Things to do in Crook Hall Gardens

Head and shoulders shot of a woman holding a young child. Both are grinning and wearing colourful waterproof jackets, the child has on a striped pink white and grey scarf and matching bobble hat. The edge of a greenhouse, roof of another building and various plants and shrubs are visible behind them, out of focus. — Winter visitors to Crook Hall Gardens | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Wander through a series of interlinked gardens, each with its own character. Intriguing paths lead you to blooming borders, secluded walled gardens, an orchard and a tranquil moat pool. Sheltered spots tempt you to sit a while and soak up your surroundings. Views of Durham Cathedral are a reminder that this green oasis is close to the heart of the city. Find out all the things to see and do here.

Exploring Crook Hall Gardens

The gardens complement each other, while differing in age and personality. Formal areas with neat lines and topiary hedges border traditional English cottage gardens, boasting a colourful medley of roses, wisteria, perennials, trees and shrubs.

The serene moat pool is planted with water lilies, hosta and iris. The gentle sound of running water and views towards fields and woodlands beyond the gardens enhance its peaceful appeal.

The gardens are a haven for wildlife, alive with bees and butterflies collecting nectar from flowers, ducks and moorhens on the pond and songbirds in the trees.

A view overlooking the maze at Crook Hall Gardens on a slightly misty winter's day; it's hedge walls are a reddish brown topped with a light frost — The maze at Crook Hall Gardens in winter | © National Trust/Alison Banks

Seasonal highlights in the gardens

Watching the seasons change at Crook Hall Gardens is reason to return again and again.

Winter in the gardens

Winter is the season to see things in the gardens differently. Without leaves, the bark of trees and shrubs is revealed; the twisted, contorted stems of corkscrew hazel, the winged and cork-like bark of winged spindle, while the distinctive silver trunks of silver birch remind us what inspires their name.

Look out for rich dark berries on ivy, cheerful red berries on holly bushes, and the spiny variegated leaves of hedgehog holly. The evergreen shrub sweet box fills the air with its unmistakeable winter perfume.

Spring in the gardens

Spring grows into a riot of colour. Hellebores ease us out of winter, with snowdrops and winter aconites joining them as an early sign of spring. Bright splashes of anemones, cyclamen and crocus soon appear. The vibrant yellows of daffodils, forsythia and kerria bring sunshine on even the dullest day. Tulips, grape hyacinth and fritillaria add variety to the palette.

A large magnolia, benefiting from spring warmth in the shelter of the walled garden, puts on a magnificent display of flowers. And a frothy mass of blossom makes the orchard an unmissable sight.

Summer in the gardens

Roses come into their own each summer, filling the gardens with their beauty and scent. From June, phlox, oriental poppies and ox-eye daisies vie for attention in the walled gardens. The moat pool teems with life, including frogs, newts and dragonflies.

Autumn in the gardens

Keep an eye on the maze in the autumn. A living puzzle planted mainly of cotoneaster, at the beginning of September it sports dark green leaves; red berries soon appear, then develop over the coming weeks in a fascinating transformation.

Several shrubs have an autumnal ‘wow’ moment. Look out for beautyberry with its vivid purple berries. Autumn crocuses also provide unexpected pops of colour.

Family fun in the gardens

There are benches dotted around the gardens which make an ideal picnic spot.
Adventurous visitors can explore the maze next to the café.
Head to our wildlife hub to discover what creatures you might see. You're welcome to borrow a pair of binoculars to watch the birds.
We’re sorry but, for the safety of all our visitors and to protect the gardens, bicycles are not permitted in the gardens.
We welcome under 5s on trikes or balance bikes (no pedals, but please be aware that there are limited hard paths and that these often have a loose (gravel) surface, and few are flat.