In a suburb of York, there is a secret garden “hidden in plain sight” that is bursting with scented borders, historic trees, ponds, an orchard, vegetable garden and so much more.
Goddards was taken over by the National Trust in 1984, but was once owned by the family famed for the creation of the irresistible Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
The house and garden at Goddards in Dringhouses were originally built for Noel and Kathleen Terry.
Noel commissioned architect Walter Brierley to build another “arts and crafts-style” home to raise their children Peter, Kenneth, Betty and Richard.
A Brief History of the National Trust
Meanwhile, the garden on Tadcaster Road, was designed by George Dillistone.
This weekend, a Residents’ Festival event will take place on February 28, providing free entry to York locals before the official spring opening.
From March 1, Goddards will once again open to the public for the 2026 season, with visitors invited to explore the magical gardens as the warmer weather arrives.
York’s hidden garden is a ‘gem’ with a ‘surprise’ around every corner
The National Trust website reveals: “Discover what you’ll see in the five acres of formal garden on your visit to Goddards.
“Once home to the Terry family, this private haven on the outskirts of York city centre features several garden rooms filled with scented borders, mature trees, ponds and wilder areas.”
It continues: “From the second you walk under the gatehouse, and leave the busy suburbs of York behind, you feel like you’ve entered into a secret garden, hidden in plain sight.
“The garden is divided up into ‘garden rooms’ as was the Arts and Crafts garden style.
“What you see today, is the same design created by George Dillistone in the late 1920s.”
The heritage and nature conservation charity shares: “As you wander around the five-acre garden, uncover the unique atmosphere in each space.
“The ‘rooms’ performs a separate function, with hedges and shrubs providing the structure.
“Each room changes over the year as the planting and produce grow and return.”
Just some of the standout areas to visit at Goddards are the orchard, terrace, greenhouse, rock garden, vegetable garden, herbaceous borders and fragrant garden.
When the sun shines this spring and summer, you can stop by the terrace with a drink in hand, have a minute to pause on a garden bench and “take a moment to absorb the structures of the spaces from your elevated position”.
The National Trust adds: “This is the most formal area of the garden with cruciform pond and statuary punctuating the geometric shapes of the lawn and topiary.
“Spring bulbs line the wall with summer bedding, wisteria and the scents from the lavender hedge and thyme between the paving adding to the ambience.”
Fancy a weekend stroll around this National Trust garden before stopping for a cup of tea, or two? (Image: Tripadvisor)
Goddards currently has a 4.5/5 rating over on Tripadvisor, based on almost 500 reviews.
Someone who visited last year praised: “Despite living relatively close to York, this was our first visit to Goddards.
“What a gem! A beautiful garden and a super friendly and helpful team, especially the volunteer gardener who went out of his way to help with our plant idents.
“The garden talk from Tom was engaging and very interesting. Thank you all for a marvellous and memorable day.”
Another wrote: “We went to the garden at Goddards on a very hot day when it looked glorious, and there were plenty of shady paths.
“The staff were very attentive, polite and kind and the half hour tour taken by the head gardener was very informative and informal!
“A wonderful and tranquil place to visit – congratulations to all the hard working staff.”
Meanwhile, this person posted: “Delightful gardens with a surprise round each corner.
“Tennis court was in action and the produce from the vegetable and fruit gardens were amazing.
“We had a tasty lunch and drinks on the terrace under a sun canopy which was much needed on a sunny day.
“The view to the clock on York racecourse was an added bonus.”
Recommended reading:
National Trust reveals the Terry factory clock tower can be seen from the paddock orchard overlooking the racecourse, linking the chocolate heritage of York and the Terry family from their factory to their home.
Please note there is only accessible parking on site at Goddards – entry is free for National Trust members.
When was the last time you visited this secret garden? Let us know in the comments below if you have any other similar recommendations in or near York.
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