Northumberland's Gardens

The beauty of English gardens is acknowledged around the world. Where better to see England’s northern gardens than in Northumberland? After all, this county was the birthplace of landscape architect Capability Brown, and he has inspired fellow landscape architects and gardeners alike. Over the years our gardeners have created colour and variety to last through the seasons. And they have incorporate intriguing features into Northumberland gardens so that they are visually stunning and full of surprise.

For a county that is rural and rugged with plenty of coastline, Northumberland has a surprising number of gardens. Each one is unique and special in its own way. Even some of our ancient monuments have gardens. Hadrian’s Wall country has the Chester’s Walled Garden and the Garden Station in Langley, a former railway station with an imaginative woodland garden.

For something totally different and revealing creative powers that are truly magical, Alnwick Garden is a must see. This is made up of acres of fascinating and unusual plants, water sculptures and its infamous Poison Garden. It is also home to one of the world’s largest tree houses.

More traditional are the gardens at Cragside House near Rothbury. This was once the home of Victorian industrialist Lord Armstrong and now displays woodlands, flower beds, lakes and rocky scenery that would make any lord proud. Howick Hall & Gardens is home to a fine arboretum and was the residence of Earl Grey, the man behind the tea! Another country house garden can be found at Wallington House, near Cambo. Kirkley Hall House has terraces, a sunken garden and a beautiful demonstration beds. The gardens at Whalton Manor and Bide-a-Wee in Netherwitton are equally special but on a smaller scale.