Harlow Carr is an attractive Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) garden in Harrogate, Yorkshire. It started life as a Botanical Gardens back in 1950 but was originally the grounds of a hotel and Spa. The whole site covers 58 acres and the aim of the garden is to show what kinds of plants can be grown in a northern climate.
There are many highlights at Harlow Carr including the sandstone rock garden, the kitchen garden, the main borders, the wildflower meadow, the stream-side walk and a really funky tree house for kids. The garden is billed as an all-year-round garden and as such we visited in Spring. There was a lovely atmosphere and lots to see, but we couldn’t help feeling that the garden will undoubtedly look better in the summer months.
Don’t miss the bird hide which is in full view of lots of well-stocked bird feeders, so you really are up-close and personal with the many varieties of birds. We also liked the area which demonstrates how your car and your front garden can co-exist happily, however little room you have.
One other frustration, there is no indoor restaurant here apart from a branch of the well known Betty’s tea rooms. This is great if you want to have top-quality lunches and cakes, but not so great if you just want to nip in for a coffee or a snack without joining a huge queue. If the weather is good there is an outdoor cafe in the grounds however.
RHS Harlow Carr is open March to October from 9.30am to 6pm and November to February from 9.30am to 4pm. Adult admission is £11 (2017 prices)
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, Yorkshire HG3 1QB
Tel: +44 1423 565418
MORE ON RHS HARLOW CARR
RHS Harlow Carr – Official website
RHS Harlow Carr – Wikipedia
Harrogate Hotels – We recommend Hotels.com with their lowest price guarantee
Top Gardening Books – Amazon.co.uk