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Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum: A Historic Botanical Haven on the Northumberland Coast

Explore centuries of history, stunning gardens, and a vast arboretum at Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, a botanical treasure on the Northumberland coast.

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Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, located near Alnwick in Northumberland, is a historic estate featuring 65 acres of diverse gardens and a vast arboretum with over 11,000 trees and shrubs. The gardens include a sensory garden, bog garden, rockery, and woodland garden, alongside marked walking trails leading to the scenic nearby coast. Visitors can enjoy the Earl Grey Tea House and explore the rich heritage of the Grey family, custodians of the estate since 1319.

A brief summary to Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum

  • Howick Estate Office, Alnwick, NE66 3LB, GB
  • +441665577285
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase a ‘Tourist return ticket’ if planning to visit for more than one day to save on admission.
  • Visit the Earl Grey Tea House for authentic Earl Grey tea and light lunches, available only to garden visitors.
  • Use the physical disability map for accessible routes, as some arboretum trails are uneven and less wheelchair-friendly.
  • Allow time to explore the marked trails leading to the scenic nearby coast for a peaceful woodland and coastal walk.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Alnwick town center to Howick Hall Gardens takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes via the A1 and B1340. Parking is available on-site but can be limited during peak season. Admission fees apply for garden entry.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Alnwick to Howick village, with a journey time of around 30 to 40 minutes. Service frequency varies, so check current timetables in advance. From the village, a walk of about 1.5 km on country roads leads to the gardens.

  • Walking

    For those staying nearby, walking to the gardens involves rural paths and minor roads, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Terrain is mostly flat but includes gravel and grass paths, which may be uneven in places.

Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum

A Storied Estate Rooted in British History

Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum has been the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey since 1319, linking the estate deeply to British history and culture. The 2nd Earl Grey, famed for the tea that bears his name, left a lasting legacy that visitors can explore through the estate’s heritage displays. The visitor centre provides insights into the hall’s history, the Grey family’s contributions, and the evolution of the gardens and arboretum over centuries.

Diverse Gardens and Expansive Arboretum

The gardens are a vibrant tapestry of horticultural delights, including a sensory garden designed to engage all senses, a tranquil bog garden thriving around a pond, and a rockery specializing in summer plants. The Silverwood Woodland Garden offers a peaceful retreat amid native trees and shrubs. The arboretum spans 65 acres and is home to over 11,000 trees and shrubs from around the world, with two-thirds of the plants labeled for easy identification. Marked trails of varying lengths invite visitors to explore these natural collections and lead down to the nearby dramatic Northumberland coastline.

The Earl Grey Tea House Experience

Nestled within the gardens, the Earl Grey Tea House offers a refined spot to rest and refresh. Exclusively for garden visitors, it serves a variety of teas, including the famous Earl Grey, alongside cakes, scones, and light lunches. The tea house’s elegant setting complements the historic ambiance of the estate, making it a perfect place to unwind after exploring the grounds.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Most garden paths are accessible to visitors with physical disabilities, though some arboretum areas are less wheelchair-friendly. A physical disability map is available to assist planning. The estate provides facilities including restrooms, seating areas, picnic spots, and information boards. Assistance dogs are welcome, but other pets are not permitted. The gardens open daily from 10:30 am to 6 pm during the main season, with earlier closing times in the early season.

Natural Beauty and Nearby Coastal Walks

Beyond the cultivated gardens, visitors can enjoy peaceful woodland walks and a beautiful coastal path nearby, offering stunning sea views and fresh air. The estate’s location near the Northumberland coast enhances its appeal as a nature escape, combining botanical interest with scenic landscapes.

Seasonal Highlights and Visiting Tips

The gardens showcase seasonal blooms, with spring bulbs and summer borders providing ever-changing displays. The estate encourages visitors to plan visits according to seasonal highlights and offers guided tours and group visit options. The Earl Grey Tea House and picnic areas provide refreshment options year-round, though the tea house is only accessible with garden admission.

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