A visit to Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, Yorkshire

By Karen Chapman | October 5, 2021 |

Home to over 80 Contemporary Sculptures set within 45 acres of breathtaking gardens, this Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park is inspired by the Himalayas yet nestled into the picturesque Yorkshire countryside. However, when I read the gushing online reviews of rhododendrons, azaleas and the new Primula meadow, I was concerned that while this would be stunning in spring it may have little to offer in August. I was wrong.

Careful layering of foliage textures and colors ensured an interesting woodland walk even without those early season flowers although I'm sure the peak bloom season must be extraordinary.

Contrasting colors, forms and textures on the shady hillside are interesting even in mid-summer

Coming across unexpected yet perfectly placed sculptures only enhanced the stroll

Barn Owl by Hamish Mackie looks so realistic it is easy to mistake it for the real thing!

Meandering paths lead visitors down a wooded hillside to the valley floor, enhanced with three lakes. This sunny, open area lends itself to an entirely new experience and plant palette.

The first glimpse of this soaring swift sculpture was magnificent.

Swift by Hamish Mackie soars over the summer meadow

The lakeside design gave me lots of planting ideas for planting combinations focused on foliage.

While the glorious color on this young, dwarf pin oak tree literally stopped me in my tracks. I NEED this tree!

Quercus palustris 'Swamp Pygmy'

Colorful, naturalistic meadow-style plantings softened the view of one side of the lake and created habitat for many birds and insects.

And it was enlightening to be able to view many of the sculptures from multiple vantage points.

It was a good reminder to turn around occasionally!

No visit to an English garden is complete without tea and cake, and I have to say the tearoom here is exceptional. I'd highly recommend lunch before you start then linger over a homemade pastry and tea as you recover from the hike back up the hill! (That was our excuse anyway).

It's easy to spend half a day here – one to add to your wish list.

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4 Comments

  1. Alyson on October 5, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    What an incredible park! I am so glad you got to experience this. The sculptures are amazing… I am especially in love with the Owl sculpture and Red Ribbon sculpture. W O W



    • Karen Chapman on October 5, 2021 at 9:45 pm

      I loved the fluidity of Red Ribbon especially – but also the way the Swift soared over that meadow – beautiful



  2. Suzanne Hoddenpyle Kalish on October 5, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Parts of this lovely park remind me of your garden above Duvall!!!

    coincidence?? probably not– Your British skills… thank you for sharing…



    • Karen Chapman on October 5, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      That's too kind – and overly generous!!