
York Gate is a magical one-acre garden created by the Spencer family between 1951 and 1994. Frederick and Sybil Spencer along with their son Robin, laid out and nurtured what is now one of the finest small gardens in the country. The design of ‘rooms’ interlinked through a succession of vistas and executed with meticulous attention to detail owed much to the Arts and Crafts movement, complemented by Sybil’s skills as a plantswoman. In accordance with Sybil’s wishes, on her death in 1994, York Gate was given to Perennial.
York Gate has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travellers’ Choice award winner landing it a place among travellers’ favourites and in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
York Gate has been granted Grade II national heritage status in a list of post-war gardens and landscapes for England. “It is an amazing garden, and it should be protected. It’s not a stately home, it’s a family home. It would have meant a lot to Sybil, to see the family name and legacy live on.” Jack Ogg, Head Gardener.
York Gate Cafe
Our new cafe serves wholesome homemade food, reflecting the seasons and promoting local produce.
Lunch Menu (sample menu)
Drinks and Cakes Menu (sample menu)
Afternoon Tea – Served from 2pm, booking essential, 0113 267 8240
Sit on the wonderful new sun terrace overlooking the newly created sunken Mediterranean garden. The cafe is open all year round | Wednesday to Sunday. Please note: We only take bookings in the cafe for afternoon tea (from 2pm).
Plant Nursery
Our new larger plant centre will help you turn your garden inspiration into reality. We offer a wide range of plants including those propagated from plants in the garden. Grown on site by our Head Gardener and team, during April to November.
The Gift Shop
The perfect place to find something special including gifts for the home and garden. We stock a large range of contemporary giftware, cards, stationery and gifts for gardeners.
How Perennial Helps
Perennial is the UK’s only charity looking after people in horticulture and their families at any stage of life. If you work with flowers, plants, trees or grass, our friendly and experienced team are here to deliver completely free, confidential and personal support. We understand the devastating impact unexpected personal challenges and financial pressures has on lives. If you need help or know someone who does please contact us on 0800 093 8543 or visit perennial.org.uk.
We love our one acre gem – but don’t just take our word for it. Have a look at our TripAdvisor reviews.
Back Church Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS16 8DW, UK
Season Opening Times 2023
1 November – 23 December
York Gate is closed this afternoon (1Dec) due to technical difficulties. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Café and Shop only
Wednesday to Sunday | 10am-3:30pm
Snowdrop Days 2024
Friends only preview days – 15-18 February
Thursday – Sunday | 10am-3pm
General – 21-25 February
Wednesday – Sunday | 10am-3pm
General notes:
- No booking required for garden visits.
- If you would like to join us from 2pm for afternoon tea, please book in advance – 0113 267 8240. (not available on Snowdrop days)
- Groups (6+) are welcome by prior arrangement. (not available on Snowdrop days)
- The last admission to our gardens is one hour before the advertised closing time.
- This is a no smoking site
The garden will be operating a cashless system, so please bring your card and use contactless payments where possible.
We can only accept assistance dogs at our gardens. Please leave all pets at home.