Eggleston Hall Gardens are situated at the southern end of the North Pennines within the Durham Dales and look over Teesdale.
The 4 acre walled garden incorporates a 16th churchyard and a ruined open-skied chapel (though if it were glazed and the ruins sensitively planted it could be a wondrous Ninfarium), beds and borders, a trundling stream, winding paths, a potager, a hostarium, hives and furrows of New Zealand plants. There is also an accurate scale replica of the Angel of the North.
The nursery sits within the garden and has a fine, broad collection of plants for sale particularly noteworthy are primulas, hostas and auriculas and competitively priced.
Garden admission is a modest £2 (RHS free). Not connected with the gardens is a modern, popular cafeteria and a deli/farm shop cum gift shop.
It is certainly worth a visit if in the area. Its open all year, aside for 2 weeks at Christmas.
Information: Eggleston Hall Gardens, Barnard Castle , Durham DL1 0AG
www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk
www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk
