Laburnum arch at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland — The bright yellow larburnum arch at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Tom Carr

Top Gardens in the North East

Discover the vibrant beauty of summer in the North East’s finest gardens. From blooming borders to peaceful walled retreats, explore botanical gems across the region. Whether you're visiting with family, your dog, or enjoying a solo stroll, there’s a garden waiting to inspire you this season.

Uncover the natural beauty and rich heritage of the North East with the National Trust’s most stunning gardens this summer.

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Seaton Delaval Hall

In early June, the laburnum arch bursts into golden bloom, creating a stunning tunnel of cascading yellow flowers. Over 20 trees form this vibrant walkway, leading into the tranquil arboretum beyond. June is also the perfect time to enjoy the colourful display of azaleas and rhododendrons in full flower.

Wildflowers in the foreground with the hall at Gibside in the background, Northumberland

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Gibside in the summer

Summer brings vibrant life to the gardens at Gibside. From vivid poppies to towering cardoons and globe thistles, there’s colour at every turn. In the Walled Garden, soft fruits ripen under the sun, including strawberries, blackberries, redcurrants, and gooseberries. There’s always something blooming, buzzing, or ripening all summer long.

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Wallington's Walled Garden

June is the perfect time to visit Wallington’s Walled Garden. Enjoy a riot of colour and scent, and relax to live music every Sunday from local musicians. Pack a picnic, roll out a blanket, and soak up sounds from jazz to folk in this stunning setting. When the music fades, wander through the garden’s beautiful blooms.

Sunny view of summer flowering borders in front of the Georgian townhouse

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Crook Hall Gardens

Wander through a series of interlinked gardens at Crook Hall Gardens, leading you to blooming borders, secluded walled gardens, an orchard, and a tranquil moat pool. In summer, roses greet visitors with their scent, while sweet peas, clematis, and honeysuckle fill the walled garden with heady fragrance.

View of Cragside house surrounded by rhododendrons in north east England

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Cragside in bloom

Cragside bursts into bloom in early June, transforming into Northumberland’s own flower show. For a few spectacular weeks, millions of rhododendrons cascade down hillsides, climb crags, and line lakeshores. Wander through the Rock Garden’s kaleidoscope of colour—hot pinks, mauves, yellows, and reds—best viewed from the Iron Bridge or along winding paths. Don’t miss this breathtaking natural display from late May into June across Cragside’s 1,000-acre landscape.

Purple flowers and white daisies in the foreground with a lawn and Cherryburn museum behind. The sky is blue and the sun is shining.

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Cherryburn in the summertime

Summer is a lovely time to explore Cherryburn’s wildlife-friendly garden. Designed to reflect the natural landscape Thomas Bewick knew, it features easy-to-source plants like foxgloves, geraniums, and ox-eye daisies. Some beds are left to self-seed, while others bloom in soft tones that attract bees and butterflies. The garden now has a wilder, more natural feel—perfect for inspiration. All plants are either wildlife-friendly or familiar to Bewick. Garden talks available.

A family walk down a path with a summer garden to the right and a castle in the distance beyond the garden.

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Lindisfarne Castle's Garden

Designed by renowned plantswoman Gertrude Jekyll, the garden at Lindisfarne Castle is at its peak from July to September. Created to bloom during Edward Hudson’s summer visits, it’s now a tranquil haven filled with colour and buzzing bees. Sweet peas frame views of the castle, and in August, a rare gladioli—saved from extinction by the National Trust and a Jekyll favourite—adds a special flourish to this historic garden.

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Ormesby Hall's stunning displays

June brings the wisteria in full bloom, cascading over the dining room window at Ormesby Hall. By late June, foxgloves return along the Holly Walk, followed by a vibrant July rose display in the formal garden. Late summer sees a second wave of delphiniums and agapanthus—one of Ruth Pennyman’s favourites. From late June, tropical blooms like yuccas, dahlias, and flowering annuals add bold colour, lasting through the summer months.

Discover more seasonal blooms in the North of England with plenty of gardens and parks to visit.

Visitors in the Walled Garden at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, North Yorkshire

Gardens and Parks in Yorkshire

Enjoy Yorkshire's glorious gardens and parks, from landscaped views of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, to exploring pathways at Beningbrough and Nostell.

The Vegetable Garden in summer at Hill Top, Cumbria, home of Beatrix Potter

Gardens in the Lake District

The Lakes is known for its dramatic, wild landscapes, but its home to some intriguing gardens too. Explore castle grounds, a cottage garden that inspired Beatrix Potter, and more.