What’s on Yorkshire: RHS Garden Harlow Carr Harrogate Spring Garden Weekend March 28-30, 2025

Whether you’re a novice not knowing where to start or a green-fingered expert looking for inspiration, have a few pots to plant up or acres of garden to landscape, then this Harrogate attraction is not to be missed.

RHS Harlow Carr is a haven for any gardener, and a visit here will plant the seeds of inspiration ready to take root and bloom whatever type of garden you have.

With 58 acres of gardens of accessible gardens to explore, two places to eat and have refreshments, specialist plants for sale as well as shop packed with treats for any green-fingered person, a visit here is a day out in itself.

And now there’s an extra reason to visit – the RHS Harlow Carr Spring Garden Weekend on March 28 – 30.

What’s on for the Spring Garden Weekend?

Throughout this three-day event there will be talks and demonstrations from experts in a marquee near to the entrance, between 11am and 4pm each day, so you get answers to any horticultural quandary, as well as inspiration for your next project.

There will be specialist trade stands and garden tours throughout the day so that you can find out even more about what goes on at the gardens.

Among the experts in the potting shed will be flower-arranger Jonathan Moseley and gardening greats Jill and Martin Fish. Jill and Martin are specialists when it comes to plot to plate gardening and making the most of container planting, whether that’s for eating, cut flowers or ensuring a great seasonal display.

The friendly RHS Garden Advice team will be in the entrance answering all your gardening questions, large or small. For planting suggestions, pruning advice, problem plants and everything in-between between 10 and 4 – and if you have a pesky problem by all means take a pic to bring in but please leave any plants at home to minimise the risk of pests and disease.

And there is no extra charge for the Spring Garden Weekend, it’s all included in the admission price, which gives you access to all the gardens and planted areas on the 58-acre site, at Crag Lane, Harrogate. Book in advance online and you’ll pay even less for entry, under fives are free and kids five to 16 pay just £5.

Delights for every season

Despite being the most northerly of the Royal Horticultural Society’s locations, RHS Harlow Carr, at Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, is open every day except Christmas Day, and offers plenty to see and do whatever the weather.

Within that 58-acre site are a variety of different gardens and landscaped areas including woodlands, an arboretum, a sheltered sub-tropical garden boasting lush banana trees and tree ferns, a kitchen garden, which supplies produce for the recently opened Harrogate Arms Café, and a host of planted areas to show a wide range of planting styles in including herbaceous borders, the Streamside Gardens and the Sandstone Garden, to name a few.

Whatever time of the year there is plenty to see and lots of colour and with expert gardeners working around the site, there is always someone to chat to to ask a question or pick up some green-fingered tips.

The winter walk showcasing the best winter plants and shrubs for colour and scent for example. RHS Harlow Carr has over 2,000 alpine plants which are brought on display in the alpine house at their peak, alongside other cacti and succulents.

Accessible to all

Most of the paths around the site are surfaced and flat and easily negotiated by those with mobility issues, mobility vehicles, wheelchairs and pushchairs. RHS Harlow Carr also has five mobility scooters available to borrow on the site – which can be pre-booked on 01423 565418.

Food and drink and shopping

As well as a Betty’s tea rooms next to the entrance, once inside visitors can also dine in style in the recently opened Harrogate Arms Café, which is housed in a listed Victorian building, formerly a hotel, which offers lunches and light refreshments.

There are plenty of plants and shrubs to buy in the garden centre area and there’s always a seasonal offer, such as the current 10 primulas for £10 package. The shop sells a range of goods including lots of books and essentials for any keen or beginner gardener.

How to get here and when it’s open

The car parking is free but if you visit without a car (and there are frequent bus services from Harrogate seven days a week) then you can save 30% on admission. There is a scenic walk from Harrogate through the Valley Gardens and dedicated cycle parking.

Dogs are not allowed inside the garden, but the adjacent woodland is the perfect place to let your four-legged friend stretch their legs.

Opening times are Monday to Sunday 9.30am –6pm, with last entry 5pm.

There are a variety of saver, off-peak, and pre-booked ticket prices starting at £12.50 per person. It is free for RHS members and costs less to book online in advance than on the day. For more information and booking please visit the website here.

And for more details on the Spring Garden Weekend click here