Goddards Garden, York

'A hidden gem only 1 Mile from York City Centre'

Beautifully tended 4 acres of Garden, which is an oasis of calm and tranquillity so close to York. The Gardens make an ideal place to take children, have a picnic, read a book or just spend time out.

Now the regional headquarters for the National Trust. The Gardens at  Goddards are one of York's best hidden attractions.
The House was formerly the home of  Noel Terry, a relative of the Terry chocolate firm, Joseph Terry and Sons. In 1925 they acquired the land Goddards now stands from Colonel Wilkinson of Dringhouses manor. The site provided Noel Terry with a view from his house towards the Terry's factory.

Noel Terry commissioned Walter Brierley to design his new house, and appointed George Dillstone  to design the Gardens. Dillstone came from a long line of gardeners and set up his own business as a landscape and garden designer in 1925.

Although the house was finished in 1927, the garden was not completed until later. As late as 1931 Dillstone was producing a plan and sketches for the rock garden. At this time Dillstone described Goddards as “a very fine series of gardens with plenty of interest through every foot”

Following the deaths of Kathleen and Noel Terry the National Trust purchased Goddards in 1984 from the Terry Trustees for use as a regional office.

Visitor Information

Opening Times;

16th March – 30 October 2009

Monday – Friday 11.00 – 16.30 (Last Entry 15.30)

Closed on Bank Holidays

Admission: Free to National Trust members

Non Members: £2.50, Children under 16 Free

Registered Charity No: 205856