A hidden gem in York is reopening for spring next week.
A new season is set to start at Goddards as the team of gardeners and volunteers put together the finishing touches to this secret garden, ready to welcome visitors back from the Saturday 1 March.
The National Trust garden, hidden away on the edge of York Racecourse, was once home to the famous Terry chocolatier family, who curated a collection of stunning and species-rich outdoor spaces over several decades.
Today, the picturesque house itself is used as an office by the National Trust’s Yorkshire teams, but the lovingly cared-for gardens are open for the public to explore.
And explore they can once more, when the five acres of green space reopens next weekend!
The gardens come to life in spring, with hyacinths, hellebores, pulmonarias and daffodils waking up for the season.
Stunning displays of tulips and delicate blossoms will follow in late spring – and wandering through the garden rooms is the perfect way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tom Longridge, National Trust senior gardener, is tasked with caring for the site and is looking forward to welcoming people back this spring following the winter closure.
Tom said: “Spring at Goddards is a visual treat, and people always enjoy coming back to see what the new season will bring.
“It’s a large and varied site, with lots of different spaces to explore, and visitors can expect to see lots of daffodils, crocus in the orchard and rock gardens, and beautiful hyacinths on the terrace.
“It really is the most lovely, peaceful location to enjoy a pot of tea and some cake away from the bustle of central York.”
The gardens and café kiosk will be open again to the public from Saturday 1 March at weekends only, although opening is extended during the summer months.
Entry is free for National Trust members and under-fives, with charges applying to other visitors.
To find out more about Goddards and to plan your visit, head to the National Trust website here.