York’s hidden gem garden, Goddards, will reopen for spring this weekend.
The reopening of the former home of the Terry family marks the start of a new season celebrating heritage, horticulture, and the unique story of one of York’s most iconic families.
And to launch the new year, there’s an exclusive offer for York residents! On Saturday 28 February, local residents will have the chance to enjoy exclusive access as part of York Residents’ Festival.
Photograph: National Trust / Sue Gabbatiss
For one day only, this special offer provides free access for York residents to explore the Arts and Crafts‑inspired gardens. The official spring opening to the public will then take place Sunday 1 March.
Seasonal highlights in the garden include snowdrops, hellebores and winter flowering shrubs, making way for daffodils and hyacinths.
“We’ve come through a very wet and cold January and February,” said senior gardener, Tom Longridge. “So we’ve still got a lot of early spring bulbs looking good, like the snow drops and the crocuses; often these have gone over the time we we open our doors, so it’s a good chance to come and see those early spring bulbs.
“There’s lots of signs of life everywhere in the garden – everything is just waiting to spring into action. And hopefully, with a bit of better weather, we’ll soon be in the full flows of spring.”
Located on Tadcaster Road, Goddards has long been admired for its intimate garden rooms, historic planting schemes, and peaceful views across the racecourse. Designed in the 1920s by George Dillistone, the gardens are a testament to the creativity and character of the Terry family who lived there; known worldwide for their chocolate-making legacy.
“It’s a wonderful surviving example of [George Dillistone’s] work that hasn’t been altered in all that time,” said Tom. “It’s a five acres arts-and-crafts garden, unassuming from the streets on Tadcaster Road, but once you come through the gates, you’re into a quiet oasis that’s tucked away and surrounded by mature trees and lovely gardens.
“If you wander down to the lower garden, there’s an amazing rock garden. There’s a lot of spring bulbs, and there’s a lovely greenhouse to explore.”
First signs of life at Goddards. Photographs: Rachel Rogers
The consistent wet weather has proved to be a challenge for the gardening team at Goddards. “It’s something we’re getting used to in gardening, because every year there’s some new sort of extreme climate that we work with.
“Last year we had the extreme droughts in the spring, hot, dry weather. This year, so far, it’s been very, very wet, cold. So who knows what’s to come – that’s climate change.”
For Residents’ Festival on 28 February, York residents just need to bring a valid proof of address and ID to enjoy free entry to the gardens. Visitors are asked to arrive by foot or bike, making use of the regular bus service; the garden has accessible parking only.
Normal admission resumes from Sunday 1 March when the garden is open every weekend, increasing in the summer.
“The garden is constantly changing at this time of year, as things come back to life,” said Tom. “It’s a wonderful place to keep coming back to if you want to see the garden develop over the seasons.”
Full details of what to expect and to plan your visit can be found on the website.
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