Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park
Situated in the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty between Ripon and Masham in North Yorkshire are the Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park.
The park is open from the beginning of June until the end of October, 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. Due to the current Covid Pandemic (March 2020) tickets must be booked online prior to your visit.
The gardens are situated just outside the tiny village of Grewelthorpe and covers an area of 45 acres of beautiful woodland, gardens, and an arboretum; enhanced by 3 lakes. Situated around the park are a collection of 80 contemporary sculptures.
Winner of Yorkshire in Bloom Tourist Attraction Award 2018 and 2019, and Best Business Award 2019. The gardens are a pleasure to visit any time of year but especially colourful during May when the huge collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, come into flower and again in October when the Autumnal colours glisten in the afternoon sunshine.
The planting has been carried out along the sides of the valley, consequently it is quite hilly and stout outdoor shoes should be worn, there is a lot of steps to climb and descend but it is well worth it because of the beautiful views and vistas. There are numerous paths and trails to follow through the woodland with many interesting sculptures interspersed amongst the trees. An integral part of the gardens are over 80 sculptures, ranging from a bronze leopard stalking a roe deer, to a giant floating magnolia and a mini Stonehenge. Each sculpture has been chosen and positioned within the landscape in a way that relates to everything around them, the weather, light, vegetation, and the close and long-distance views.
According to the guidebook and website https://www.himalayangarden.com there are nearly 20,000 plants including some 1,400 rhododendron varieties, 250 azalea varieties and 150 different magnolias. An exciting primula meadow enriches the stunning lakeside walks and the mass plantings of glorious hybrids and drifts of spring bulbs, provide fantastic seasonal interest.
After your walk amongst the woodland, there is a very pleasant tearoom including outdoor seating area if you do not wish to sit inside, which serves a range of teas and coffees as well as a variety of sandwiches and hot food including a delicious selection of cakes and bakes.
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
The gardens are a little gem, set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside.
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