
Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum
Explore the ancestral home of the Earls Grey, featuring stunning gardens, a diverse arboretum, and a renowned tea room.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical snowdrop displays

Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum
Best Time
Magical snowdrop displays

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancestral home of the Earls Grey, featuring stunning gardens, a diverse arboretum, and a renowned tea room.
"A quiet hidden oasis in Northumberland, beautiful and peaceful, well worth the entry cost."

Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the extensive gardens and woodlands with ease. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved!
Allow a Full Day
There's so much to see and enjoy, including lunch! You could easily spend all day here. :clock1:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Festival of the Snowdrops
Woodlands and Gardens
Witness a magical carpet of snowdrops transforming the woodlands into a winter wonderland. A truly enchanting sight.

Sensory Garden
Gardens
Engage all your senses in this thoughtfully designed garden, offering a unique and immersive botanical experience.

Arboretum and Woodland Walks
Arboretum and Woodlands
Wander through a diverse collection of specimen trees and flowering shrubs, offering peaceful and scenic routes.

Earl Grey Tea Room
East Wing
Savor delicious treats and the iconic Earl Grey tea in a beautiful setting overlooking the gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Bloom
Embrace the Earl Grey Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the extensive gardens and woodlands with ease. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved!
Allow a Full Day
There's so much to see and enjoy, including lunch! You could easily spend all day here. :clock1:
Don't Miss the Tea Room
Excellent food, friendly staff, and a great selection of teas, including Earl Grey loaf. :tea:
Check for Events
Look out for special events like Wildlife Days or Midwinter Lights. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the extensive gardens and woodlands with ease. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved!
Allow a Full Day
There's so much to see and enjoy, including lunch! You could easily spend all day here. :clock1:
Don't Miss the Tea Room
Excellent food, friendly staff, and a great selection of teas, including Earl Grey loaf. :tea:
Check for Events
Look out for special events like Wildlife Days or Midwinter Lights. :sparkles:
Sensory Garden is a Must
A unique and immersive experience for all visitors. :seedling:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Howick Hall Gardens for its beautiful and diverse landscapes, from the tranquil woodlands to the vibrant floral displays. The historical connection to the Earl Grey family and the excellent tea room are frequently highlighted as significant draws. While entry fees are noted, most feel the experience is well worth the cost for a peaceful and enriching day out.
"Beautiful garden and arboretum well worth a visit. We spent most of the day there including lunch in the tea rooms. Will definitely visit again when we are in the area."
DE5 Pete
"It was really interesting to learn about how they had developed the hall and gardens over time. The gardens were lovely to walk round and the woodland walk we did was very peaceful. Excellent tea room, with a great selection of tea, of course, and gluten free cakes."
Rich M
"Absolutely fabulous place, could have spent much longer there.
The grounds are well kept and signposted. A map showing where the benches are, for those less able was a bonus.
The guide supplied free of charge was descriptive and useful.
The house has two completed rooms which are beautiful. The cafe was excellent as well as the staff. Recommend a visit to this too."
Andrea Pomphrey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum is located in Northumberland, UK. Visitors can drive and find parking on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi service from nearby towns is advisable if not driving.
Public transport to Howick Hall Gardens can be challenging. It's best to check with local bus operators for routes serving the area. Many visitors opt to drive, as parking is available.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Howick Hall Gardens website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special event hours.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. This makes it convenient for those traveling by car.
Yes, Howick Hall Gardens is a popular day trip destination from Newcastle. The drive typically takes around 45-60 minutes, making it an accessible option for a scenic escape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary, but as of recent information, it's around £12.10 per adult. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts or special offers.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or for special events, is often recommended to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Check their website for booking options.
Information on discounts can vary. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire directly about potential concessions for seniors, students, or group bookings.
Admission typically grants access to the gardens, arboretum, woodland walks, and the sensory garden. Access to the house itself might be limited to specific rooms.
The gardens offer a free map highlighting benches for those with mobility concerns, and some areas are relatively flat. However, some woodland paths may be uneven. The sensory garden is designed to be accessible.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Festival of the Snowdrops in spring, the vibrant cottage gardens in early June, the peaceful arboretum and woodland walks, and the unique sensory garden. The tea room is also a highlight.
Generally, dogs are not permitted in the formal gardens or tea rooms to protect the delicate plants and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. However, some areas of the wider estate might allow dogs on leads. It's best to confirm their specific policy.
While specific guided tours might not be a daily offering, free descriptive guides are often provided, which are very useful for exploring the grounds. Keep an eye out for any special guided event days.
You'll find a stunning variety, including spring daffodils, snowdrops, a wide array of specimen trees in the arboretum, flowering shrubs, and a diverse collection in the sensory and bog gardens.
Yes, families often enjoy the open spaces for exploring and the sensory garden. Special events like 'Wildlife Days' are also geared towards families.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an excellent tea room located in the East Wing, overlooking the gardens. They offer a great selection of fresh food, including delicious Earl Grey tea loaf and gluten-free cakes.
The tea room serves a range of lovely fresh food, with a great selection of teas, including their signature Earl Grey tea loaf. They also offer gluten-free cake options.
While specific picnic areas might not be designated, visitors can often enjoy their own food in designated spots or on benches throughout the grounds, provided they are respectful of the gardens. It's best to check their policy on picnics.
The tea room generally offers fresh food, and it's likely they have vegetarian options. For specific vegan requirements, it's advisable to inquire directly with the tea room staff upon arrival.
The tea room's opening hours typically align with the garden's seasonal opening. It's best to check the official website for current operating hours, especially outside of the main spring and summer seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer endless photographic opportunities, from the vibrant cottage flowers in early June to the delicate snowdrops in spring. The arboretum's specimen trees and the tranquil woodland paths also provide beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most garden attractions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife. It's essential to check the official website or inquire directly about their drone policy.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is welcomed. However, professional photography or filming may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing landscapes and details. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of flowers. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for sweeping garden vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's plenty of ground to cover. The tea room is also a great spot for a family lunch or snack, with options that should please most palates. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in designated areas if your children prefer to eat outdoors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at the Earl Grey Tea Room for a perfect end to your visit, savoring the flavors and the picturesque views. Visiting on a weekday can enhance the sense of tranquility, allowing for a more personal and unhurried experience.
🌸 Garden Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to learn about the estate's history and its connection to the Earl Grey family, adding a layer of historical context to the botanical wonders. The free descriptive guides are invaluable for understanding the plant collections and the garden's design.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Earl Grey
Exploring the gardens, you can feel the history woven into the fabric of the place. The East Wing tea room, for instance, offers a direct connection to this legacy, serving the renowned tea and treats in a setting that overlooks the very grounds that inspired it. It's a chance to not just see a beautiful garden, but to connect with a piece of British history and a globally recognized brand.
While the house itself has limited public access, focusing on the two completed rooms, the true star for visitors is the expansive estate. The gardens and arboretum are a testament to the family's enduring connection to the land, showcasing a passion for horticulture that has been cultivated over centuries.
A Horticultural Haven: Gardens and Arboretum
Beyond the formal gardens, the woodland walks offer a more tranquil and immersive experience. These peaceful routes allow you to wander through natural beauty, providing a serene escape. A particular highlight for many is the Sensory Garden, thoughtfully designed to engage all senses, offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The bog garden is another unique feature, showcasing plants adapted to wetter conditions, adding to the diverse horticultural offerings.
Repeat visits are highly recommended to fully appreciate the changing seasons and the vast array of plants. The grounds are well-maintained and signposted, with maps available to help navigate the extensive estate, ensuring visitors can make the most of their exploration.
The Howick Hall Tea Room Experience
The tea room is known for its friendly staff and the quality of its offerings, including a good range of fresh food and gluten-free cake options. This makes it an inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for many. The ambiance, combined with the delicious food and drink, makes it a highly recommended part of the visit.
Whether you're seeking a light lunch, a sweet treat, or simply a comforting cup of tea, the Howick Hall tea room offers a delightful experience that complements the beauty of the gardens. It's a place where you can truly soak in the atmosphere and reflect on the stunning surroundings.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit