Castle Howard Gardens and Ray Wood Arboretum

Book Online For further information please contact Joe at joe.whitehead@burghley.co.uk or 07921 617874.

PGG visit to Castle Howard Gardens and Ray Wood Arboretum

It may be chilly now but take a moment and imagine a glorious spring day, the warm sun on your face as you stroll through a wonderful historic landscape, exploring beautiful gardens and vivid spring displays, all guided by two eminent plantsman gardeners – a nice thought to fend off any gloom in the depths of winter.

Castle Howard Gardens

With 1,000 acres of parkland to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquillity with extensive woodland walks, beautiful gardens, temples, lakes and fountains. The monumental landscape offers breathtaking views at every turn. Nestled amongst this grand landscape is the early 18th-century kitchen garden; today, part of the garden is still given over to vegetables and cut flowers but the remainder of the area has been transformed into a garden of roses, dedicated to the memory of Lady Cecilia Howard.

Ray Wood Arboretum

Ray Wood holds an impressive botanical collection from around the world. Spring, when the rhododendrons begin to flower, is a colourful spectacle that must be seen to be believed! With nearly 800 species of Rhododendron as well as glades of Pieris, wild roses, magnolias, hydrangeas, viburnums, maples and rowans, Ray Wood is a stunning maze of colourful displays.

Programme

10am. Meet Alastair Gunn, Head Gardener and PGG member, at the main visitors’ entrance. Refreshments on arrival
10.30am. Tour of the gardens with Alastair.
12.30am. Lunch; the estate offers a number of food outlets or bring a pack lunch and find a nice tree to sit under.
1.30pm. Convene at the Ray Wood entrance to meet our guide for the afternoon, John Grimshaw, former Director of the Yorkshire Arboretum and renowned plantsman.
3.30pm. Approximate finish time of the tour, giving plenty of time to explore further or find another cuppa.

Directions

Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA.
Castle Howard is just 15 miles North East of York and is easily accessible from the A64 which connects Leeds, York and the Yorkshire Coast.

Ray Wood Arboretum is on the Castle Howard Estate.

Cost

£22.00 per person for the day including morning refreshments.

Booking

Book Online For further information please contact Joe at joe.whitehead@burghley.co.uk or 07921 617874.

More info. castlehoward.co.uk.