Dating back to 1759, Helmsley Walled garden nestles between the Grade One listed landscape of Duncombe Park and the scheduled ancient monument that is Helmsley Castle. The garden was a major employer during most of its history, but following the First World War, it was leased as a commercial enterprise and was run as such until 1984.

In 1984, it was abandoned and fell into dereliction. The restoration began in 1994 to restore the garden back to its original Victorian beauty and productivity.

Today the mission of Helmsley Walled Garden is to conserve and restore the fabric of this historically important walled garden and to return it to full productivity, incidentally conserving old, rare and endangered garden plants, using environmentally sustainable and where possible fully organic techniques.

Simultaneously, we provide horticultural therapy, education and employment in the Helmsley area , with special emphasis on addressing the needs of the disadvantaged within the community. Gardens and gardening carry with them a wide range of therapeutic benefits for the disabled, elderly or disadvantaged, as well as for the able bodied. We have 15 years of practical experience of the ways in which horticulture can:

• Provide the work experience, skills and practical qualifications that can lead to permanent employment.
• Bring individuals who are alienated – for whatever reason – back into a caring and sustaining community
• Help rehabilitate the disadvantaged by building confidence and social skills
• Restore strength, self confidence and mobility after illness, trauma or accident
• Provide a peaceful, restorative haven for those recovering from illness and for those whose illness is terminal

The garden now employs two full-time gardeners and has the support of an enthusiastic group of volunteers.  About 20,000 visitors come each year to explore the paths and vine house and admire the magnificent towering walls covered in more than 250 varieties of clematis and old-fashioned fruit trees.  Other original features include the central dipping pond and 250-year-old HL hinges on the garden side doors.  Visitors are able to wander anywhere in the garden; visit the propagation house; discuss the plants with staff and volunteers and picnic on the lawn.