Frank R.
Google
On Sunday, 17 September 2023, I had my first visit to Helmsley. I was unpleasantly surprised by awful service in a local bar, which made me fear that this was a village that did not welcome strangers. After wandering around the village and visiting the fascinating church and a bookshop that disappointingly did not sell second hand books, my sister and her husband suggested that we visit this walled garden. My mood was not great after walking around a village that was clearly very popular and yet seemed strangely unwelcoming, and I had lost all appetite for walking around a garden. However we had a delightful cup of tea in the cafe by the garden and this lifted my spirit and my desire to see the garden. I am SO glad I did. The garden is superb. One of the best of its kind I have visited in England. Glorious flowers, plants and fruit trees, wonderful peaceful setting, with the backdrop of the ruined castle, and a place for quiet reflection. Even in late summer, the gardens are outstanding. The chickens here have a happy and privileged life! I love walled gardens. And this one is very special. As the garden was closing when we left I had only a very short time to visit the bookshop but it was wonderful, as was the lady working there and selling tickets to the garden. Could have bought many things in the excellent shop (huge stock of jams, chutneys, sauces etc), which contained a small but excellent collection of books and some wonderful greeting cards and other things. As it was I made an impulse buy of a beautiful framed colour print of the garden, only £20. Wonderful place. Will come again soon I hope with my children.