York Gate

About York Gate

York Gate is a one acre garden tucked away behind the ancient church of St. John the Baptist in Adel, on the northern outskirts of Leeds. It was created by the Spencer family between 1951 and 1994 but is now owned and maintained by the horticulturists’ charity, Perennial.

When the Spencer family bought the property in 1951 it was intended as a continuing farm business. Over the next 30 years this gave way to their love of gardening and York Gate has come to be recognised as an outstanding example of late C20 garden design.
A garden of immense style and craftsmanship, it is divided into a series of garden rooms with different themes and in contrasting styles. A succession of delightful vistas links the different areas.
Traditional materials such as reclaimed timbers and stone have been used to create striking architectural features and detailing is exquisite. There are many unusual plants, and evergreens clipped into strong architectural shapes are used to spectacular effect throughout. The garden has received much acclaim and was given Grade II Heritage Status by Historic England in 2020. Also featured on television and in the national press and is a mecca for students of garden design.