National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens — Attraction in City of Durham

Celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary here with an afternoon tea. We arrived a couple of hours early so that we could have a wander around the gardens and a visit in the 13th century manor house, a merger of several periods reflecting the changes through time. We weren't disappointed. We begun in the garden with the maze, a delightful, fun start. What a varied mix of delightful gardens hidden at each turn. (Can be steep in places but several tranquil stopping places with benches or even a swing seat. There are covered gazebos and a small lake). After looking around the hall taking in the different atmospheres each room had to offer (sadly we didn't feel the presence of the ghost) we were shown to the Georgian drawing room where we were served our pre-ordered selection. He chose the ploughman's platter version while I had the traditional. We were served canopes of warm caramelised onion quiche and sticky honey mustard glazed cocktail sausages served with either a selection of beer/ale or Elderflower Fizz for him or Prosecco or the Elderflower Fizz for me with a green leaf salad topped with a well washed freshly cut nasturtium flower head from the gardens. We then had a choice of endless coffee or tea. We didnt have long to wait before our tea arrived with the ploughman's platter consisting of a roll of beef, mini pork pie, 1/2 Scotch egg, crackers, cheese, rustic sliced bread and butter and a pot of chutney. The traditional was a sandwich selection of triangles of brown and white sliced bread containing salmon, cheese + pickle, ham and cucumber. The middle plate was a freshly baked melt in the mouth scone, strawberry preserve and cream (not clotted) in individual glass pots. Top plate had full sized Millionaire Shortbread and full sized chocolate brownie and a selection of 5 mini fresh cream cakes. Again well presented. Our waitress was a young lady named Chloe who was polite and pleasant who brought in a surprise of a slate which had been piped with "congratulations on your 47th wedding anniversary" and adorned with two pieces of flapjack. A...

Crook Hall Gardens, you’ll find a series of interlinked gardens, each with its own character. Intriguing paths lead 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.

With an assortment of styles, the gardens complement each other while also 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.

A year-round feast for the senses, hellebores ease us out of winter, with snowdrops 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 help to add variety to the palette. A large magnolia 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. Roses come into their own each summer, filling the gardens with their beauty and scent.

From June, phlox, oriental ox-eye daisies vie for attention in the walled gardens. The moat pool teems with life, including frogs, newts, and dragonflies. The maze, a living puzzle planted mainly of cotoneaster, sports dark green leaves at the beginning of September; red berries soon appear and develop over the coming weeks. Elsewhere, beautyberry shows its vivid purple berries, while autumn crocuses provide unexpected...

Lovely, but not perfect. Crook Hall Gardens is a delightful little place in the heart of Durham. As picturesque as Durham can be it's nice that you can escape the city to this little Alice of countryside. The grounds, while small have lots of little hidden corners and paths that make exploring a delight.

It's still early in the process of being under the management of the National Trust and you can tell. It's in need of a little tlc in places, after neglect as a wedding venue, the gardens are not as spectacular as other National Trust sites I have visited recently.

While there we was also visited the onsite cafe. We ordered a flat white, 7up, a chocolate brownie and a fruit scone. The fruit scone and brownie were lovely, full of flavour and perfectly baked.

The only downside was the service from the staff. The venue wasn't particularly busy, but the staff member serving me seemed as though they couldn't be bothered. This is very unusual for a National Trust cafe, I have always had fantastic interaction with staff, so this was highly disappointing.

I am hopeful that it will improve in the future, at which point I look forward to giving it 5 stars.

A note on accessibility. The terrain would make it difficult for anyone in a wheelchair to enjoy the premises. The paths are small and a mixture of gravel, grass and stepping stones. An accessible ramp can be used to get up into the...