Welcome to York Gate - a small garden of distinction

York Gate is a one-acre garden tucked away behind the ancient church in Adel, on the northern outskirts of Leeds. Created by the Spencer family during the second half of the twentieth century, and bequeathed to Perennial in 1994, it is a garden of immense style and craftsmanship, widely recognised as one of the most innovative small gardens of the period.

The garden is divided by yew and beech hedges into a series of smaller gardens, each with its own theme and style. From the formality of the Herb Garden, with its topiary to the Dell with its half-hidden pathways and stream, every area has an intimacy and charm of its own. Traditional materials are used with extraordinary creativity and invention. From pretty paths to pergolas, detailing throughout is exquisite. Evergreens, clipped into strong architectural shapes are used to spectacular effect throughout the garden.

York Gate images courtesy of John Whitaker