Northern Vibes

As autumn approaches its spectacular peak, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is inviting visitors to experience one of Yorkshire's most breathtaking seasonal displays, where fiery foliage, glowing grasses and shimmering reflections transform the garden into a living canvas of colour.

From brilliant crimson Japanese acers and golden woodland walks to copper-toned conifers and lakeside reflections, autumn is one of the most magical times to visit the Harrogate garden. Across RHS Harlow Carr, visitors can discover a dazzling mix of seasonal highlights, including Liquidambar, Persian ironwood and Euonymus, alongside late-flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, berries and striking seedheads that provide colour, texture and structure throughout the garden.

One of the garden's most celebrated autumn destinations is the Sandstone Rock Garden, where winding paths reveal vibrant drifts of colour among mature trees and shrubs. Around the nearby Lily Pond, Japanese acers burst into rich shades of scarlet, orange and crimson, creating stunning autumn scenes.

At the Queen Mother's Lake, trees dressed in amber and gold are mirrored in the still water, creating spectacular seasonal reflections, while the Woodland landscape offers the quintessential autumn stroll beneath a canopy of mature oaks and beeches. In the Arboretum, soaring dawn redwoods put on a final show of bronze-orange foliage before their delicate needles fall, while the Main Borders and Sun Border continue to shine with ornamental grasses, late blooms and decorative seedheads sparkling in the low autumn sunlight.

Autumn Weekend, 16-18 October
Visitors looking to make the most of the season won't want to miss RHS Harlow Carr's Autumn Weekend from 16-18 October, a vibrant celebration of all things autumn set against the backdrop of the garden at its most colourful.

From a kaleidoscope of autumn colour across the garden to vibrant displays of prize-winning fruit and vegetables, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the season while enjoying expert talks, specialist advice and unique seasonal experiences. Whether seeking inspiration for their own garden or simply looking to enjoy RHS Harlow Carr in all its autumn glory, there will be plenty to discover throughout the weekend.

A highlight of the event is the prestigious RHS Late Fruit and Vegetable Competition, showcasing more than 60 classes of exceptional homegrown produce. Visitors can admire entries from dedicated growers and discover some of the finest fruit and vegetables from across the region.

The popular Northern Fruit Group Apple Display will also return, featuring an impressive collection of apples alongside opportunities for visitors to bring their own homegrown fruit for identification and expert advice from specialists.

For those fascinated by the fungi of autumn, members of the Mid Yorkshire Fungus Group will be hosting specialist talks, Q&A sessions and guided fungus forays, offering visitors a chance to discover the remarkable diversity of fungi found throughout the garden. Forays take place daily at 11.30am and 1.30pm (£3 per person), while expert talks will be hosted by Jenny Sergeant on Friday and Saturday at 11am. Places on the forays are limited and pre-booking is required.

The event is included with normal garden admission and free for RHS Members, making it the perfect opportunity to experience RHS Harlow Carr at one of the most beautiful times of year.

Fiona Slight, Curator at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, said:

"Autumn truly is one of the most rewarding seasons at RHS Harlow Carr. The changing colours bring an entirely new character to the garden, from the vivid reds of the acers around the Sandstone Rock Garden to the golden canopies in the Woodland landscape and the beautiful reflections on the Queen Mother's Lake. There's something different to discover every week, making it a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy nature and experience the garden in a completely new light."

Whether capturing photographs of the vibrant foliage, enjoying a peaceful woodland walk or simply soaking up the rich colours of the season, visitors will find RHS Garden Harlow Carr at its autumnal best.

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr