York Gate Garden crowned regional champion in prestigious RHS competition

York Gate Garden in West Yorkshire has been voted regional champion for the North West and North East in the 2026 RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition, thanks to the fantastic support of its visitors.

The annual Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) competition ran between April and September 2026, and asked RHS Members and garden visitors across the nation to vote on which garden they felt championed nature in all its wonder.

Owned and managed by horticulture charity, Perennial, and offering 14 garden rooms, one of York Gate’s distinctive features is its sand garden, a remarkable wildlife habitat set among ponds, meadow and woodland. Its warm, free-draining surfaces provide an extensive bee bank where ground-nesting bees thrive, while open sand between sandstone boulders creates ideal basking spots for spiders, grasshoppers and solitary wasps. Wagtails weave through the space, bringing movement and sound to this simple yet captivating landscape.

One voter said: "This hidden gem contains a great variety of planting and habitat for wildlife. It is a welcoming and peaceful space, each garden 'room' having its own special charm. Helpful and dedicated staff and volunteers make York Gate a special place to visit."

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, commented, “In the often-challenging times in which we live, the beauty and tranquillity that comes with visiting gardens, with their chance to reconnect with nature, is so important to our wellbeing. All our RHS Partner Gardens are on the frontline of championing nature, encouraging wildlife and supporting biodiversity and special congratulations must go to Shuttleworth Swiss Garden and all our Partner Garden of the Year regional winners for being recognised in our annual competition.”

Jack Ogg, Garden Manager at York Gate Garden, added: “We’re so proud to have won this title. This is only our second year in the RHS Partner Garden of the Year scheme, so it’s fantastic to know the garden has a special place in the hearts of our visitors. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us.”

Jamie Gault, Chief Executive of Perennial, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that York Gate Garden has been crowned regional champion in the North West and North East category in this prestigious competition. Congratulations to our fantastic garden team and all the staff and volunteers at York Gate, and a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. Your support means so much and helps us celebrate everything that makes York Gate such a special place.”

Discover York Gate in 2027

If you haven’t yet discovered York Gate, why not make it a date for 2027?

This beautiful Grade II listed Arts and Crafts garden offers a world of discovery within just one acre, with 14 enchanting garden rooms, sculptural topiary, a striking sand garden and a tranquil wildflower meadow.

Every season brings something different, from vibrant spring bulbs and lush summer borders to autumn colour and delicate winter snowdrops. Visitors can also relax in the garden café, which serves wholesome, homemade food inspired by the seasons and featuring homegrown produce from the Kitchen Garden, before browsing the gift shop and plant sales.

York Gate Garden was generously gifted to Perennial in 1994, the UK charity supporting everyone who works in  horticulture. Perennial provides free, confidential help to those facing financial, physical and emotional challenges. Income from the garden helps fund this vital work, meaning every visit supports the horticultural community.