Harlow Carr is the RHS Gardens for the north of England, just on the outskirts of Harrogate. As all RHS endeavours, it is vast in scale, meticulous in its execution and splendidly relaxing to wander around.
Set in a semi-sheltered valley, the gardens cover 27.5 hectares, melding well into the Yorkshire countryside. With some legacy relics from the Health Spa Hotel that originally occupied the site still visible, the RHS has re-landscaped on a grand scale creating a variety of mini-landscapes, from rockeries, rolling lawns, running and still water to woodland and wildflower meadows.
The naturally acidic soil creates an excellent environment for Rhododendron, Azalea, Himalayan blue poppies and a wide variety of other cool climate trees, shrubs and perennials. Essentially this is a lesson in gardening despite the weather, as they have to contend with cold, drying winter winds, deep frosts, a cooler, shorter growing season and lots of very wet weather and the results are spectacular at times.
The stunning main borders are a showcase for the plantsmanship of the staff, providing swathes of rich colour and texture for most of the year. This leads down to a delightful Streamside walk with quaint stone bridges crossing a bubbling brook banked with a lush array of water loving plants.
The woodlands then rise up to reveal huge old Rhododendron and Camellias and up at the top of the rise is an arboretum, wildflower meadow and bird hide for those who love fauna as well as flora.
Of the many specialist areas the Foliage and Scented Gardens are delightful enclosures while the Alpine House displays an impressive range of often tiny but very pretty rock plants.
The Kitchen Garden features some interesting raised beds, willow-woven climbing frames and fruit trees while a forager’s garden provides thoughtful design and some lovely ornamental aspects to complement.
These parkland style gardens have so much to offer we can't list them all here, but suffice to say that there is more than enough to fill one day - some would say it would take two days to take it all in. But then the seasons change and you just have to come back again.
Some say its worth the visit just for Betty's Cakes and although the Eccles cakes are the best in the entire universe I'd say the gardens have to take prime billing.
Author: Bob Saunders.
Bettys Tea House is situated at the end of the stream walk alongside the rockeries serving light lunches, teas and refreshment.
Bettys also has a restaurant in the main building with a slightly more formal atmosphere. Here waiters will serve your three course meal, though lighter, more informal food is also available. the view is superb and there are outdoor terraces too when the weather permits.
The Shop and Plant Centre is large and well worth a visit.
The Lindley Library is housed in the new Bramall Learning Centre. It offers a welcoming space full of ideas and information. With online resources, children’s books and a few treasures of its own, it has an enquiry service for all visitors and lends to RHS members.
Forming an important horticultural collection within the region, it covers practical gardening, garden design, garden history, wildlife gardening and much more.
Mobility: Six manual wheelchairs and three mobility vehicles are available at the garden entrance for ‘on the day use’. Advanced booking is recommended on 01423 724681.
By Car: RHS Garden Harlow Carr is situated on Crag Lane, off Otley Road (B6162) about a mile and a half from the centre of Harrogate. Car parking is free.
Sat Nav users: please use postcode HG3 1UE.
By Bike: Thirty cycle racks are available at the gardens.
By Rail:The closest rail station is Harrogate, one and a half miles away. For times and tickets see the National Rail Inquiries website.
On Foot:A lovely walk runs from Valley Gardens in Harrogate, up through the Pine Woods to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, taking approximately an hour at a leisurely pace. You can download a detailed map, or ask for a printed copy from the Harrogate Tourist Information Centre or RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
By Bus: Use the X6a service running from the Harrogate Bus station to a bus stop close to Harlow Carr. Services vary, please check the Harrogate Coach Travel website for a timetable or tel: 01423 339600. Alternatively, email harrogatecoach@aol.com
Harlow Carr offers bus users discounted admission to the garden with a valid bus ticket issued on the day of your visit.