Get swept up in your surroundings with one of these beautiful garden walks, all within easy reach of Newcastle.
Garden walks are a pure joy. From the first buds of spring and burst of colour through the summer months, to the rich transitional tones of autumn and the crisp beauty of winter, the natural world offers an ever-changing backdrop, all year round.
And what better way to admire each season than with a wander through some of the North East’s most beautiful estates and local attractions?
I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites to inspire your next day out, all perfect for enjoying the fresh air and (if you’re anything like me) seeking an opportunity to step away from the daily grind and romanticise your life for a few hours.
Bradley Gardens
Situated on the edge of the Tyne Valley, Bradley Gardens is a restored walled garden dating back to the 1840s. It’s now home to a beautiful glasshouse cafe, homeware shop and florist, and feels like a real-life secret garden, with lots of nooks and hidden corners to explore.Â
Raby Castle
Raby Castle’s five-acre Walled Gardens offer spectacular views of the castle rising beyond the historic stone walls. Alongside a grass amphitheatre, you’ll find mazes, the famous Raby yew hedge, an ornamental pond, and flower beds filled with roses, peonies, dahlias and sweet peas.
Belsay Hall
Explore 30-acres of Grade I-listed gardens across this English Heritage site, where you’ll also find a Greek Revival mansion and a medieval castle. The Quarry garden is the standout feature, created within the former stone quarry used to build the hall. Towering cliff-faces, ravines, lush planting and a unique microclimate give the space an almost prehistoric feel.
Ormesby Hall
Once home to the Pennyman family for 400 years, this National Trust site in North Yorkshire combines elegant formal gardens with over 200 acres of parkland and farmland. Stroll through the Victorian gardens, admire the colourful seasonal displays and enjoy the peaceful setting before exploring the main hall and grounds on foot.
Wallington Hall
Wallington Hall’s walled garden is tucked away among the trees and bursts into life throughout the year. Every March, its stunning crocus lawn attracts visitors from across the region, while the wider estate offers woodland trails and a picturesque riverside walk complete with stepping stones.
The Alnwick Garden
One of Northumberland’s best-loved attractions, The Alnwick Garden has something for everyone, from the Grand Cascade and ornamental gardens to the bamboo labyrinth and infamous Poison Garden. Its cherry blossom trees bloom for around two weeks every spring and are well worth a visit, too. (You can read my pocket guide to visiting the cherry blossom orchard here.)
Like this article? You may also want to check out my post on 15 of the best beaches within 90 minutes of Newcastle.
Discover more day trip ideas, hidden gems and things to do in and around Newcastle by signing up to my free monthly newsletter.
