.

As you approach the house and look down across the orchard, the iconic clock tower at Terry’s chocolate works can be seen over what is now the County Stand at York Racecourse, linking the Terry home to the heart of the Terry chocolate empire.

Garden rooms 

The gardens are divided into rooms as a feature of its arts and crafts style. The idea behind the rooms was that of a continuation of the house extending beyond the walls and into the garden. The outdoor rooms, similarly to those in the house, each perform a separate function with hedges and shrubs providing the structure.  

The herbaceous borders

Running across the back of the house is certainly one of the most spectacular rooms of the garden, coming alive with Delphiniums, Sedums and brightly coloured Rudbeckia blooms in late summer.

Bowling green and tennis lawn

It was always a garden to be lived in as well as looked at and guests, along with the family, enjoyed several sports in the garden. Firm family favourites that you can play when you visit are tennis, clock golf and croquet. The Terry children were known for racing up and down the gardens on their bikes, speeding down the hill and attempting to get back up to the top in one go.

The terrace 

The elevated position of the house allowed the Terrys to look down on their once bountiful rose garden and now allows you to appreciate the garden as Dillistone intended - perhaps with a refreshing drink in hand.

The fragrant garden

The latest garden room for you to explore using the original 1928 design as inspiration. See how it has evolved.

Take a walk on the wild side 

Explore further into the garden to gauge the change in design and feel and step into another imagination of the Arts and Crafts style. The formality and precision of the borders, hedges and lawns ebbs away and what is left is a much looser and natural display. 

The rock garden 

Is a hidden and peaceful retreat with the wildlife pond adding a different feeling to the more formal pond in the lawn. After a particularly wet spell look out for water cascading over the limestone. It's the perfect place to pause a while and watch wildlife.

A working garden 

The kitchen garden

Now only taking up part of the lawn, but once responsible for feeding the Terry household and supplying the kitchens with vegetables and other staples. The kitchen garden is a prime example of what can be done with a small space. Noel Terry’s favourite apple variety, James Grieve, grow in the newly planted orchard looking out across the racetrack. 

The greenhouse

From the exotic to the delicious, step inside to see for yourself the varieties taking seed. You might even find a gardener pausing over a brew and happy to have a chat.

Garden events

Apples not (chocolate) oranges - 2-5 October, 11.30am-3pm

Head to the Paddock Orchard and discover the inspiration behind Terry’s Chocolate Apple with Tom. Follow up with a two-course meal with the rest of the group, featuring produce from the orchard and veg garden.

Dogs at Goddards

Dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens and assistance dogs are welcome in the house. If you would like to dine with us and have your furry friend with you, we suggest sitting on the lavender terrace on a sunny day or under the veranda on a rainy day where your dog can be with you while you enjoy your meal. The team will be happy to bring a bowl of water out too.