York Gate Garden

About

This magical one-acre garden near Leeds with Grade II National Heritage status is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Diverse plant combinations show through a series of inspirational garden rooms.

A palette of colour bursts to life in spring and summer with tulips, bulging borders, succulents and exotics and a meadow full of wildflowers and wildlife. Timeless structure draws the eye in autumn and winter with a masterpiece of pattern and topiary and a finale of snowdrops and colourful gems. The ancient Adel woods create a scenic backdrop.

When Frederick Spencer bought York Gate in Adel near Leeds in 1951, it was nothing but a house surrounded by farmland. He laid down the bones of the garden, but after his death in 1963, it was his son Robin who took over the development and design. Inspired by some of the outstanding gardens of the Arts and Crafts movement such as Hidcote, he created in just one acre, a garden which by the early eighties was regarded by many as one of the best small gardens in the world.

Like Hidcote, York Gate Garden is divided up into a distinct number of ‘garden rooms’, using yew and beech hedges. What makes this garden exceptional is the exquisite detail Robin incorporated within each part, while using his great skill to unite them into a coherent whole through a continuous succession of vistas and focal points, including The Folly, The Arbour and the Tall Sundial.

Robin died suddenly and prematurely in 1982 at the age of only forty-seven. For the next twelve years his mother Sybil nurtured the garden. A gifted plantswoman, she continued to develop the fascinating plant collection, which remains today.

In 1994 York Gate was generously gifted to Perennial, the UK charity helping everybody who works in horticulture and their families. Since then, a team of volunteers have supported the maintenance and development of the garden.

In 2025 we celebrate 30 years of York Gate being a Perennial Garden. Whilst Sybil Spencer bequeathed the wonderful garden to Perennial in 1994, it was late in December when she died, so it did not open for Perennial until 1995.

In that time many gardeners and volunteers have lovingly cared for, preserved and nurtured the garden, giving so much pleasure to garden visitors and the local community that Sybil belonged to.

Very little of the original design has changed; it is incredible how 14 individual rooms could be so perfectly integrated into just one acre of garden. A masterpiece of perfection that needs no improvement.  The planting has continued to develop: there are so many plants now available that Sybil could only have dreamt of and we are able to expand the diversity of plants whilst retaining the Arts and Crafts style which York Gate is known for.

Rest assured, though, that the love and care of all those connected with the garden will ensure that it remains a garden of tranquility and beauty and reflects the skill and devotion of the Spencer family and their legacy for many years to come.

Our visitors have shared their complimentary reviews on Tripadvisor, so much so that York Gate has been recognised as a 2022, 2023 and 2024 Travellers’ Choice award winner landing it a place among travellers’ favourites and in the top 10% of Tripadvisor attractions worldwide.

The Gardens are open April - October, 10am to 3:30pm. Admission is £10 per person.

Plants for Sale

Turn your garden inspiration into reality. We offer a wide range of plants including those propagated from plants in the garden and grown on site by our nursery team.

York Gate Café

Our cafe serves wholesome homemade food, reflecting the seasons and promoting local produce. Our menu includes savoury delights, light lunches using handpicked produce from our vegetable garden, freshly prepared sandwiches, homemade cakes, and a selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee. Sit on the wonderful sun terrace overlooking the newly created Sand Garden. The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday all year round.

Gift Shop

The perfect place to find something special for the home and garden. We stock a large range of contemporary cards, stationery and giftware, including our range of York Gate inspired gifts, along with tools and accessories for gardeners.

Visitors describe it as

“A truly magical gem that surprises and delights.”

“One of the most peaceful and restorative spaces I've had the pleasure to spend time in.”

“This place couldn't fail to bring joy to all who visit.”

“The sheer pleasure of being immersed in such a tranquil space can be seen on the face of every single volunteer.”

“It's a little escape from the hustle and bustle of life beyond the gate.”