The Ripon Workhouse & Gardens in the centre of Ripon, weave together the history of the notorious Victorian workhouse system and the natural beauty of its gardens.
The gardens to the front and rear of the Workhouse have been restored and maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers.
The large Kitchen Garden is not only a beautiful place to sit and relax in but is also full of information and learning.
Come and explore the heritage fruit and vegetables, herbs, flowers and trees, and glimpse into Victorian society’s relationship with nature.
From the vantage point of the high terrace, visitors descend into the north-face sloping garden below.
A path meanders around the edge and through the middle of the garden with visitors leisurely exploring the four large central beds of heritage crops.
Bordering the garden are meadow-like wildflowers and a vast spread of pear and apple trees, whose fruits are harvested and pressed into juice.
Each collection is accompanied by detailed explanations and fun facts, catering to both seasoned gardeners and curious novices alike.
Younger visitors can read fun facts about the plants that are growing in each bed and why they were relevant to the Workhouse.
As a heritage seed guardian, the Workhouse Garden takes pride in growing from seed and preserving heritage plants for future generations.
The garden’s principles of biodiversity and sustainability have created a healthy, balanced environment that welcomes birds, bugs, and animals of all kinds.
Logs and benches scattered the perimeter, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy these serene surroundings whilst the picnic tables offer a space for the children to play and refuel.
You can visit the Workhouse Gardens between February and November when the museums are open. This year, the Ripon Museums close for the winter period on 23rd November.
Yes, you can enjoy the gardens with your Workhouse museum ticket. It is part of the visitor experience and is open 7 days a week 10am – 4pm
We do allow guide dogs in the museum garden however dogs are not allowed in the museum due to the historic nature of the building.
The garden is a northerly facing sloping garden, roughly one acre large.
Our Garden are largely accessible with an even concrete path running the length of the Garden, offering a good view of all the planting beds. However, visitors who use a wheelchair should be advised that not all the paths are accessible as the ones that run between beds are on a steep incline with an uneven surface.
We have picnic tables in the museum gardens and there are also benches throughout the site.
The garden is closed on the 23rd November and reopens in February 2025.
Yes we do have poisonous plants in the museum gardens and visitors are reminded not to consumer any plants or touch plants they don’t recognise.
We have a large range of heritage crops and plants growing in the Victorian Kitchen garden as well as popular garden plants and bulbs. To find out what grows in each bed visit Heritage gardening – Ripon Museums
We are a family friendly museum and the garden caters to our younger visitors as a place to explore. They can enjoy and explore the bug hotels, the growing meadow of wild flowers and our orchard trees.
During the school holidays we have activities in the gardens and this summer little explorers can join the Summer trail learning all about herbs and life in Victorian Yorkshire through hands on activities around the three museums.
We ask that an adult always supervises their children and respects other visitors.
We don’t want plants to be picked however we are happy for visitors to smell the herbs.
Every year we make vegetable boxes which are sold to staff of the museum and volunteers.
You absolutely can buy the apple juice – season depending! We sell the juices in our Museum shop so please ask staff for more details.
This summer we have herb workshops every Tuesday in the Museum gardens. They are FREE for visitors and start at 11am.
We really are incredibly lucky to boast so many gorgeous gardens and coastal destinations. See VisitNorthYorkshire.com
Here are some of the amazing places to escape to this summer holiday:
