Roger Wale
Garden Centre Manager
Set in the spectacular Northumbrian countryside north of Morpeth, Heighley Gate is the North East’s largest garden centre. Originally a tiny independent pig and poultry farm, Heighley Gate began life in 1963 when the owners, the Lishmans, sold eggs to passing motorists. Regular customers spotted the vegetables growing in their greenhouse and a prolific business was born. More and more greenhouses were added and Heighley Gate grew from a small scale nursery and garden centre into the award-winning growing and retail operation of today.
It now lies in 40 acres of immaculately tended grounds and is renowned for both the excellence of its nursery-grown plants and its all-round appeal to gardeners and families alike. More than half the plants are home grown and the selection of hardy nursery stock is the most extensive in the North East.
The nursery remains at the heart of the business, however there is also a wide variety of shopping and entertainment on offer, indoor and outdoor children's play areas, as well as a great restaurant. Whilst the emphasis rests on top quality plants and gardening products, the genuinely warm welcome extended to every visitor remains Heighley Gate’s trademark, ensuring a day spent here is one never to be forgotten.
Blending seamlessly into the Yorkshire landscape, Harlow Carr is dominated by water, stone and woodland. The 58 acre garden proffers many a seasonal highlight, as well as the UK's longest streamside garden, woodland, wildflower meadows, herbaceous borders and an inspired kitchen garden. One of the crowning glories of the RHS portfolio, Harlow Carr is home to inspirational displays, some provocative designs and consistently excellent planting.
Rievaulx Abbey was once one of England's wealthiest monasteries and five centuries later it still conveys its former power. With striking stonework, elegant arches, and soaring pillars, this imposing abbey is well worth a visit.
World famous for its great selection of plants, there are 70 acres of landscaped grounds to discover. With a diverse collection of rhododendrons, orchids and alpines, there is a notable rock garden, stunning herbaceous borders and memorable woodland garden. With Britain's tallest Palm House, this offers an unforgettable day out.
