Howick Hall Gardens is a plantsman’s pleasure, with large grounds that provide a magnificent array of rare plants throughout the seasons.
The gardens were named one of the top five coastal gardens in the UK by BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, and one of the finest 10 gardens to visit in spring by The Independent newspaper. Garden Museum and Gardens Illustrated magazine named the garden ‘Garden of the Year’ in 2009.
Spring
The Snowdrop Festival kicks off the garden season in February, followed by carpets of brilliantly yellow daffodils from March through May. Camellias, magnolias, and species rhododendrons bloom in the woodland garden (Silverwood) till late April. Lady Mary’s ‘Botticelli Meadows,’ where colourful tulips are randomly planted in wildflower meadows, are very well known in Howick.
Summer
Summer brings out the finest in the more formal borders and terraces, while the Bog Garden, with its unique herbaceous species produced from seed obtained in the wild abroad, flowers in July, August, and September.
Autumn.
When every leaf turns into a flower and the berries shine and mature, autumn offers magnificent colour to the Estate. The Arboretum has approximately 65 acres of woodland paths with over 1,800 distinct types of trees and plants, the majority of which are labelled.
Garden of Sensation
The Sensory Garden is a recent addition to the main garden attraction, and it has a unique collection of plants and materials that are designed to excite the senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. The garden’s goal is to offer a secure and exciting setting for children and people with autism (and other impairments) to develop their senses.
Nature Walks
Families may participate in a seasonal ‘Family Challenge,’ which includes wandering around the forest pathways and wildlife spotting – watch for red squirrels, as well as ducks, swans, and herons on the pond.
Tea House
The elegant Earl Grey Tea House offers light lunches, snacks, and afternoon teas prepared from scratch. Howick was the Grey family seat and home to Charles, 2 Earl Grey, Prime Minister at the time of the Great Reform Bill’s passage in 1832, however, he is perhaps more remembered for the famed tea named after him and made particularly for the water at Howick. In Newcastle, his memorial may be seen at the top of Grey Street.
