Visiting the garden at East Riddlesden Hall

The formal garden

This main part of the garden was designed in 1972. Herbacious borders surround the green lawns, which are lovingly tended to by our amazing garden volunteers.

In the borders, you’ll find a selection of perennials which burst into bloom at different times throughout the season – putting on a different show each time you come to visit the garden.

The walls are covered in climbing plants and ivys, creating little hiding places for a variety of garden birds. During spring, their song fills the gardens and there are plenty of perfectly placed benches for you to relax on as you listen to them sing. Listen out for the iconic chiff chaff’s call and see if you can spot a friendly robin hopping from branch to branch.

During spring, blossom starts to appear on the fruit trees than line the central path. These trees grow a variety of pears and apples, which we harvest during the autumn months. Look out for butterflies resting on the blossom and see the bees buzzing amongst the petals.

At the back of the garden, head through the ivy archway and you’ll find another secret spot. In Mollie’s Garden, you’ll see a variety of homes for our little garden wildlife as well as beds for cut flowers. You’ll also find one of the most important parts of our garden – the compost area. Here is where we make all the compost in the gardens, from garden waste collected throughout the year.

The wild garden

The wild garden provides the perfect contrast to the main garden. Here you’ll find a variety of wild flowers, taking their turn to take centre stage during the spring. Look out for the dainty snakes head fritillary and enjoy the spectacle of the bluebells during late spring.

This peaceful, wild spot is a favourite place for our garden wildlife. Bugs can be found crawling through the grass, butterflies flutter between the flowers and birds can be heard singing loudly in the treetops.

On a night, roe deer often visit here so look for signs they’ve paid a visit – you might see tracks on the ground or see where they’ve had a nibble on the foliage.

Fields and meadows

Enjoy a local walk along the lower fields, looking for wildlife on the banks of the River Aire. This open space is a great place to enjoy some peace on quiet on your doorstep, with plenty of room for little ones to charge about and to stretch your legs on the riverside path.

If you’re visiting with your four-legged friend, please be mindful of livestock grazing in nearby fields. Please do keep your dogs under close control and help us care for this special place by removing any waste and using the bins provided.