Events

Every year we organise a varied programme of events aimed at improving our knowledge and enjoyment of designed landscapes, parks and gardens. Our visits are usually led by owners, head gardeners and researchers. We also arrange study days and lectures, both in person and by zoom.

Members and non-members are welcome. For popular events, and for those limited by numbers, priority will be given to members. See below, or contact events@yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk, for more information.

We aim to maintain ticket costs at a reasonable level to ensure that our events are accessible. We include some element of fund raising in some of our visit prices to support our Small Grants, Bursary and Schools programmes.

Our 2023 events programme is now finished. We are showing below preliminary information regarding our 2024 events.

Next event
Sewerby Hall
Day visit

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

An illustrated talk and guided walk

Sewerby Hall is Yorkshire’s uniquely sited historic park and garden in a dramatic clifftop position. With its spectacular views over Bridlington and the Bay it has a long history from 1086 when it was a manorial estate held by the count of Mortain. Having passed through various families it was acquired in 1714 by John Graeme I, a Bridlington merchant and the Graeme’s held the estate for 220 years. John Graeme III inherited Sewerby in 1798 and having married in succession two wealthy heiresses and inheriting some money from his father he set about designing his landscape setting for the Georgian house and making additions to the building.  

After coffee and biscuits, Val Hepworth and Caroline Kernan will lead the day explaining the developments at Sewerby and guiding members outside in the afternoon. There is no evidence that a ‘well-known’ name was employed by Graeme, but it is likely he was influenced by other landowners in his social circle. Sewerby is something of a hybrid, not a truely rugged picturesque landscape, but incorporating Brownian clumps, belts and picturesque use of the sea. There are distinctly Reptonian features, mid 19th century Victorian aspects and the walled kitchen garden appears built with three compartments on the 1854 OS Map.  Afterwards there will be an opportunity to visit Sewerby Hall. A Listed Grade I house it underwent a total restoration in 2013-2014 and has been re-presented as an Edwardian Country house, circa 1910. The rooms are furnished with impressive pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as other important collections.

Organiser: Val Hepworth

Tickets cost: £18.00 non-members £22.00 Lunch is available at the Clock Café or bring a packed lunch.

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Photo Val Hepworth
Day visit

Howsham Mill

The lands of Howsham belonged to Kirkham Abbey until the Dissolution and the present house (1610 Listed Grade I) was possibly built with Abbey stone.  Thomas Bamburgh bought the manor of Howsham in 1573 and William Bamburgh who succeeded in 1593 gave Howsham Hall its present form. The designed landscape developed in two distinct phases. Firstly in the early 18th century and secondly in mid to late 18th century. 

Sir John Wentworth, Lord of Howsham between 1689 and 1720, after remodelling the hall’s east façade, laid out a series of enclosed formal gardens. Nathaniel Cholmley (inherited Howsham 1758), in c.1770 with advice from John Carr and Thomas Atkinson, improved the interior of the Hall and consulted Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.  The late 18th century improvements, completed by 1776 included the partial demolition of Howsham village to create a park to the south of the Hall, remodelling of the water mill (Listed Grade II) and the Holms to the west, an ornamental boat house, icehouse, stable block, kitchen garden etc.

Howsham Mill has been restored by the Renewable Heritage Trust, generating hydroelectricity from the waterwheel and the first Archimedes Screw turbine installed in the UK.  There are now two Archimedes Screws!

Please meet at the Mill at 11.00am for coffee and biscuits followed by a presentation and guided tours of the Mill. After your picnic lunch, Val will lead to look at the evolution of the historic designed landscape, walking from the Mill to Howsham village, please wear suitable shoes.

Organiser: Val Hepworth

Tickets cost £15.00 (Non-members £18.00)

Details and booking