Harlow Carr Garden, England; beautiful RHS gardens in Harrogate

Visit Harlow Carr Garden

The Harlow Carr garden is a beautiful 68 acre garden with woodlands, streamside planting, herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows and much more. It is set in the charming Spa town of Harrogate, well worth a visit too!

Explore the RHS Garden Harlow Carr

The Harlow Carr Gardens are one of five RHS gardens in the UK. It is the most northerly and was aquired when the RHS merged with the Northern Horticulture Society in 2001.

The long stream running through the garden means there is a great opportunity to showcase water loving plants and the summer display of colourful candelabra primulas is very striking.

The streamside garden is one of the longest in the Uk and planting includes Gunnera, hostas, rodgersia and darmeras. Candelabra primulas, irises and astilbes are planted in blocks creating colourful displays. There is also a large display of Meconopsis, the Himalayan Blue Poppy, which is relatively rare in UK gardens. Bridges and cascades and lots of mature trees add to the streamside interest.

Herbaceous borders, wild flower planting and woodland gardens provide lots more to see and admire and the plants and the design offer lots of ideas to take back home. We particularly liked a display of dark pink hyacinths with white narcissi that we saw during a spring visit and astrantia and phlox that were blooming this summer.

An alpine house has a great view at the top of the valley and is home to more than 2000 alpine plants. And given that winters can be long in Yorkshire the Harlow Carr Garden has a Winter Walk to provide colour and interest in winter. Brighltly coloured stems, evergreens and berries provide a remarkably colourful display. Great for something to do on a dreary winter day and especially if you have free entry with RHS membership!

Other gardening treats include a Hedehog friendly garden and a kitchen garden. The kitchen garden grows vegetables, fruit and cut flowers and woven living willow structures provide support and decoration to the garden. Another area with lots of ideas and inspirations to take home with you!

After all the treats of the garden there is another in store for visitors. The famous Bettys tea rooms of Harrogate have set up a sister site at the garden and you can enjoy coffee and cakes and light lunches in a lovely airy sunroom or terrace overlooking the garden. What more could you ask for!

A garden shop means you can also buy some of the plants that have inspired you as you explored the garden.

During the year there are a range of events including a spring plant festival, an autumn plant festival, a food and drink festival, open air theatre and cinema events and lots more.

Practical Information

RHS Garden Harlow Carr is open every day except Christmas Day:

1 March - 30 October 9.30am - 6pm; 31 October - 28 February 9.30am - 4pm

Adults £11 and 5-16s £5.50

The garden is situated on Cragg Lane off Otley Road about 2km south of the town centre.

Places to Visit Nearby

Of course you must visit the beautiful spa town of Harrogate whilst you are here. It really is a treat.

In the centre of Harrogate garden lovers will enjoy a walk through the Valley Gardens a beautiful garden with a stream and many borders as well as a children's playground and tennis courts.

You can find more local travel ideas in the North Yorkshire guide and the North Yorkshire guide.