Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is at the far side of the Lake, opposite the Bird Garden and about 20 minutes walk from the Courtyard.

It is the oldest garden at Harewood and was already under construction when building at Harewood House began in 1759. Its purpose was to provide the kitchens there with the finest fresh fruit and vegetables.

Horticultural skills of the very highest standard were nurtured there; new and exotic plants and food crops were introduced and specially designed buildings made to grow them in. It was extensively refurbished in the 1930s, with modern glasshouses replacing most of the old hothouses.

Today the Walled Garden is still a working kitchen garden growing a wide variety of both heritage and modern varieties of fruit and vegetables. 

This year we are well underway with 12 new beds. Utilising a full acre of the area within the Walled Garden and resembling a communal allotment, the layout of the new garden was designed by artist Diane Howse and comprises a series of plots varying in size with grass paths set out in such a way as to orientate the visitor around the garden.

A pavilion-type structure representing the iconic ‘shed’ is planned in the near future as the centrepiece to the garden and will become a feature attraction for visitors.

You can taste some of the home-grown produce, picked daily for the restaurant in The Courtyard. Produce is available to buy in our Courtyard Shop and you'll find some tasty recipes to give you inspiration here...

The Walled Garden is also a teaching resource, with regular garden talks and beekeeping demonstrations (see Tours & Talks and What’s On section for more information).