York hidden gem Goddards is extending its opening hours and introducing new garden talks this summer.
The garden oasis on Tadcaster Road is giving visitors more opportunities to enjoy the outdoor space and make the most of the summer by extending its opening hours to four days a week from tomorrow (Thursday).
The National Trust garden will be open from Thursday to Sunday across the months of June, July and August.
Once home to the Terry family, this private haven hidden away on the edge of York Racecourse is part of York’s chocolate heritage.
The five-acre gardens are arranged in a series of garden rooms filled with scented borders, mature trees, ponds and wildflowers. Summer sees the double herbaceous borders come to life with delphiniums, sedums and brightly coloured rudbeckia blooms.
And visitors can find out even more about the garden at Goddards with new regular garden talks. Starting from 7 June members of the gardens team will deliver free thirty-minute talks about the unique history of the garden, how it was created, and how it has been shaped over the years.
Tom Longridge, National Trust senior gardener said, “The scented blooms, herbaceous border and fragrant garden come into their own over the summer months. The gardens are joy to explore.
“We’re pleased to able to offer visitors more opportunities to discover the gardens over the longer summer opening hours, whether this be for the first-time or on a return visit.”
As well as beautiful blooms, there’s also the tennis lawn and bowing green which are perfect garden games – why not challenge your friends and family to a game of croquet or tennis, or relax instead with a picnic.
From the 25 July, a new sense-sational family trail for the summer will be available, inviting you to explore the garden using all your senses.
Extended opening hours start on 6 June until the end of August. Talks with the garden team will be happening every Friday in June, July and August, starting on 7 June at 12pm & 2pm. Full details about the talks and to plan your visit can be found on the website.
Free entry to National Trust members and under-fives or from £7.50 per adult.