Goddards

1st visit today (01/10/2023). Currently, only the garden is open to the public and only at the weekends now until the end of October, when the property closes until March 2024. Nevertheless, it is well worth the visit. Accessible with plenty to explore or just sit and absorb the tranquility. Because of the mild weather the autumn colours weren't evident yet, so a later visit may be advisable. Certainly a garden to visit throughout the year (opening times permitting).

It is a beautiful property near the city centre of York. The volunteers were friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The gardens are a beautiful space spread out over 4 acres, and are a peaceful space to walk around. For horticulture enthusiasts, this property is a definite must visit location. Sadly the house house hasn’t opened since covid, I would hope it were to reopen as soon as possible.

Beautiful garden, path easy to follow and to walk on. Suitable for people with mobility problems. Nice terrace to sit at whilst eating and drinking items from the tea room which sells light bites, hot and cold drinks. The lady at reception was very welcoming and knowledgeable about the Terry family who were the only family to live in the house which was built in the 1920’s and was given to the National Trust on the deaths of Mr & Mrs Terry as their offspring did not want to take on the responsibility of this beautiful house. The gentleman at the gate house was a bit stern and not very welcoming. Unfortunately there is only one toilet for everyone. For some reason there were day glow orange construction fence barriers closing off steps and other odd places, stood out like sore thumbs and took away some lovely photo opportunities. I would have thought the National Trust would have found a more ‘in keeping’ way to block things off. Definitely worth a visit. Too small for a full day, would say give it 2-3 hours.

An absolute gem of a find, this property should be much better known. Sadly, they have not been able to re-open the house post-covid; a real shame as, from the outside it looks to be a beautiful Arts and Crafts building. However, the gardens are stunning. There is a series of "rooms", spread over four acres and becoming less formal the further away from the house you go. The scent garden and the orchard were the highlights for me, but it was all beautiful. Surprisingly quiet, considering it's just off the main road. As always with NT properties, the volunteers were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Well worth a visit.

This is a relatively recent, for the National Trust, open property although it has been under their care for a lot longer and still does serve as their regional offices. It was the home of the Terry family who owned the Chocolate Factory in York and was purpose built for them as a large family home. Not only is a lot of the house (that you can go in) as it was but the gardens are lovely too and well maintained. They back onto the racecourse.