visit harlow carr

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

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RHS Garden Harlow Carr - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
• (0.25 mi) The Pine Marten, By Innkeeper's Collection
• (1.48 mi) Harrogate Lifestyle Luxury Serviced Apartments
• (1.72 mi) Alamah Guest House
• (1.70 mi) The Franklin
• (1.83 mi) Franklin Mount Boutique Guesthouse
• (0.03 mi) Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - Harlow Carr
• (0.28 mi) Pine Marten
• (1.15 mi) Tilly Peppers
• (0.30 mi) Nord
• (1.20 mi) Pranzo Italian Harrogate

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 09:30 - 16:00
• (0.25 mi) The Pine Marten, By Innkeeper's Collection
• (1.48 mi) Harrogate Lifestyle Luxury Serviced Apartments
• (1.72 mi) Alamah Guest House
• (1.70 mi) The Franklin
• (1.83 mi) Franklin Mount Boutique Guesthouse
• (0.03 mi) Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - Harlow Carr
• (0.28 mi) Pine Marten
• (1.15 mi) Tilly Peppers
• (0.30 mi) Nord
• (1.20 mi) Pranzo Italian Harrogate

Things to Do, Attractions, Great Outdoors, Gardens

Rhs garden harlow carr.

One of England’s most relaxing and innovative gardens at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Harlow Carr is a showcase of horticultural excellence.

Be inspired by contemporary planting in the Main Borders; pick up growing techniques in the Kitchen Garden and saunter along the Streamside Garden, the largest of its kind in the country. Unearth the hidden treasures in the woodland and take in the rejuvenated Scented Garden. Young ones can have fun on the Log Ness Monster and in the Woodland Tree House and enjoy school holiday activities.

Year-round events include gardening themed weekends, family holiday activities, plant fairs, food and drink festivals, outdoor music, theatre and film, and guided tours and trails. The extensive RHS Shop and Plant Centre is home to a huge array of books, home wares and gifts, as well as a large plant selection. And no visit would be complete without a trip to Bettys Café Tea Rooms all with ample free parking on the edge of Harrogate.

• Disabled toilets
• Wheelchairs available
• Credit cards accepted (no fee)
• On-site catering
• On-site light refreshments
• Picnic site
• Baby changing facilities
• Children welcome
• Education/study area
• Facilities for educational visits
• Groups welcome
• Free Parking
• Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
• Public toilets
• Smoking not allowed
• Regional Tourist Board Member
• Welcome Host
• Coach parties accepted

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Rhs Garden Harlow Carr

Harrogate, england.

Harlow Carr: A wander through a wonderland.

Harlow Carr: A Garden for the North

Nestled in West Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Harlow Carr is one of five public gardens managed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Originally Harlow Carr was owned by the Northern Horticultural Society, which had been established in 1946 to promote and develop ‘the science, art and practice of horticulture with special reference to the conditions pertaining to the North of England'. This basically meant they were observing how different plants coped with the challenges presented by Northern English weather. With this in mind the Society leased 26 acres of land – a mixture of woodland, pasture, and arable terrain – from the Harrogate Corporation and opened the Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens in 1950.

This land was once part of the Forest of Knaresborough. In 1734, springs of Sulphur water were discovered closeby. More than 100 years later the site was transformed into a spa and the land on which Harrow Carr lies became a spa hotel. To this day, you can still smell Sulphur in certain areas of the Garden.

For more information about the spring water and spa of Harrogate check out our article on The Valley Gardens . It is also possible to access Harlow Carr via a scenic walk through Valley Gardens.

Developing Harlow Carr

The Gardens, filled with water features, sheltered seating areas, and wildflowers, were expanded over the years and now cover 58 acres. Since the merger with the RHS, which occurred in 2001, there have also been several new developments at Harlow Carr. These include the creation of themed gardens such as Gardens Through Time, the Montague-Burton Teaching Garden, and the Winter Walk. The Alpine House and £3.3m, environmentally-friendly Bramall Learning Centre, are the newest additions.

Alongside the new developments other areas have been renovated. The Main Borders were stunningly redesigned and the Annuals Meadows now feature willow-woven sculptures. The Woodland has been rejuvenated and now includes a Rhododendron Glade full of spring-flowering bulbs. Complete with a Garden Centre and Tea Rooms, there is also an RHS Garden Harlow Carr Flower Show run annually. All proceeds are directed back into the garden to fund any future developments and renovations.

Year-Round Beauty and Other Garden Highlights

Each section of the garden has been thoughtfully designed so that Harlow Carr continues to bloom and blossom throughout the seasons. Spring kicks up a riot of tulips and daffodils, while summer brings forth a kaleidoscope of roses and herbaceous borders. Autumn paints the landscape in warm hues, which carries over into December as the Winter Walk unfolds a wonderland of golden willow and bronze-tinged Japanese Cedar.

Other delights include the Alpine House, perfect for wet and windy days, the meandering pathways of the Sandstone Rock Garden, and the Woodland Walk that opens out into a play area for children and an arboretum for adults.

Tranquil Retreats and Hidden Gems

Harlow Carr is not just a visual spectacle; it's a place for quiet reflection. Winding trails lead visitors through secluded corners and hideaways adorned with quaint benches and contemplative spaces. The Streamside Garden, with its babbling brook and lush plantings, provides a peaceful retreat, while the enchanting Woodland Garden beckons with its shaded serenity.

For other hidden gems keep an eye out for the Log Ness Monster, a whimsical sculpture lurking in the Main Borders and a glimpse of Roald Dahl’s BFG through the trees.

Culinary Delights and Shopping

Bettys tea rooms.

A visit to Harlow Carr is not complete without indulging in the culinary delights on offer at Bettys Tea Rooms. This cafe is part of the up-market Yorkshire-based brand of the Bettys and Taylors Group, who brought us Taylors of Harrogate coffee and genuine Yorkshire Tea. Once inside there are lots of choices, from the tempting cakes at the counter, to the reasonably priced and broad-spectrum menu handed out.

Harlow Carr Garden Centre

The Harlow Carr Garden Centre offers a diverse selection of plants, gardening tools, outdoor living essentials, and gifts. It's the one-stop shop for all things gardening-related so whether you’re in need of a new trowel or a gift for your mother-in-law, you can find it all here among the well-stocked range of products.

Our Thoughts…

A visit to the RHS Garden Harlow Carr provides visitors with the chance to wander through a natural wonderland that radiates in every season. Each step unveils a new facet of fragrant botanical splendour so whether you come for inspiration, relaxation, or simply for 'a little bit of fresh air' Harlow Carr has the answer all year round.

Discover More of Harrogate

Discover more about Harrogate the best way - by seeking out its hidden secrets, cultural curios and concealed nooks yourself!

By far the most fun and efficient way to learn about the spa town is by taking on CityDays’ original urban exploration game, A Peek Into The Past.

A Peek Into The Past , combines the fun of an outdoor treasure hunt with the historical facts and whimsical trivia of a walking tour. 

This route will have you solving riddles, untangling puzzles and learning more about Harrogate’s fascinating history in a new and interactive way.

Take the stress out of planning your visit to Harrogate and book your adventure today ! 

Not visiting Harrogate this time? Don’t worry, you’ll find us all over the world .

Rhs Garden Harlow Carr Questions

The opening times for Harlow Carr Gardens are as follows:

29th October – February

DAILY (except Christmas Day) | 9:30 am – 4 pm

NYD | 10 am – 4 pm

March – October

DAILY | 9:30 am – 6 pm

Please note: the last entrance is always 1 hour before closing.

The opening times for Harlow Carr Garden Centre are as follows:

MONDAY – SATURDAY (closed Christmas Day) | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

SUNDAYS | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm (browsing from 10am)

SUNDAYS (closed Easter Sunday) | 11 am – 5 pm (browsing from 10.30am)

The opening times for Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms and Bettys shop are as follows:

DAILY | 9 am – 4:30 pm

The opening times for Bettys Tea House are as follows:

DAILY | 9:30 am – 4 pm

Admission prices are as follows:

RHS Members and guests (1 adult guest or up to 2 children) | FREE

Adults | £17.45* incl Gift Aid / £15.85 excl Gift Aid

Children (5–16 yrs) | £8.75* incl Gift Aid / £7.95 excl Gift Aid

Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) | £41.95* incl Gift Aid / £38.10 excl Gift Aid

Additional child (with family ticket) | £7.95* incl Gift Aid / £7.20 excl Gift Aid

Universal Credit, Pension Credit and ESA | £1

Please note: one carer or companion is admitted free of charge per wheelchair user, visually impaired visitor or another person whose disability necessitates a carer.

Yes there is a free car park at Harlow Carr but if you visit ‘car-free’ (with proof) you can save 30% on garden admission.

No, for the safety of its visitors the Harlow Carr gardens are not dog-friendly. However, registered support dogs are permitted.

Information

What you need to know

• https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/nov/25/harlow-carr-wonderful-winter-garden-walk-rhs
• https://bitaboutbritain.com/harlow-carr/
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Harlow Carr

Last updated on August 23rd, 2023 at 01:34 pm

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26 thoughts on “harlow carr”.

Good review – I enjoyed my visit yesterday, though maybe not as much as you enjoyed yours. Not so many flowers in winter!

Hi Mike. Thank you for visiting my blog and liking my post about hill figures! I thought I’d pay your blog a visit and I came across this lovely post. Oddly enough, my husband and I visited Harlow Carr in the summer and it’s on my list of posts for writing up (I have dozens lurking about several computers and memory sticks!) I intend to do a separate post about Betty’s Tea Rooms, too. We’ve been to all three of them now (Harrogate, Harlow Carr and York) and thought I’d write about the history behind them. Like you, we travel extensively in Britain, and I try to post about as many places as my time allows. This year has been chaotic, hence the backlog. Only recently I posted about another Gardens in Yorkshire (Burnby Gardens) so had intended to leave Harlow Carr for a while. We’ll see. Your photos are lovely. I agree that Harlow Carr is a wonderful place to visit – so colourful. Have a great weekend, Millie.

I like your comment about any trip being potential fodder for “A Bit About Britain.” I’m amazed at the way writing a blog has changed my view towards everyday life and big (or little) excursions.

Your pictures are terrific and I love these gardens!! I’m a sucker for gardens and have been very lucky to visit some pretty ones over the last several years. The gardens at Harlow Carr look like my kind of gardens, full of color, and planned, but not formal. They really are lovely. As usual, I enjoyed your humorous take on the outing. ;>)

I hope you and Mrs. Britain have a great weekend!

Hi Mike – oh gosh yes … another post with further details. What an amazing place to see and read about … and you’ve sent me off on another blog post – thank you! We grow tea in Cornwall … though I don’t live there … I feel Cornish (almost)!

What a fun day out … lovely weather too – that helps … now I’ll be happier buying Yorkshire Tea … cheers Hilary

Happy memories of a smashing day. More comments about refreshments than plants but this is a true reflection of the day! A member of the Pals with Trowels/diggers with figures/friend of Mrs Britain

I hope you realize that you’ve trained me to scan for puns. I’m never disappointed. And yes, I did actually read the post too. Always interesting and fun. And of course just beautiful photos. Thank you for being a frond. I would sing that, but…

When selling packets of Yorkshire Tea in York I always said, if asked, that it was grown on the southern slopes of the Harwardian Hills.

Wonderful! 🙂

I would be there in a flash if I wasn’t at the other side of the world Mike. Harlow Carr gardens look wonderful! I find gardening therapeutic, rewarding and also exhausting, especially in our hot summer

In spite of having spent every summer holiday for the past 13 years near Harrogate, I’ve not yet made it to Harlow Carr. Something to put on my list for summer 2017! Also, I’ve never been to Bettys; whenever I’ve walked past the shop in Harrogate, it was either closed or a queue outside, and I’m really not prepared to queue for a cup of tea and a scone with so many other nice cafés around. Looks like the branch of Bettys at Harlow Carr doesn’t have that problem, good to know!

What a glorious place!

I loved this post!! I am a flower farmer 😉 so this is up my alley. You did a great job capturing the garden in your photos.

Fabulous looking garden! I like the “organized informality”, the sulptures, and the coffee – put together it sounds like my kind of garden. Sadly we weren’t aware of it when we stayed in Harrogate and had tea at Bettys original tea room, but if we were returning, it would be on our list. Glad you enjoyed it.

Great photos, I love wandering around gardens like that if they are not too busy, even on my own, but all my hill walking friends aren’t the slightest bit interested and think I’m weird. I just like colour and lush surroundings especially if they go against the prevailing climate and present something out of the ordinary.

Very punny! Also, what gorgeous color. All in all, a most satisfactory day I imagine.

Had a giggle reading all your puns! I enjoyed this very much and would love to visit Harlow Carr and Bettys.

I love gardens and this one is just the kind I like, not too formal and doesn’t take itself too seriously.. Love the name Pals With Trowels.

Beautiful and whimsical gardens!

I visited in 2006 and always wanted to return. I think it must have changed since I was there, or at least they certainly didn’t have the BFG then! But it was a really beautiful garden, and I think I probably even prefer it to Wisley Garden, their main one, which is set amongst beautiful wood and heathland in Surrey.

Oh my – Hedgehog Street – just love this photo!

If ever I am near Harlow Carr it will be on my list of places to visit. Your post here, and other blogging friends have talked about it, and it looks so very nice in your photo’s. Plenty to see and lovely walks to be enjoyed.

All the best Jan

Excellent review from a non-gardener 🙂 Haven’t been to Harlow Carr for about 5 years so am definitely overdue a visit, thanks for the reminder of how lovely it is.

I was delighted to see your post as I, too, visited Harlow Carr for the first time this year. Mine was an early Spring visit so what a pleasure to see your photos of Summer in the garden. I loved the size of the garden, just perfect for wandering around and the added treat of tea and cake at Bettys was an added bonus.

Sounds like a thoroughly enjoyable excursion with lots to see and lots of time to pause and eat. The gardens were beautiful.

I think you will definitely have to revisit here it does look wonderful and having a Betty’s Tea room is an extra bonus. We found that the RHS gardens are so good as despite them being large you can always come away with a planting combination to copy. Sarah x

Thanks for that, Mike. It’s a special place for me as my cousin, the water-gardening expert Phil Swindells, was the curator of the garden for a time,

I’ve never been to Harlow Carr in spite of the fact that my parents lived practically opposite it for 20 years. It’s one of those things I always intended to do. Thanks for sharing.

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Harlow Carr: a wonderful winter garden walk

The winter walk is a delight for eyes and nose – and provides inspiration for gardeners’ own plots

A s the daylight hours shrink and the temperatures drop, it takes something special to get us outdoors. Harlow Carr in Harrogate, north Yorkshire, provides just the right lure; its winter walk runs alongside 400 metres of path that snakes through the centre of the garden, planted with all kinds of delights to see and sniff.

The walk was created to add a new dimension to this RHS-owned garden, bringing six months of interest, from the fiery foliage of November through to the spring bulbs of April. It is designed to run on an east-west axis: aspect is important in winter, because the low angle of the sun’s rays lends plants a different perspective, lighting up bare stems and trunks that are obscured during summer.

This produces two very different views depending on which way you are walking, explains horticulturist Russell Watkins, who heads the team managing the winter walk. “If you go one way, you benefit from the light shining through things, so we have lots of plants such as honesty [ Lunaria annua ] that we allow to seed through,” he says. “The seedheads pick up the light and glow like little lanterns. Walk the other way, and it’s fiery and vibrant.”

One key species providing vibrancy is dogwood: a pedestrian plant when in leaf, but at autumn’s end, the foliage falls away to reveal a tangle of brightly coloured stems. Bold blocks of red and orange Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ , yellow-green C. sericea ‘Bud’s Yellow’ and scarlet-stemmed C. alba all catch the light. Along the walk are deciduous trees chosen for their textured bark and strong outlines, such as paperbark maple ( Acer griseum ), Persian ironwood ( Parrotia persica ) and silver birch, or bright berries such as mountain ash ‘Copper Kettle’ .

That’s all very well on a sunny day, but what’s to recommend a visit in fog and drizzle? The dogwoods glow even in the gloomiest moments, Watkins says, but he also rates the cryptomerias , or Japanese cedar trees. “The best one, for me, is C. japonica ‘Elegans’ . Its foliage holds on to water droplets so it shimmers as if it’s covered in diamonds.”

Any winter walk worth its salt will offer plenty of scent. At Harlow Carr there is lots; the citrus shades of the witch hazels ( hamamelis ), spidery white winter box ( sarcococca ), yellow sprays of mahonia , and the pink and white daphnes all make their presence known via wafting perfumes, their strategy for attracting the few pollinating insects venturing out on milder days.

It’s possible to achieve a winter display in more confined spaces. Pots that can be moved in and out of the spotlight depending on the season offer a great solution for smaller gardens. “Even if you’ve only got a container, all you need is a dogwood or two, some heather and some spring bulbs and you’ve got a long-lasting combination,” Watkins says.

Heathers haven’t yet seen the same kind of revival that other once-reviled plants such as dahlias have undergone, but Watkins argues that the winter-flowering types, such as the pink-flowered, bronze-leaved Erica carnea ‘Ann Sparkes’ , have earned a place in the winter garden, both for their long-lasting colour and for their role as a magnet for early-emerging pollinators. “They can look a bit dull on their own – try them in among other plants, at the front of paths,” Watkins says.

And grasses? Despite their current popularity in horticulture, there are just two that have proved suitable for the winter walk, chosen for their ability to stand up to a hard frost and snowfall. “In some awkward spaces under trees where it’s shady and dry, I’ve got evergreen Carex morrowii [Japanese sedge], which is brilliant for difficult situations as a background plant. I also use Miscanthus ‘Little Kitten’, which doesn’t do that thing a lot of miscanthus do – dropping leaves and making a mess; it flowers well but only gets to 1m tall.”

Watkins knows when visitors are enjoying the winter walk, because their brisk steps slow to a crawl. “You see people power-walking in the summer, but in the winter people slow as the scent catches them.”

Harlow Carr is open daily except Christmas Day

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Harlow Carr

We are the sweet flowers Born of sunny showers. Think, whene’er you see us, what our beauty saith: Utterance, mute and bright, Of some unknown delight, We fill the air with pleasure by our simple breath. James Henry Leigh Hunt

In 1844 a Hotel and Bath House was built on the site of Harlow Carr (meaning stinking bog) by Henry Wright to maximise on the opportunities of the spring water on the site and the growing fashion for spa holidays in the nearby town of Harrogate. He also laid out the ‘Pleasure Gardens’ for guests to stroll through.

By the mid 1940’s there was a serious decline in the spa business in Harrogate and Henry Wright’s estate fell into a dilapidated state. Around the same time, the Northern Horticultural Society was looking for a counterpart to the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley. They purchased the 30-acre estate with the run down bath-house and old hotel. The site was chosen for its less than average soil, harsh climatic conditions and elevated position. If a plant survived here, it would probably survive anywhere.

The first gardens were laid out by Colonel Charles Grey, Chairman of the Northern Horticultural Society and nursery owner, and Sir William Milner of Parcevall Hall, a great plant enthusiast. The Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens opened to the public in 1951.

By 2001, the Northern Horticultural Society was in a precarious financial situation with little ability to develop the gardens further. It was decided that an amalgamation with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) should take place, and so, the RHS gained its northern show gardens at Harlow Carr.

Today – the site covers 68 acres and is dominated by water, stone and woodland. The stream provides a natural divide from the woodland to the formally planted areas. Much of the linear structure from the original layout remains.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

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RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Head gardener's comment.

Enjoy some of the best horticulture in Yorkshire, 364 days a year, at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate. The 58 acre garden has many seasonal highlights including the UK’s longest streamside garden, woodland, wildflower meadows, perennial borders and kitchen garden. Spend a spontaneous morning visit enjoying the best of the season and gathering planting tips. Or make a day of it with friends or family.

• Have a coffee or lunch in the famous Bettys Café and Tearoom • Find inspiration for your garden at home from Harlow Carr’s planting schemes • A great day out with the grandchildren • Workshops are run throughout the year, learn new skills such as willow weaving • A garden of surprises from sculpture to inspirational planting • Varied landscapes including: woodland, streamside and wildflower meadows • Over 18,000 taxa, including rare species such as Davidia, Oxydendrum and Stewartia, and some of the latest modern cultivars. • Extensive alpine collection • Excellent displays of Rhododendrons and Camellias in the woodland • Fantastic bookshop

On site facilities include the famous Bettys tearoom, picturesque seating spots throughout the garden, wildlife hides and children’s activities during school holidays. The Plant Centre at Harlow Carr stocks some of the latest new plants, as well as fruits trees and mature shrubs.

Throughout the year Harlow Carr runs many workshops and courses, and hosts specialist plant society shows and fairs, so there is plenty to expand your knowledge and provide take home inspiration. There is even an on-site Garden Library for those who wish to delve deeper.

In 2001 the RHS merged with the Northern Horticultural Society (NHS). As part of the merger the RHS aquired Harlow Carr Garden in North Yorkshire. The NHS was founded in 1946, and Harlow Carr opened in 1950. In the 19th century, following the discovery of sulphurous springs, a Bath House had been built on the site. The NHS converted this building into a Study Centre and Library, which is still used today. The garden has been the setting for a series of model gardens representing different styles in garden history built as part of the BBC TV series "Gardens through Time" in 2004.

Plants of note

Perennial & Mixed Borders Grasses & Mediterranean Borders Woodland Wildflower Meadow and Arboretum Rock Gardens and Alpines Scented Gardens Foliage Gardens Rose Border Kitchen Gardens

Address RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, HG3 1QB

Opening times The Garden is open every day except for Christmas Day. 9.30am – 4pm November to February inclusive 9.30am – 6pm March – October inclusive Last admission is one hour before closing time.

Website Visit the RHS Garden Harlow Carr website

Nearby gardens

• Roundhay Park (16.5 km away)

Nearby hotels

• Old Swan Hotel (2.3 km away)

Nearby nurseries

• Miniature Bulbs - The Warren Estate (8.1 km away)
• Ornamental Tree Nurseries (9.2 km away)
• Orchard House Nursery (10.8 km away)
• Springwood Pleiones (11.3 km away)
• Garden Blooms (12.7 km away)
• Leeds Lavender (14.6 km away)

• Moor Monkton Nurseries (22.9 km away)
• The Himalayan Garden Co. (23.8 km away)
• Dalesview Nursery (27.0 km away)

RHS Garden Visit - Harlow Carr

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This early spring visit to Harlow Carr will take in the arrival of many of our favourite spring bulbs and the daffodils should really be getting going. Harlow Carr is planted in such a way as to ensure there is always lots to see regardless of the season - it has a famous Winter Walk, for example. It is impossible not to be inspired by what is happening in the garden here and we are sure to get lots of ideas for our own outdoor spaces - whether they be a window box, a veg patch, a wildlife friendly space or a formal border. The best thing about the day is that we'll enjoy the garden together and meet fellow enthusiasts.

Walking boots are recommended as paths can become a bit muddy in places. Bring your waterproofs just in case - it is Yorkshire in March, after all. Harlow Carr is on a sloping site but has worked hard on its accessibility. 

Please note that RHS Members get free admission and can also take one guest in free of charge. The standard adult admission price is £15.85 but anyone on Universal / Pension / Working Credit; Housing Benefit;  Income Support; Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance can get admission for £1. Proof of benefit receipt is needed on arrival at the garden. There is also a discount for anyone arriving by bus, cycle or on foot.

OutdoorLads makes no charge for this event. All monies are payable to the RHS.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a  Participation Statement ,  in addition  to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

Image credits: all images provided by Mark Dooley. OutdoorLads has permission to use them.

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This is one of a series of events being offered in the new Culture and Heritage activities category. These events are designed to be highly accessible to all ODL members and and to potential new members. During lockdown, a couple of online gardening events were held and proved to be very popular. They showed that many of our members are keen gardeners or have an interest in aspects of horticulture. It is hoped that if these garden visits prove popular, we can offer many more events across the country and throughout the year so that we can join together to enjoy the very rich tradition of horticulture and explore the many heritage sites that are adorned by fantastic gardens all around the UK.

What to bring

Walking boots are recommended as paths can become a bit muddy in places. Bring your waterproofs just in case 

Food & drink

There is a Bettys Cafe Tea Room for indoor dining at Harlow Carr as well as takeaway options (also run by Bettys). These can get very busy, especially at weekends. It is recommended that you bring your own drink and some food in case we cannot access the on-site facilities (and this will help keep the costs down!). 

Meeting & times

The Pleasure Gardener

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. – Marcus Tullius Cicero

A Visit to Harlow Carr

The Northern Horticultural Society was founded in 1946, with the aim of developing horticulture with special reference to conditions in the North.  In 1950, it opened the Harlow Carr Botanic Gardens in Harrogate.  However, in 2001, the NHS merged with the RHS, and Harlow Carr became an RHS site.

It’s a lovely – and busy – spot to visit, although it’s been a lot less busy during lockdown.  It’s open again now, and one of our class members went for a visit.  Here are some of her pictures from the Bog Garden.

Yes, it’s rhubarb, but not exactly as you know it.  If you have rhubarb and let it go to seed, you get something a bit like this, but not nearly as elegant.  This one is probably Rheum palmatum.

Harlow Carr has some excellent plantings of Candelabra Primulas.  I gather they’ve made another one – give it twelve months and this will be magnificent.

Here are some of the primulas, with a stand of hostas that seem not to have a single slug or snail toothmark on them.  How do they do that?.  And the blue flowers, shading into violet, are Himalayan poppies – Meconopsis betonicifolia – that many of us lust after.  It’s an ephemeral thing, demanding in the conditions it requires, and most often acting as a monocarpic plant – that is, one that may live as a rosette of leaves for several years, but once it flowers, it dies.  Some of the other species hybrids, such as the lovely ‘Lingholm’, are more reliably perennial, but they aren’t betonicifolia…  Mind you, neither is betonicifolia – it should probably be called M. baileyi, its original name.  And see next picture, too…

These may not be the true cultivar, but they seem to have more than a touch of ‘Hensol Violet’ about them, a lovely deep violet variety of Meconopsis baileyi.

Thanks for sharing these!

If you want to visit Harlow Carr at the moment, you have to book a timed slot in advance…

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6 thoughts on “a visit to harlow carr”.

Is Rheum palmatum grown as an ornamental?

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Yes, but not commonly – it’s simply too big to be worth a place in most modern gardens. I do have one, given by a friend when it had outgrown its welcome. It’s probably R. palmatum tanguticum, with redder leaves, and it is hiding my cess pool, where it’s perfect for the job – and very much enjoying all the fertilizer. :~))

Common rhubarb is pretty enough, although it is also often harvested and bare.

Just north of here is the Rhubarb Triangle, the best place for growing rhubarb in the world, apparently. Great fields of it (although not as many as there used to be), and long, low underground brick sheds for forcing rhubarb. There’s even a Rhubarb Festival, usually in February. Yummy!

Wow, that is cool that it is still appreciated somewhere. It used to be more common here, even though this is not the best climate here. I got mine from my great grandfather before I was in kindergarten. I believe it is just ‘Victoria’, but I do not know.

Really lovely

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• Glow Winter Illuminations At Rhs Garden Harlow Carr

Glow - Winter Illuminations at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Wednesday 22nd Nov 2023 16:30 PM

Saturday 30th Dec 2023 20:30 PM

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Crag Lane Harrogate North Yorkshire HG31QB

Let it Glow! Wednesdays to Saturdays this Christmas season - enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Harlow Carr this festive season, with a magical evening for all the family.

Explore breath-taking beauty of the garden as amazing illuminations light your way on our spectacular Glow trail. See iconic features adorned with festive lights including Streamside, the Edwardian Garden, Queen Mother’s Lake, Winter Walk, Doric Columns, Bath House and the Kitchen Garden. Marvel at the ‘field of fire’ on the Main Lawn and don't forget to take a selfie through the gilded frame in the Sun Border. New for 2023, cross the Thaliana Bridge in a rainbow of lights and enjoy playing with family on the illuminated Logness Monster.

Looking for something to keep you aglow? Take a break along the way and tuck into tasty festive treats and warming drinks available to buy from Bettys Tea House. Enjoy a mulled wine or indulgent hot chocolate and choose from a magnificent range of sweet treats including mince pies and fat rascals, a Yorkshire favourite.

Find your magic this Christmas in our RHS Harlow Carr Garden Centre. Shop our treasure trove of decorations both traditional and quirky, gifts to delight and stocking fillers to light up faces. Add a sprinkling of festive houseplants, wreaths and UK grown Christmas trees and you’re sure to find your Christmas magic with us this year.

Glow takes place Wed - Sat between 22 November and 30 December.

RHS Members: adult £8.95, child £4.45

Non-members: adult £15.95, child £8.45

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RHS Harlow Carr Glow Review

Last Updated on 12/05/2023

RHS Harlow Carr Glow is a magical Christmas event in North Yorkshire. Explore the beautiful gardens at night, illuminated by a pretty light trail. Here is everything you need to know before you visit Glow at RHS Harlow Carr.

In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about RHS Harlow Carr Glow. You will discover all the information you need before you visit, plus, a review of the Glow event.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

RHS Harlow Carr Glow: Know Before You Go

Before you visit RHS Harlow Carr Glow, here is an overview of everything you need to know before you go.

Where is RHS Harlow Carr?

RHS Harlow Carr is in North Yorkshire, in Beckwithshaw, just outside Harrogate. You will find the gardens in Harewood, located two miles west of Harrogate and 16 miles north of Leeds City Centre.

Why visit RHS Harlow Carr?

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. They inspire a passion for gardening through their five national gardens and many flower shows.

With such a wealth of experience and such a huge passion for gardening, you can guarantee a visit to RHS Harlow Carr will be awe-inspiring. Throughout the seasons the garden is an enchanting place to admire and learn about gardening from those who know it best.

How to get to RHS Harlow Carr

By car:  Harlow Carr is easily accessible by car. There are plenty of free car parking spaces available. Simply navigate to HG3 1QB and follow the signs to the car park entrance.

By bus:  To get to Harlow Carr by bus, catch bus six from stand three at Harrogate bus station. Get off at the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road. It is then an easy 15-minute walk to RHS Harlow Carr.

By train:  RHS Harlow Carr is easiest accessed from Harrogate train station. Once you leave Harrogate train station, catch bus six as outlined above.

Car-free: If you travel to RHS Harlow Carr by bus, bicycle or on foot, you are entitled to a discount on your admission ticket (regular admission only, special events including Glow must be booked in advance). For cyclists, the garden is located on National Route 67 and offers 30 cycle racks to store you bike securely. On foot, you can walk from Harrogate in approximately 40 minutes.

Do I need to be a RHS member to visit Harlow Carr?

You don’t need to be an RHS member to visit Harlow Carr. As a non-member, you simply need to pay an admission fee when you enter the garden. Admission to all five RHS gardens is free for RHS members.

RHS membership comes with additional rewards such as unlimited gardening advice, monthly gardening magazine, discounts on RHS shows and free entry to over 200 partner gardens. Find out more about becoming a member here .

Why visit RHS Harlow Carr at Christmas?

Christmas is a truly magical time to visit RHS Harlow Carr. For the festive season, the garden is magically transformed into a colourful, illuminated wonderland. This pretty light trail guides you through the gardens, so you have the unique opportunity to see them like never before.

How much does it cost to go to RHS Harlow Carr Glow?

When purchasing tickets to RHS Harlow Carr Glow there are different price options available. Here is an indication of the ticket prices.

• RHS member prices:  Adults £8.95; member guests £8.95; children (5–16) £4.35; children under 5 free
• Non-member prices:  Adults £14.95; children (5–16) £7.95; children under 5 free

Become an RHS Gardens member here .

The pretty illuminated trail of RHS Harlow Carr Glow is a winter celebration with a difference. This enchanting trail takes you on a peaceful stroll through the gardens by moonlight. Here is a flavour of what is in store.

The Illuminated Light Trail

The RHS Harlow Carr Glow light trail is a picturesque light trail through the Harlow Carr gardens by night. The gardens are illuminated by coloured lights, which really portray the garden in a unique way. The purple trees, blue hedgerows and pink borders makes it feel like you are taking a step into wonderland!

Walking around the Glow trail was a unique experience from any other light trail I have visited. Many light trails during the festive season are playing Christmas songs along the route and have large sculptures and insta-worthy photo sets along the route. But Glow was a little different.

Rather than using cheery music and brightly coloured attractions on the route, RHS Harlow Carr let nature do all the work. There is no music to accompany your journey and no brightly lit characters (except for some wicker deer that is). Instead, you’ll simply find some elegant light displays that are just designed to enhance the beauty of the garden to allow visitors to admire it by night.

Because of this, it is the ideal event for anyone who wants to enjoy a more peaceful event without the typical chaos of a Christmas celebration. It is the ideal place to unwind and reflect during what is usually a very hectic time. It is a great reminder that the beauty of nature is always around us, even if we can’t see it.

To make the most of your visit, you will want to enjoy the illuminations at a leisurely pace. The route will take you 60-90 minutes to walk depending on how much time you spend taking photos and if you stop for a winter warmer! Allow up to two hours for your visit to include time to visit the shop too.

The Sculptures

Although the illuminations primarily focus on the natural beauty of the gardens, the gardens incorporate their current exhibitions into the display.

In 2021, the trail featured The Four Seasons sculptures by Philip Haas. The exhibition featured a unique collection of busts inspired by the seasons.

Each head is almost five metres tall and represents one of the four seasons. They are three dimensional interpretations of Renaissance paintings created by Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo in the late 16th century.

Glow gives you the unique opportunity to see the exhibitions in a new light. Can you spot the seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers used in each design?

Other things to do at RHS Harlow Carr Glow

As well as the light trail, here are some other things you can enjoy on your visit to RHS Harlow Carr Glow.

Warm up at Betty’s Teashop

As you approach the last leg of the trail, you will encounter Betty’s Teashop. This delightful chalet is the ideal place to stop for a warming drink. You can choose from tea and coffee, as well as seasonal delights such as rum hot chocolate and mulled wine.

There is also a delicious selection of snacks to choose from. Our personal favourites were the chocolate orange fondant fancy and the marzipan and sponge Christmas pudding.

Visit the Garden Centre

If you have felt inspired by your visit, you can treat yourself to new plants, seeds, and gardening tools in the garden centre as you exit the illuminations.

The garden centre also stocks a selection of books, homewares, local food and drinks plus many gifts. So, it is the ideal place to pick up some of those Christmas gifts that are still on your list!

Should I visit RHS Harlow Carr Glow?

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr is a magical event for all ages at Christmas. A garden is an unlikely place to visit in the winter months, but RHS has done an amazing job of transforming it into the most enchanting festive experience.

Glow is a breath of fresh air when it comes to a season filled with flashing lights and cheery music. A stroll through the gardens by night is a rare opportunity to slow down during the festive chaos and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. You don’t know how much you need it until you visit!

I would absolutely recommend a visit to RHS Harlow Carr Glow during the festive season!

Discover the magic of RHS Harlow Carr Glow

So, will you bask in the glow of the winter illuminations at RHS Harlow Carr? If you’re ready to explore this magical trail buy your tickets here .

If you want to discover more Christmas events in Yorkshire,  check out this guide to 25 of them you don’t want to miss!

And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!

Until our next adventure,

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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

10 thoughts on “RHS Harlow Carr Glow Review”

We’ve been to a few light displays, but this one looks incredible! It seems really lit up and colorful! It’s nice when things aren’t blooming in the garden to still have something bright and colorful to meander through 🙂

Glow was such a beautiful trail and really different from all the others I have visited this year! It is such a great use of the garden during the winter months and really enhanced the natural beauty of the garden. I’d love to visit again next year!

I love experiencing Christmas events and light shows/trails throughout the holiday season – in fact, I’ve already done several this holiday season! I also love visiting gardens whenever I travel, so seeing RHS Harlow Carr Glow this time of year would be an absolute dream. Everything looks beautiful. Great review! Xx Sara

Glow is a great combination of seasonal light trail and the garden. It was lovely to stroll around and admire the garden illuminated in colour. I hope you get an opportunity to visit some time! Thanks for reading xx

I love the various RHS managed gardens in UK! Harlow Carr Glow looks awesome with lighting. I particularly like that beautifully lit Betty’s Teashop teapot. I am sure visiting Harlow Carr Glow during Christmas with music and lighting will bring cheer to every visitor. Lovely images! 🙂

I’ve never actually visited the garden during the day so I can’t wait to return this summer so see it in full bloom! I bet it looks beautiful! It was so magical visiting Glow though, it is a great way to enjoy the garden in winter!

I love the variety of events available to celebrate the holiday season. But the RHS Harlow Glow is definitely a colourful and magical way to draw people in. I am sure it truly is a peaceful stroll with so many great discoveries along the way. The sculptures are certainly a lot of fun. And chocolate orange fondant would be a lovely treat to finish off.

I really enjoyed visiting RHS Harlow Carr Glow. It was a really magical experience and so much more relaxed than some of the other Christmas events I’ve visited. It was a lovely way to enjoy the garden and the chocolate orange fondant fancy was absolutely delicious! I definitely recommend trying one!

Hannah, I love your comment about letting “nature do all the work.” It looks absolutely stunning, and while I do love myself some Christmas music, I agree that an opportunity to just be in nature the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

RHS Harlow Carr Glow was certainly a unique event! It really stood out as it was so much more relaxed than many of the Christmas events I have visited. I love the lively atmosphere at Christmas, but the calm atmosphere in the gardens felt magical and a lovely little break from the Christmas chaos!

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Very much part of the Yorkshire countryside, RHS Harlow Carr is a delight in every season. Very much part of the Yorkshire countryside, RHS Harlow Carr is a delight in every season.

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Plan your visit to Harlow Carr

• Contact us & address
• Opening times
• Food & drink
• Getting here
• Group visits
• Accessibility
• Useful information

Our Address

RHS members get  free access to RHS Gardens

01423 565418

Garden opening times.

Pre-booking is available for both members and non-members, if you would prefer to book your garden visit in advance. Book your garden visit > March – October Monday – Sunday: 9.30am – 6pm (Last entry to garden 5pm) End of October – February (closed Christmas Day) Monday – Sunday: 9.30am – 4pm (Last entry to garden 3pm)

Garden Centre opening times

March – October Monday – Saturday: 9.30am – 6pm Sunday (closed Easter Sunday): 11am – 5pm (browsing from 10.30am) End of October – February (closed Christmas Day) Monday – Saturday : 9.30am – 4.30pm Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm (browsing from 10am)

Admission prices

Bettys opening times Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms: Open daily for indoor dining 9am – 4.30pm Bettys Shop: Open daily for takeaway 9am – 4.30pm Bettys Tea House:  Open daily for takeaway 9.30am – 4pm The Shop and Tea Rooms are located next to the garden entrance and the Tea House is located inside the garden.

Garden Centre

Pop in and browse curated collections of houseplants, unique plants and shrubs, gardening tools and accessories, and our eclectic selection of gifts and homewares.

Getting to the garden

There are many ways to reach RHS Garden Harlow Carr, and car-free visitors receive a 30% discount on garden entry when travelling to the garden by public transport (bus and train), bike or on foot.   Plan your journey using our helpful information on how to get to RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Located on the outskirts of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, RHS Garden Harlow Carr captures the essence of Yorkshire within a beautiful garden setting and is a must-visit destination for groups all year round. Pre-book a group visit:

• Call:  0207 821 3170
• Email: [email protected]

Accessibility at the garden

• Please take care around water in the garden
• Be aware that garden vehicles may be moving around
• Sometimes the tracks and paths can be muddy, steep and uneven – please wear suitable footwear and take care
• S pend your time safely with us
• A dvise us of any emergencies or concerns
• F ollow any instructions
• E njoy your visit

Smoking policy

For the health & welfare of our visitors, we operate a no-smoking policy, inclusive of e-cigarettes, in or near certain areas of the garden, including: dining or food outlets, eating areas or terraces, picnic areas, covered spaces or buildings and the children’s play area. This may extend to other areas of the garden in periods of very dry weather.

Guides and maps

• Harlow Carr garden map (0.99KB pdf)
• Harlow Carr walks leaflet (523kB pdf)

Drone usage

Dogs in the garden, garden seating, garden toys, get involved.

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.

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A Warhol Superstar, but Never a Star

Cynthia Carr’s compassionate biography chronicles the brief, poignant life of the transgender actress Candy Darling, whose “very existence was radical.”

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By Alexandra Jacobs

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CANDY DARLING: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar, by Cynthia Carr

Never mind soup-can paintings and portraits of the famous — what Andy Warhol keeps on giving is books . He’s like Mother Ginger in “The Nutcracker” : Smaller people keep running out from under his capacious skirts to bow or curtsy.

The latest is Candy Darling, the transgender actress who succumbed to cancer at 29 in 1974 , after being immortalized in a famous photograph by Peter Hujar and in the Lou Reed song “ Walk on the Wild Side .” She had lived fast — indeed frequently on speed — died young, and left a mutable corpse, with considerable dissent among family and friends about whether she should be buried and eulogized as a man or a woman.

The first full-length biography of her, by Cynthia Carr, a longtime staff writer for The Village Voice — quite the Mother Ginger itself, of late — is compassionate and meticulous, reconstructing its brittle, gleaming subject as one might a broken Meissen figurine.

Born the day after Thanksgiving in 1944, Candy Darling was christened James Lawrence Slattery in Queens, soon moving to the ticky-tacky conformist hamlets of North Merrick and then Massapequa Park, Long Island, which she’d later euphemize as her “country home” but which was then an apparent cesspool of toxic masculinity.

Her father, John, was a cashier for the New York Racing Association who gambled, drank and was violent: the ultimate Daddy Dearest for a child with effeminate tendencies. Her mother, Terry, a receptionist and bank teller, was more supportive and loving — but still, hamstrung by shame. Candy’s half brother, Warren, babysat for her as a child but did not accept her as a woman.

As a child, “Jimmy,” as Candy was known then, was shunned socially and bullied terribly, once ushered onto a box and into a noose by two teenagers in a neighbor’s backyard. Understandably, she avoided regular school as much as possible; her education was in magazines, cosmetology and, of course, movies — she was a Kim Novak superfan, later emulating her.

She worked briefly at a beauty parlor, whose sympathetic owner she took on adventures like horseback riding. “We can always imagine we’re out in the wide-open spaces,” she said dreamily. “And if you imagine it strong enough, you will be.”

Like Ada Calhoun, the daughter of the art critic Peter Schjeldahl who took over his unfinished biography of the poet Frank O’Hara with sparkling results , Carr gets a boost from someone else’s abandoned legwork. Darling’s close friend Jeremiah Newton interviewed many of her intimates before they died — he features prominently in a 2011 documentary, “ Beautiful Darling ” — and shared copious photos, letters and the diaries that Darling began keeping at 13 (some previously published ). One is titled “The Worst Years of My Life.”

Carr spares us the ponderous establishing shots that weigh down many books of this genre. Though “Worst Years” covers the early ’60s, for example, the only mention of John F. Kennedy in Carr’s book comes via a fan taking a picture of Marilyn Monroe the night she sang for his birthday. Candy Darling was apolitical, the author writes — she had a wistful incandescence more than a “fire in the belly” (as Carr titled a previous book about the artist and AIDS activist David Wojnarowicz) — “yet her very existence was radical.”

She and the future Holly Woodlawn, another Warhol favorite, both toiled as file clerks and got out of the draft, Holly by showing up in hot pants and rouge; Candy by bursting into tears.

Stardom was Darling’s absolute raison d’être. You might argue that she was not only transgender but trans-era, longing to be a product and protectorate of the studio system. Alas, Warhol was no Louis B. Mayer, his films mostly art-house experiments — Carr is heroic at summarizing them — and when Darling finally gets to Los Angeles, for the premiere of his movie “ Women in Revolt ” (titled “Sex” at the time), the closest thing she gets to a break is broken promises from a drunk Ed McMahon needing roadside assistance. She does appear for about 15 seconds, uncredited, in the nightclub scene of “Klute, ” and for a while dated Roger Vadim.

Starring in Tennessee Williams’s late-career work “Small Craft Warnings” off Broadway was another high point — though even then neither the male nor the female actors wanted her in their dressing room, and she was consigned to a broom closet. She appeared in a Warhol-staged fashion show for Halston, but was only allowed to wear a maid’s costume.

Darling kept her chin up despite these humiliations, but again and again the rest of her body betrayed her. (Poverty and drugs didn’t help.) By 18, she’d lost almost a third of her teeth. She agonized about what she called “my flaw” — the pesky penis — but vacillated on what the publicist R. Couri Hay, one of those who eulogized her using the masculine pronoun, termed “the final cut.”

The massive quantities of unregulated female hormones she took, doctors and others thought, probably killed her — and yet dying young was in keeping with her fantasy of kinship to platinum-haired idols like Jean Harlow. Sardonic to the end, she joked that the presumed tumor hardening her belly was some kind of immaculate conception.

In a society ill equipped to accept her, Candy Darling’s short life was one of couch-surfing and cadging, which can make for some weird and grotty pages — oh, there’s a desiccated chicken under the bed. Many of those who remember her are unreliable narrators. But, as Carr notes: “All of them so delightful!” Bob Colacello, the O.G. Warhol chronicler, wrote that news of her fatal illness led to the only time he’d seen the artist cry.

There wasn’t really vocabulary to describe the territory Darling was exploring back then — maybe there’s too much vocabulary now, but that’s a different conversation — and her biographer extends a sure hand across the breach. To push her from the Warhol wings to center stage, at a moment when transgender rights are in roiling flux, just makes sense.

And you have to cheer when Tennessee Williams is asked by some rude person whether his star is a transsexual or a transvestite, and he roars back: “What a question to ask a lady!”

CANDY DARLING : Dreamer, Icon, Superstar | By Cynthia Carr | Farrar, Straus & Giroux | 432 pp. | $30

Alexandra Jacobs is a Times book critic and occasional features writer. She joined The Times in 2010. More about Alexandra Jacobs

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