York
Arts & Crafts garden

Visiting Goddards in York

Discover the Terry family's historic estate, featuring peaceful garden rooms and terraces.

HistoryNatureLocal heritageArchitecture

Explore five acres of Arts and Crafts style garden rooms designed for the Terry family. Visitors can stroll past formal ponds, herbaceous borders, and a historic glasshouse, enjoying views of the nearby chocolate factory clock tower.

The former Arts and Crafts home of York's Terry family, offering five acres of landscaped garden rooms, a glasshouse, and a terrace kiosk.

Goddards
The Arts and Crafts Heritage of Goddards

Goddards in York is the former Arts and Crafts family home of the Terrys, the city's historic chocolate manufacturers. Now cared for by the National Trust, the estate features five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens open to the public. Visitors can explore distinct garden rooms, a formal terrace with a pond, and a paddock orchard offering views of the historic Terry factory clock tower.

Red-brick Arts and Crafts house reflected in a rectangular garden pond with a bronze statue on a pedestal, framed by manicured hedges under a cloudy sky
Admission and Ticket Information for Goddards

Goddards offers various ticket categories for visitors, including options for adults, families, and children aged five to seventeen. Admission is free for children under five and valid National Trust members. Prices are provided with and without Gift Aid contributions to assist with site maintenance. Guests can select the admission type that best suits their group size during their visit to these historic gardens.

Adult
£9.00

Aged 18 or older Includes £9.90 with Gift Aid or £9 without Gift Aid

Child (ages 5–17)
£4.50

Aged 5–17 Includes £5 with Gift Aid or £4.50 without Gift Aid

Child (under 5)
Free

Under 5 years old

Visitor facilities at Goddards

Goddards provides a range of practical amenities to support your visit, including on-site toilet facilities and designated picnic areas throughout the gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the garden kiosk for refreshments or browse the second-hand bookshop located within the house. For those traveling by bicycle, parking racks are available, and dogs are welcome in specific garden areas provided they remain on a lead.

Picnic area

Available

Toilet

Available

Kiosk

Available
Extra charge

Dogs allowed

Limited
Family visits to Goddards

Goddards features five acres of Arts and Crafts gardens that provide an outdoor space for families to enjoy together. Visitors can wander through distinct garden rooms and a traditional kitchen garden, while the orchard and wilder areas offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. Picnic tables are available on-site for those bringing their own refreshments.

Goddards offers a peaceful five-acre Arts and Crafts garden for families to explore, featuring diverse garden rooms, orchards, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Five acres of Arts and Crafts garden rooms to explore
  • Wilder areas and orchard suitable for wildlife spotting
  • Picnic tables available for family dining
  • Kiosk serving light refreshments and snacks
Visiting Goddards with a city pass

Visitors to Goddards in York can enjoy entry as part of their city sightseeing pass. This arrangement offers a convenient way to experience the historic Arts and Crafts garden, covering the formal terraces, kitchen gardens, and surrounding grounds during your visit.

Goddards Location and Surrounding Area

Goddards is located on Tadcaster Road in York, England, positioned right on the edge of the historic York Racecourse. This National Trust property offers visitors a peaceful garden retreat just outside the city center. From the estate's paddock orchard, you can even spot the old Terry chocolate factory clock tower, anchoring the site directly to the city's confectionery heritage.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Tadcaster Road 27

YO24 1GG York

England, GB

Planning Your Visit to Goddards

When planning your visit to Goddards in York, you can look forward to exploring the historic Arts and Crafts gardens at your own pace. Visitors arriving by car can take advantage of the complimentary on-site parking, which is free of charge. Be sure to allow ample time to wander through the formal terraces, garden rooms, and glasshouse.

Planning Your Visit to Goddards

Goddards Gardens and Chocolate Heritage

Goddards in York offers a peaceful retreat into local heritage through its Arts and Crafts gardens. Once the family estate of the famous Terry confectionery family, this National Trust site features five acres of distinct outdoor spaces. Visitors can stroll past formal ponds, herbaceous borders, and a historic glasshouse. The orchard paddock provides a direct link to the city's chocolate-making past, framing views of the old Terry factory clock tower. A terrace kiosk and a quiet second-hand bookstore complete this tranquil outdoor experience.

Panoramic view of Goddards house featuring tall brick chimneys, red tiled roof, white rendered walls, and a formal hedged garden in the foreground

The Historic Legacy of Goddards

Built in the **Arts and Crafts** style, Goddards in York served as the family home for the Terry chocolate-making dynasty. The property was recognized for its architectural and historic importance when it was designated a Grade II* listed building in 1972. Originally commissioned in 1898 and completed in 1900, the house underwent a major restoration from 1996 to 1997. The estate is cared for by the National Trust, preserving a rich horticultural and local heritage.

  • Commissioned in 1898

    1898Founding

    Frederick Mirrielees commissioned the architect Edwin Lutyens to design a home of rest in Abinger Common, Surrey, intended for ladies of small means to use for holidays.

  • Completed in 1900

    1900Construction

    The construction of the original house, designed by Edwin Lutyens in the Arts and Crafts style, was carried out by the local firm Harrisons and completed in 1900.

  • Major conversion in 1910

    1910Renovation

    Edwin Lutyens extended the building to convert it into a private residence for Donald and Mary Mirrielees, adding bedrooms, a library, a dining room, and installing central heating and electrical wiring.

  • Purchased by Arthur Gibbs in 1925

    1925Ownership

    After leasing the property since 1914, Arthur Gibbs purchased the house outright from the Mirrielees family in 1925.

  • Acquired by the Halls in 1953

    1953Ownership

    Bill and Noeline Hall bought the property in 1953 and later hosted an exhibition on Lutyens at the house in 1981, which helped spark renewed interest in the Arts and Crafts movement.

  • Designated Grade II* listed building in 1972

    1972Heritage status

    The property was officially recognized for its architectural and historic importance when it was awarded Grade II* listed building status on 7 February 1972.

  • Donated to the Lutyens Trust in 1991

    1991Ownership

    Following the death of their son Lee Hall in 1988, Bill and Noeline Hall donated the house to the Lutyens Trust in 1991, at which time it first opened to pre-booked visitors.

  • Restoration to 1910 configuration

    1996-1997Renovation

    Beginning in 1996, the Landmark Trust leased the building and conducted a comprehensive restoration project aimed at returning the house to its 1910 configuration, including structural repairs and the removal of later partitions.

Curious About Goddards? Essential Visitor FAQs

Planning your visit to the beautiful Goddards in York but worried about where to leave your car? You can breathe easy knowing that on-site parking is completely free of charge, leaving you with more energy to ponder the mystery of how long you'll want to wander through the peaceful gardens.

How to get to Goddards by public transport?

Information regarding public transport options to Goddards is currently not specified.

Do you need a reservation to visit Goddards?

Reservation and timed entry requirements for Goddards are currently not specified.

What is the suggested visit duration for Goddards?

The suggested duration for a visit to Goddards is currently not specified.

Is parking available at Goddards?

Yes, parking is available at Goddards and it is free of charge.

Planning Your Visit to Goddards

When planning a visit to Goddards in York, guests can look forward to exploring a historic Arts and Crafts garden featuring formal terraces, scenic ponds, and an orchard. To make your arrival easier, convenient on-site parking is available for visitors at no extra charge. Taking your time to wander through the distinct garden rooms and the glasshouse allows for a peaceful and relaxing experience.

Ideal Visitors for Goddards in York

Goddards in York is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, and families seeking a quiet outdoor experience centered around local heritage and nature. This former family estate of the Terry chocolate-making family features five acres of landscaped Arts and Crafts gardens, making it a peaceful retreat for history and horticulture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore diverse garden rooms, an orchard, and a historic glasshouse, while enjoying views of the old Terry factory clock tower. Although the main house is closed to the public, the outdoor grounds offer a terrace sun room with a second-hand bookstore and an outdoor kiosk for refreshments.

Visual Preview of Goddards

Preview the design of Goddards in York, showcasing its classic Arts and Crafts architecture and landscaped grounds. Photos capture the historic brick house with its tall chimneys and red-tiled roofs rising above green lawns. The visual journey highlights structured outdoor spaces, including manicured hedges, formal garden rooms, and a reflecting pool complete with a bronze statue.

Panoramic view of Goddards house featuring tall brick chimneys, red tiled roof, white rendered walls, and a formal hedged garden in the foreground
Red-brick Arts and Crafts house reflected in a rectangular garden pond with a bronze statue on a pedestal, framed by manicured hedges under a cloudy sky
Goddards country house with tall brick chimneys, red tiled roof, and cream walls, viewed across a green lawn with manicured hedges under a blue sky
Stone-paved courtyard with raised brick planters and herringbone paths in front of an Arts and Crafts house with red brick arched doorways and mullioned windows
Black-and-white historical photograph of the West Wing of Goddards showing a courtyard with climbing plants, a sundial pedestal, wooden chairs, and a chimney.
Black and white photograph of the Common Room at Goddards, showing exposed wooden beam ceiling, large fireplace, wooden tables and chairs, and bookshelves
Brick-arched corridor with wooden ceiling beams, mounted antlers on white walls, and a row of bowling balls on a rack along the right side
Floor plans of Goddards house showing ground floor and first floor layouts with labeled rooms including living room, dining room, and bedrooms
Arts and Crafts house with tall brick chimneys, tiled roofs, and a large sculpted yew hedge in the foreground garden
Interior view of Goddards showing a leaded window with circular panes, floral curtains, and a commemorative plaque on the wall
York

Find Museums in York to Explore History and Heritage

Locate historic exhibitions and heritage sites in York.

Identify museums to visit in York that match your specific interests. Discover heritage highlights and local history exhibitions tailored to what you want to learn. Plan a highly personalized itinerary through the rich cultural landscape of this historic destination.

Explore Goddards with York
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in York
Find everything about Goddards in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
Discover nearby museums similar to Goddards in York and plan your next cultural stop with confidence.
These recommendations prioritize real proximity to Goddards and help you find high-fit alternatives faster across York.
Use this curated list to compare museums near Goddards without opening multiple search pages. Each card gives you fast visual context and direct access to key details so you can decide quickly. If you are building a full day in York, this section helps you chain nearby visits with less planning effort.