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.

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Day visit

The Lost Nurseries of Central York

The Dissolution of the Monasteries left several sites within or close to the York city walls that were productive gardens or had the space to be so. Several of these subsequently became significant plant nurseries. The walk will begin with the lost site on Fishergate that became the Riggs nursery, and proceed to the site close to Clifford’s Tower that became Matthew Wharton’s nursery, and then to Tanner Row where the Telfords and later the Backhouses established their important nursery businesses. The walk will finish close to the centre of York at the Yorkshire Museum gardens, another location where monastic land became an important horticultural site.
None of the nurseries survived beyond the mid-19th century, so map evidence and illustrations will be provided to help us imagine them. During the walk we will examine the importance not just of the nurseries but also of York more generally as a centre of horticultural innovation from the mid-17th century onwards.

Tickets cost: £10.00, £12.00 non-members includes handouts. Places are limited to 12 - first bookings will be for members only - interested non-members can be placed on a waiting list (see below - booking details)
Organiser: Gillian Parker
 

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Day visit

The Ancient Royal Knaresborough Forest & Castle

Past - Present - Future

In 1086 the Doomsday Survey mentions Chenardesburg (Knaresborough) and it is thought that Knaresborough Forest dates from then. The Castle is first mentioned in 1130, and was built in a commanding position above the River Nidd Gorge, but partially dismantled in 1648, the result of an order from Parliament to dismantle all Royalist castles. Join David Rhodes in Knaresborough for a talk about both the Forest - placed in the centre of Yorkshire’s White Rose Forest, and the Government’s coast to coast Northern Forest - and the Castle and its surroundings, and the importance of both in the future. We will meet in ‘The Church’ at COGS, the Methodist Church, for coffee and biscuits at 10.30am followed by David’s talk. Please bring a packed lunch or there are many cafes in the centre of the town, and afterwards David will lead a tour of the Castle area and there will be an opportunity to visit the Kings Tower at the Castle. (Entrance fee £3.80, seniors and disabled £2.80)

Please wear sensible walking shoes.

Organisers: Vicky Price and David Rhodes

Tickets cost £12.00 (Non-members £14.00)

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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)

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