Valley Gardens Guided Walk: Wells, History and Horticulture

The area of spa wells that was originally called Bogs Field, following two extensions, by 1901 became the 17 acre Valley Gardens. The gardens now feature the Old and New Magnesia Pump rooms, a bandstand and the 1933 Sun Pavilion with its lengthy colonnades. Sports facilities were added after WWI, including a boating pool, tennis courts, playground and latterly a skateboard park.

The walk will visit the WWI and WWII memorial rose gardens and King Edward VII Memorial Gate, the Japanese garden, the New Zealand garden, and you will see amazing specimen trees such as the Wollemi Pine from Australia and Ginko from China. The New Zealand Garden honours the memory of the 23 airmen who gave their lives in WWII and now rest at the Commonwealth War Graves in Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate. The Japanese garden was created in the 1930s and was restored in 2018; it includes Japanese Gates, symbolic rock arrangements, bridges, lanterns and "Cloud Pruned" trees.

The tour also covers the developments of historic buildings and leisure facilities, and discusses how the horticultural practices and floral designs have changed over the life of Valley Gardens.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

Tour 1100

Saturday 14 September:

Tour 1100

Location & directions

Valley Gardens, Valley Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 0JH

Directions:

Please meet your Guide 10 minutes before the start time at The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room at the north east of the gardens beyond the Sun Pavilion and before the toilets.

Contact on day:

Jane Blayney

Telephone number:

+447794583888

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please book on Eventbrite using the links below. Note there is a separate link for each event day - please check you are booking on the correct day. In case of difficulty, please call Geoff Brown

Booking contact name:

Geoff Brown

Booking telephone number:

+447521751914

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/978283411017?aff=oddtdtcreator

Alternative booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/986062077217?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

10 Aug 2024 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

14 Sep 2024 09:00 AM

Accessibility details

There is full wheel chair access but some of the northern slopes have steep gradients. The walk will take place on designated well surfaced paths. Accessible toilets in Valley Gardens to the north of Old Magnesia Well Pump Room. Numerous sitting benches around the area. Limited Accessible/Blue Badge parking on Cornwall Road in vicinity of Sun Pavilion and near southern gate on Valley Drive.

Additional information

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, and bring water, sun-cream, sun-hat, umbrellas, as appropriate on the day. Any dog should be on a fixed short lead, must be well behaved and not trouble other participants.

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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