Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden, is a wildlife haven set in the tranquil grounds of an 18th century farmhouse between Selby and York. It has been lovingly planted up over 40 years by owners Vanessa and John Cook and has always had the aim of being as environmentally friendly as possible. This was recognised in 2020 when the garden was awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award and became of Social and Environmental Business of the Year in the Selby Business Awards.

There is an exceptionally well-stocked plant nursery, most of the plants for sale having been grown on site. There is a particularly good selection of shade-loving plants such as pulmonarias as well as hardy geraniums.

Visitors enjoy the courtyard tearoom with its locally sourced refreshments, including delicious home-baked cakes. The tearoom doubles up as exhibition space, with a different artist featured each month. You can also purchase local produce and gift cards.

The garden is described as a quintessential English garden and is a fine example of how you can encourage wildlife whilst retaining the beauty of a cottage garden. A stroll around the four-acre site reveals a series of themed areas surrounding the farmhouse, including the double herbaceous borders, woodland walk, wildlife pond, wildflower meadow, a variety of sculptures and the formal Rill Garden.

The garden is managed organically, so it is full of birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Rescue hedgehogs are also released here. Seats are located throughout the garden for visitors to sit and enjoy their surroundings.

An annual Family Wildlife Day takes place every June when a range of experts lead walks and demonstrations – highlights include spider safaris, bird ringing, moth trapping and pond dipping. A mixture of creative and gardening workshops take place throughout the year. Group visits can be arranged outside normal opening times.

Accreditations: Green tourism Gold,

Additional Information:

Admission in 2024 is £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children age 5 to 16. Under 5s are free. A season ticket is available. You do not need to pay if you are just visiting the plant nursery or tearoom.