The gardens at Newby Hall encapsulate all the romance and beauty of a truly English garden attached to a large country house. The double borders that run from the south front of the house down to the banks of the River Ure are perhaps the finest in England and are filled with untold treasures. Newby has been likened to Hidcote as the finest example of twentieth century horticulture only on a much grander scale.
Lying in the northern tip of the Vale of York close to the cathedral city of Ripon, Newby belongs to the Compton family whose hands it has been in since 1748. It was decorated by Robert Adam having been built by Sir Christopher Wren for Sir Edward Blackett between 1690-95. The 25 acres of gardens we see today were largely designed by the current owner's grandfather and substantially improved by his father.
Beyond the grandeur of the borders, the south terrace and the statue walk, Newby is a garden to lose yourself in a come upon secret areas by chance. This is a garden for all seasons with strong structure and design as well as a huge collection of plants.
Delve into Sylvia's Garden or the Rose Garden or wonder over the collection of salvias in the Autumn Garden. Feel the atmosphere surrounding the White Garden and wander freely through the glades and groves of the woodland garden which is packed with a fine collection of trees and shrubs, including the national collection or cornus (dogwoods) which can be seen throughout the gardens. |