Goddards House and Garden
A tranquil Arts and Crafts garden in York, once home to the Terry chocolate family, with formal lawns, a lily pool, orchard, and views to the old factory clock tower.
On the edge of York, Goddards is a National Trust–cared Arts and Crafts house and garden once home to the Terry chocolate family. Though the house now serves as regional offices, its five-acre garden remains a tranquil escape: formal lawns, a lily pool, herbaceous borders, orchard, and glasshouse, all framed by mature trees. Fragrant planting, wildlife ponds, and views across the racecourse to the old Terry’s factory clock tower evoke a bygone era of family life and chocolate heritage. Ideal for a peaceful stroll, a takeaway drink on the terrace, or a quiet moment among roses and wisteria.
A brief summary to Goddards
- 27 Tadcaster Rd, York, Dringhouses, YO24 1GG, GB
- +441904771930
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit in spring to see the wisteria in full bloom and enjoy the garden at its most fragrant and colourful.
- Bring a picnic and find a quiet spot on the lawn; there are plenty of benches and open spaces to relax away from the main paths.
- Look across the racecourse from the paddock orchard to spot the old Terry’s factory clock tower, a subtle nod to York’s chocolate heritage.
- Check the National Trust website before visiting, as opening days and times vary by season and the house is not open to the public.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus
From York city centre, take a local bus towards Dringhouses or the racecourse; alight near Tadcaster Road and walk a few minutes to Goddards. Journey time is around 15–20 minutes, with buses running regularly during the day.
-
Walking
From York city centre, follow a scenic 2.5–3 km route along the River Ouse and across the Knavesmire to reach Goddards. Allow 30–40 minutes; the path is mostly flat and well-maintained, suitable for most walkers.
-
Car
Drive to Tadcaster Road in Dringhouses; limited accessible parking is available directly outside the entrance. Standard city parking charges apply, and spaces are limited, so arriving early is advisable, especially on weekends.
-
Bicycle
Cycle from York city centre via signed routes along the river and Knavesmire; bike racks are provided at the rear of the house. The ride takes about 20–25 minutes on mostly traffic-free paths.
Goddards location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Goddards
A Home Rooted in York’s Chocolate Story
Goddards House and Garden stands on the southern edge of York as a quiet testament to the city’s rich chocolate-making past. Built in 1927 for Noel and Kathleen Terry of the Terry’s chocolate family, the house was designed in the Arts and Crafts style by local architect Walter Brierley, often called the ‘Lutyens of the North’. The surrounding five-acre garden was laid out by George Dillistone, creating a series of intimate garden rooms that blend formal structure with natural charm. Though the house is now used as regional offices for the National Trust and not open to the public, the garden remains a beautifully preserved space where the legacy of the Terry family quietly lingers.Five Acres of Garden Rooms
The garden unfolds as a sequence of distinct outdoor spaces, each with its own character. A formal terrace overlooks lawns and a cruciform lily pool fed by a semi-circular reflecting pool, once surrounded by roses. Herbaceous borders burst with colour and scent, while a fragrant garden and a small kitchen garden offer a more practical charm. A rock garden and wildlife pond support local biodiversity, and a historic glasshouse adds a touch of Edwardian elegance. The paddock orchard, with its fruit trees, looks out across the Knavesmire towards York Racecourse, where the old Terry’s factory clock tower is still visible—a subtle but powerful link between family home and factory life.Arts and Crafts Elegance
The house itself is a fine example of early 20th-century Arts and Crafts design, with handmade local bricks laid in geometric patterns, decorative chimney stacks, and carefully proportioned windows and doors. Though visitors cannot tour the interior, the exterior and surrounding walls, including the Grade II* listed carriage entrance, reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Brierley’s work. The garden’s layout, with its axial views, formal ponds, and carefully framed vistas, complements the house’s architectural language, creating a harmonious whole that feels both grand and homely.A Peaceful Escape on the City’s Edge
Despite its proximity to York city centre, Goddards feels like a secluded retreat. Mature trees frame the lawns and borders, softening the urban edge and creating a sense of enclosure. Benches are scattered throughout, inviting quiet contemplation, while the terrace offers a sunny spot to enjoy takeaway drinks and light snacks. The garden is particularly lovely in spring and early summer, when wisteria drapes the air with fragrance and colour, but it remains attractive through the warmer months with its changing displays of flowers, foliage, and fruit. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the interplay of history, horticulture, and chocolate heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chalfont Bear
0.5 km
Explore the historic beauty of Chalfont Bear in Dringhouses, York, a landmark that captures the essence of local heritage and picturesque surroundings.
The Tyburn
0.7 km
A solemn stone on York’s Knavesmire marks centuries of public executions and justice’s harsh history.
Millennium Bridge
1.5 km
Contemporary engineering meets riverside beauty—York's illuminated pedestrian bridge spanning the Ouse.
Historic England - York Office
2.2 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Ouse Bridge
2.3 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
2.6 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
Museum Gardens
2.6 km
Discover the charm of Museum Gardens in York, a beautiful park blending nature, history, and culture for an unforgettable experience.
St. Leonard's Hospital
2.6 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Multangular Tower
2.6 km
Discover the historical Multangular Tower in York, a remarkable relic of Roman architecture nestled within the tranquil York Museum Gardens.
28 Shambles
2.6 km
Medieval York's most iconic street, where 900 years of history meet vibrant modern commerce.
Yorkshire Museum
2.6 km
Explore the rich history of Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Museum, where ancient artifacts and beautiful gardens await every visitor.
Shambles Market
2.6 km
Discover York’s vibrant Shambles Market, where historic charm meets artisan crafts and global street food in a lively covered marketplace.
Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
2.6 km
Experience the magic of York with the Wizard Walk, an award-winning tour that unveils the city's enchanting history and captivating tales.
Roman Bath
2.6 km
Discover ancient Roman baths beneath a lively York pub, blending history and hospitality in the heart of the city.
Peregrine Falcon Mural
2.6 km
A vibrant community-inspired mural celebrating York's heritage, featuring a peregrine falcon and local voices.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rowntree Park
1.8 km
Historic riverside park in York offering gardens, sports, wildlife, and a welcoming café for all ages and interests.
Holgate Windmill
1.8 km
York’s last working 18th-century windmill, grinding flour atop a suburban hill with historic charm and panoramic city views.
York's Tansy Beetle Mural
1.9 km
A vibrant street art tribute in York celebrating the rare, shimmering green Tansy Beetle and its fragile riverside habitat.
Pikeing Well
1.9 km
An 18th-century ornamental well by John Carr on York’s scenic New Walk, blending medieval stonework with historic riverside charm.
Micklegate Bar
1.9 km
Step through Micklegate Bar, York’s iconic medieval gatehouse steeped in history, legends, and centuries of city defense.
York Cold War Bunker
2.0 km
Explore York’s preserved Cold War bunker, a gripping museum revealing Britain’s nuclear defense history through authentic rooms and expert-led tours.
Baile Hill
2.1 km
Explore Baile Hill, York’s serene Norman motte and bailey castle site with rich history and stunning views of York Minster.
A Very Magical Adventure
2.1 km
Embark on a whimsical family-friendly magical quest through York’s historic streets at Jacobs Well.
Skeldergate Bridge & Bishopgate St
2.1 km
Historic Victorian Gothic Revival bridge over the River Ouse, blending York’s past with scenic riverside charm and modern social spaces.
Skeldergate Bridge
2.1 km
A Victorian Gothic iron bridge offering scenic River Ouse views and a glimpse into York’s rich industrial heritage.
The Ghost Bus Tours York
2.2 km
Experience the chilling tales of York's haunted history aboard The Ghost Bus Tours, a unique blend of entertainment and storytelling.
Miniature Railway
2.2 km
A charming miniature railway ride nestled within York’s National Railway Museum, blending family fun with historic railway heritage.
Tower Gardens
2.2 km
A serene, shaded garden by the River Ouse offering peaceful riverside views and a quiet escape near York’s historic Clifford’s Tower.
York Beach
2.3 km
A vibrant craft beer bar in York’s historic Merchant Exchange, blending industrial charm with regional brews and lively riverside views.
National Railway Museum York
2.3 km
Explore Britain's rich railway heritage with iconic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and historic carriages at York's National Railway Museum.
Essential places to dine
Melton's Restaurant
1.7 km
An intimate York gem offering inventive Modern British tasting menus with expert wine pairings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Delrio's Restaurant
1.9 km
Experience authentic Italian and Sardinian cuisine in York’s cozy cellar setting, where passion and tradition create unforgettable flavors.
Partisan
2.0 km
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Skosh
2.1 km
Inventive small plates, global flavors, and theatrical kitchen views in intimate York setting.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
2.2 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
Kapadokya
2.2 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
The Olive Tree
2.3 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
The Rise
2.3 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
The Whippet Inn
2.3 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Corner Grill House
2.3 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Bosun's at The Riverfront York
2.3 km
Experience award-winning riverside dining and tranquil outdoor escapes at Bosun's and The Riverfront York in Bishopthorpe.
Rustique Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
Ate O'Clock
2.5 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Bill's York Restaurant
2.5 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Treasures
2.3 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Greybear
2.3 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
York Souvenir's
2.4 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Dog & Bone Vintage
2.4 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.4 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Fenwick York
2.4 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Expressions
2.6 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
2.6 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
The Imaginarium
2.6 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
2.6 km
Discover a magical shopping experience at The Shop That Must Not Be Named in York, where fantasy and adventure come alive with enchanting gifts.
Give The Dog A Bone
2.6 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Gift Gallery
2.6 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
2.6 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
2.6 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Cello by Collectables
2.6 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cross Keys
0.2 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Dringhouses, York, blending hearty British fare, lively sports viewing, and a friendly local atmosphere.
York Tap
2.1 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
Dyls
2.2 km
Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
Jalou York
2.3 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Tank & Paddle York
2.3 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Plonkers
2.3 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
2.3 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
The Maltings
2.4 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
The Stone Roses Bar
2.4 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Pitcher & Piano York
2.4 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Revolution York
2.5 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
The Three Tuns
2.5 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Social 8 Lounge
2.5 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
Lendal Cellars
2.5 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Dusk
2.5 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
