Wondering what to do with the family this spring and summer? The RHS has no limit to their impressive gardens, and RHS Harlow Carr is just one of them. We sent our team to visit and explore this gorgeous garden to see what it's all about. 

Nestled in the Yorkshire landscape, this Harrogate-based garden has plenty to do, see, and explore for family members of all ages. If you're after a fun day out, then pop it on your must-visit list! 

The Gardens


Image: From right to left: Flowers in the rock garden and lakeside garden

There's an abundance of gardens to explore and enjoy at Harlow Carr. There's a kitchen garden where they grow seasonal crops. A lakeside garden that explores the changing gardening fashions over the last few centuries. A sub-tropicana garden that transports you to the Mediterranean with its exotic blooms. There's even a scented garden, a rock garden, a teaching garden, an alpine house, and MORE!

The options are endless and the adventure goes on for as far as the eye can see. An exciting place to wander, especially when the weather starts to warm up a bit. 

Wondrous Walks

Image: From right to left: Flowers found along the woodland walk and streamside walk

Alongside the gardens, there is a selection of calming walks you can explore throughout the gardens. Walk through the woodlands and see if you can spot any number of critters, or take a peaceful stroll along the streamside walk and soak in all the gorgeous views and blooms that appear throughout each season. 

More to Explore

This is certainly a family-friendly spot that's full of cafes and picnic areas, plus a huge castle play area for the little ones to enjoy. The grounds are expansive, and there are even bird hideaways, giving you a perfect perch to relax and enjoy the sight of your favourite wildlife. 



Image: Harlow Carr Playground. Credit: Wearecapco

There's also plenty of exciting events to get involved with! They'll be celebrating the King's coronation with live music, as well as hosting ‘The Coronation Big Lunch’ on Sunday 7th May which you can bring a picnic to enjoy while enjoying the live acts. 

Harlow Carr's Rich History

Before it was RHS owned, Harlow Carr gardens is settled on what was once an ‘ancient Royal hunting ground’. Sulphur springs were found around the grounds in 1734, and would later become a hotel and bath house.

The lands were acquired by the RHS around 2014, with plants to breathe new life into the gardens and grounds, as well as reintroducing the links with the old bath house. Since then, the hard work has paid off, and more recently a £3.3m project went underway, giving us the Alpine house and learning centre.