Deep in the Yorkshire dales, you might be surprised to find a Himalayan garden & sculpture park. It’s an absolutely gorgeous place to visit and if you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales it is a fantastic family-friendly Yorkshire Dales walk (I would not recommend it for pushchairs as the valley is steep. And there are plenty of steps and steep climbs). Find more Family walks here.
The himalayan Gardens are 45 acres of stunning gardens built into a steep valley. The maze of paths take you down into the valley floor where there are 3 lakes and back up the other side of the valley. Dotted around the gardens are 80 sculptures which really enhance the already stunning landscape.
The gardens are thought to be the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. With nearly 20,000 plants including some 1,400 rhododendron varieties, 250 azalea varieties and 150 different magnolias. The planting is inspired by the Himalayas and does well because of the high rainfall in the area (it rained off and on during our visit but it didn’t spoil our walk).
As well as the 80 sculptures, there is also a Pagoda, Summerhouse, Himalayan Shelter and a Norse Hut. My girls loved going in the various shelters as well as discovering the larger sculptures. They also loved the little play area at the start.
Another great feature my girls love was the fairy door trail. There are 10 cute and colourful fairy doors on trees around the attraction for them to spot.
I love woodland walks and gardens as well as open-air sculptures so this fantastic attraction ticks all the boxes. Some of my favourite sculptures are wave in one of the lakes, this is not a knot and the Norse hut.
We visited in August 2020 and not only did we fall in love with this place but we were very impressed with the social distancing measures in place. There is a one way system in many areas of the gardens, which not only help with social distancing but makes sure you don’t miss any of the amazing sculptures. It’s a real maze of paths!
There are also plenty of hand sanitising stations around (including in the play area) and we saw staff cleaning toilets and picnic tables frequently. To limit numbers, you do need to book your tickets in advance.
Getting to the Himalayan sculpture gardens
The gardens are located a mile and a half from Grewelthorpe. There is plenty of free parking. The nearest bus stop is in Grewelthorpe.
Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on leads.
Is Himalayan sculpture gardens accessible?
Unfortunately, because the gardens are built into a steep valley, the site is not suitable for wheelchairs. I wouldn’t recommend it for pushchairs either really. It’s perfect for little legs though and baby carriers.
Facilities
There are toilets in the car park and at the cafe. There is also a horsebox cafe in the bottom of the valley selling drinks, cakes and ice cream.
If you are ever visiting the Ripon area, I can’t recommend this place enough.
Our top tips for visiting the Himalayan garden and sculpture park with kids
- Please note the Himalayan gardens and sculpture park does close for the winter on the 1st November 2020.
- Tickets must be booked online in advance.
- A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is £24, rising to £28 for 3 children. We think this is great value as you can easily make a day of it.
- There are baby changing facilities in the disabled toilets.
- There is a small woodland play area that my kids loved.
- Find out more and book your tickets here.
Nearby places you’ll love
- We love Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal water gardens for family walks and the amazing play area.
- If you love sculptures as much as I do, you’ll love the Yorkshire sculpture park too.
- We love the fairy trail at the Studfold adventure trail.
- We’re really keen to visit The forbidden corner but never manage to book tickets when we are in the area.
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