Goddards Gardens

About

Goddards Gardens is a National Trust house and gardens situated in York. Historically the home of the Terry family, the gardens overlook the famous Terry’s clock tower. The house originally belonged to Noel Terry who worked for the family chocolate company from 1911. This meant he decided to create his family home near the historic York chocolate factory. Additionally, George Dillstone designed the 5 acre gardens that accompany the house. The house is now a National Trust office so is not open for visitors. However, the peaceful and scenic gardens are now open for visitors to explore.

What is there to do at Goddards Gardens?

Goddards House and Gardens in York has lots of nature for visitors to explore, including:

• Formal and summer terraces
• Fragrant, rock and kitchen gardens
• A wildlife pond
• Herbaceous borders
• A historic glasshouse
• A paddock orchard overlooking Terry’s clock tower and York Race Course

There is a kiosk selling takeaway drinks and snacks to enjoy in the gardens. Additionally, visitors are allowed to bring their own picnics. There is also a second-hand books sale in the sun room where you can purchase and donate books.

To find out more about a visit to Goddards Gardens, click here.

Accessibility

Goddards Gardens has pathways with a mix of surfaces around the gardens including gravel, paving and grass. Most of the gardens are accessible without using stairs. However, the lavender and lower terraces are only accessible via a flight of stairs. Also, there are steps at the entrance but there is a ramp available. Maps of the gardens with information on routes and surfaces are available from reception. Additionally, the gardens have a motorised wheelchair for visitors to borrow, which can be prebooked over email. No accessible toilets are available in the gardens. In terms of parking, there are 7 disabled bays at the house carpark which is the only parking available for visitors. Alternatively, there is free parking on Cherry Lane which is a 4 minute walk away.

Noise levels at Goddards Gardens are usually low as it is an outdoor space. The gardens are often busiest on weekends, especially around lunch time. For a quieter visit, the gardens are usually least busy on Thursdays and Fridays or a later slot on the weekend. However, there is not a dedicated quiet time to visit.

For more information about places to visit in York, go to the Eric Knows website.