Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ
Durham Cathedral Gardens, Durham, DH1 3EH
GMG VIST: 10:00 – 3:00 on Friday 25th April
Directions: Crook Hall Gardens – Durham Cathedral Gardens
Garden Media Guild Visit: A Rare Glimpse into Durham’s Historic Gardens
Join the Garden Media Guild for an exclusive visit to two of Durham’s most remarkable gardens - Crook Hall Gardens and the Durham Cathedral Cut Flower Garden. This is a unique opportunity to explore historic landscapes, stunning floral displays, and the fascinating heritage that makes these gardens so special.
Crook Hall Gardens
Step into a 14th-century masterpiece, where a series of interlinked gardens unfolds around one of Durham’s most significant medieval homes. Wander through the maze, secret walled garden, and tranquil moat pool while enjoying breathtaking views of Durham Cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of literary greats like William Wordsworth and Walter Scott, who once admired these very surroundings.
Durham Cathedral Cut Flower & Monks Gardens
Tucked away on the South Bailey, this hidden gem is the only cathedral-owned cut flower garden in the UK. Dating back to the 18th century, it bursts into life from April to October, with over 30 varieties of dahlia alongside chrysanthemums, gladioli, and zinnias. These blooms are carefully arranged by volunteers to decorate the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England.
Experience the rich tapestry of horticulture, history, and heritage in the heart of Durham. Don’t miss this unforgettable day of inspiration and discovery. Spaces are limited – book now to secure your place!
Itinerary
10:00 Meet at entrance of Crook Hall Gardens –
Parking: Parking on site. Pay and display, free for National Trust members. All other visitors £3.30.
On foot: 10 - 12 minute walk from Durham Railway Station, via Highgate, Framwellgate and Sidegate.
By Train: Cathedral Bus 40a stops at Freeman's Place coach park, a 6-minute walk to Crook Hall Gardens via Framwelgate Waterside.
10:15 Tour
A full behind the scenes tour of the garden and grounds by the highly skilled gardening team. The 1-hour tour of the 5 acres of gardens and meadows from Ann Tulloch (Senior Gardener) and Matt Hollborrow (Gardener) will include the various garden rooms, walled garden, wildflower meadows, wellbeing garden and vegetable patch. For this glorious Spring tour, expect a vibrant display of bulbs, including lots of varieties of tulips and daffodils, and romantic cottage planting. There will be a chance to get lost (hopefully not for long!) in the cotoneaster maze and stop for a cup of tea in the café before heading off to Durham Cathedral.
11:45 Meet at entrance of Durham Cathedral
Parking: We recommend using public transport to reach the city centre, such as the Cathedral Bus or Park and Ride schemes as the narrow, medieval streets mean there is no parking at the cathedral itself or nearby. Several public multi-storey car parks are situated around Durham City Centre within 10 minutes walking distance to the Cathedral. Nearest - Prince Bishops Car Park, City, Durham DH1 3UJ.
On foot: Roughly a 20-minute walk Crook Hall to Durham Cathedral.
By Bus: Bus stop at Radisson Hotel 400m from entrance; bus goes from the Radisson hotel to the Cathedral.
12:00 Tour
A unique tour of the Bailey Flower Garden, that is not open to the public, by Head Gardener Geoff MacCallum. Get a glimpse of the huge undertaking of planting tens of thousands of plants used as cut flower displays in the Cathedral. The tour will also take in The Monks’ Garden, a recreational space (including a bowling green) for the community since the Middle Ages and now a visitor amenity.
1:00 Lunch
Lunch can be purchased in the Undercroft Café (table will be reserved for GMG visit) or bring your own packed lunch.
2:00 Cathedral tour (self-guided)
The Cathedral will be fully open to visitors until 4:30pm to experience the majesty of the UNESCO world heritage site and historical building. All are welcome to attend Evensong at 5:30pm if you so wish.
Please make a booking if you’re eager to visit—there is space for up to 30 people. As with all our GMG garden visits, we love seeing and hearing anything you write or record following your experience. The gardens generously offer their time free of charge to GMG members, and it’s wonderful to showcase how these visits contribute to members’ work.
Delegate Terms and Conditions
Event entry is in the name of the GMG Member only and cannot be passed on to non-members unless the event allows the admission of non-members to attend. Please note, to be eligible to attend you must have renewed your membership.
Refund Policy
For events where tickets have been purchased, tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future visit if 48 working hours notice has been given.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, cancellations must be made 48 working hours or more prior to the event by contacting admin@gardenmediaguild.co.uk.
We may cancel or interrupt the tour at any time if an event outside our reasonable control prevents us from operating (force majeure). This could include severe weather or injury or illness of the tour guide.
If the tour cannot go ahead for any reason, we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know.
Waiting List
If the event is ‘sold out or fully booked’ then members can be placed on a waiting list and will be informed as soon as possible but could be within 24 hours of the event
Attire
Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. The Garden Media Guild will advise if specific clothing is needed at working factories etc.
Accessibility
Please be aware that some gardens may be difficult for people reliant on a wheelchair or other aids due to narrow paths, steps etc. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us in advance.
Loss or Damage
The garden owners and The Garden Media Guild cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to you or your personal effects. You visit the gardens at your own risk.
Videos and photography
Different gardens will have different rules around video and photography. It is your responsibility to make sure you follow any rules around video and photography on any visit.
Data protection
The Garden Media Guild is committed to your security and privacy. We do not share your personal details to any third party. It is kept in line with our Privacy Policy https://www.gardenmediaguild.co.uk/privacy_policy.aspx. If you book a garden visit, your personal details will be required to send you confirmation or other details, such as tickets, and may be used to send you a survey at the end.