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Swindon House Farm

An English country garden surrounded by farmland, with mixed perennial borders, a pond garden, orchard, roses, mature trees and native hedges, with wildlife at its heart. Wildflower areas have been created in the paddock together with re-wilding areas and paths mown through. A potager with espaliers, raised willow hurdle beds for vegetables and cut flowers, thyme path and small camomile lawn.

Owner Info

Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm
Swindon House Farm

About Swindon House Farm

The garden was begun 30 years ago, with heavy clay, poor drainage, building foundations to dig out and exposed to strong winds so it was a very difficult site. The first task was planting native trees and mixed native hedging plants (over 3,500 in total) to provide a wind break. The hedges were eaten by the rabbits, the clay beds filled with water, and the trees struggled. But eventually the hedges recovered, the beds were improved with tons of added manure and mushroom compost and the trees are now mature and providing habitats, shade and protection.

The vegetable garden was dug out from the foundations of farm buildings which was slow, hard pickaxe work. Raised beds help with drainage and the artichokes, espalier apples and pears, and a large fig tree all thrive.

The pond provides a habitat for frogs, toads and newts, dragonflies and birds. Irises, candelabra primulas and hostas border the pond, with natural paths leading to other areas of the garden. Large mixed borders at the front of the house include peonies, shrub roses, soft perennial planting, structural shrubs and yew hedges and topiary. The paddock is a wildlife haven, with a newly created wildflower area which I am hoping to extend over the next few years to the entire field.

The garden has been my labour of love for over thirty years. I am grateful to be able to be in it weeding, tending, nurturing and creating. I take great delight in seeing the variety of animals and birds which now share it with me.

Swindon House Farm features

Location details

Swindon House Farm,
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire,
HG3 1HT

Directions to Swindon House Farm
From Spring Ln/Swindon Ln junc, the drive is exactly ½m on R.

Swindon House Farm openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake. Home-made cakes with organic ingredients, fruit and herbs from the garden.
Admission Adult: £5.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-16:00

Accessibility

  • Parking for wheelchair users so that all areas are accessible.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Swindon House Farm at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Swindon House Farm. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Swindon House Farm, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Swindon House Farm are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Swindon House Farm seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.