Beautiful gardens, woodland walks, a Prime Minister and a famous cup of tea...... Earl Grey of course since Howick was his home.
The gardens at Howick are peaceful and tranquil, and deliberately aimed at garden lovers. The season starts in February with "Snowdrops Walks"; followed by Daffodils and Tulips all over the garden, while the Woodland Garden blooms until the end of May with Magnolias, Camellias and Rhododendrons; summer brings colourful borders with the famous Agapanthus in August, and the bog garden has been planted with many unusual plants; the season ends with brilliant autumn colour.
The Arboretum covers 65 acres of woodland walks and many of the trees were grown from seed collected by Lord Howick and the head gardener on plant hunting expeditions abroad. The seasonal "Howick Family Explorer Challenges" take visitors on a nature trail - look out for red squirrels, herons, swans and ducks!
The elegant and ever popular "Earl Grey Tea House" offers light lunches and afternoon teas. Howick was the home of the 2nd Earl Grey for whom the tea was specially blended. He was also the Prime Minister responsible for the passing of the Great Reform Bill of 1832 and his monument stands at the top of Grey Street in Newcastle.
In 2013 our new Visitor Centre opened in the hall of Howick Hall. The beautifully designed panels tell the story of how this beautiful place evolved.
Howick Hall Garden is six miles NE of Alnick off the B1339 between Craster and Longhoughton (NE66 3LB)