The Hut in the Orchard, Aysgarth

20/03/2026

A special garden that's hidden in plain sight. Aysgarth Rock Garden is a real gem, yet missed by many visitors who drive from Hawes to Swinithwaite on the A684. From the road you just see a few rocks and a small gate so it looks like it's a private garden and still bears the original private sign.

It was closed to visitors for many years but is open in return for a donation into the box by the gate towards the upkeep of this lovely little garden. It's small but magical. Young children find it otherworldly, thanks to the twisting paths and low archways created by enormous blocks of limestone.

The Rock Garden feels very calm, set apart from the busy road, with places to sit and just enjoy the birdsong. I love places like this, somewhere an individual created on a whim for their own enjoyment, which years later still brings unexpected pleasure to countless visitors. "Rock Garden" sounds quite harsh, and yet this feels soft and gentle, a welcome respite and chance to just sit and look.

The garden is beautifully maintained, with planting on different levels, in and around the rocks and there's a small cascading waterfall. Despite its small size, it's apparently significant in horticultural history. Interestingly the garden was created by Frank Sayer Graham who was also responsible for nearby Lady Hill.

He'd made some money from his various businesses and in the tradition of the time, decided to create something to enjoy and show off his wealth. Alpine plants were very popular so he set about creating his own alpine paradise, using James Backhouse to create the garden opposite his home. The limestone blocks came from Stephen's Moor and a spring-fed waterfall was created. It's possible Frank Sayer Graham took advice on the planting from plant hunter and alpine specialist Reginald Farrer at Ingleborough Caves and Nature Trail.

The garden fell into disuse for some time. There are stories that it was used for a garden gnome business for a while, and that the odd headless gnome can still be found in the garden's nooks and crannies. Locals campaigned to prevent the garden being sold for development and Aysgarth Rock Garden was listed in 1988. Funding from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and the RHS enabled the garden to be renovated.

There are around 300 varieties of plants and ferns in this small garden, which is lovely in Spring. Please do park in the layby rather than the road in front of the garden, and remember to use the donation box.

10/10/2025

10/09/2025

Enjoy the autumn colours at Aysgarth Falls, just a short walk from The Hut in the Orchard, Aysgarth.
For best rates book direct at www.thehutintheorchardaysgarth.co.uk

25/08/2025

Due to a cancellation we have up to five nights available from this Saturday 30th August, booking direct for best prices £90 per night ( minimum 2nights) check the web site thehutintheorchardaysgarth.co.uk
Or phone 07918910015

24/07/2025

We have a last minute availability for three nights starting Saturday for £200 booking direct only
Phone or what’s app 07918910015

07/07/2025

We have availability starting today for four nights due to a cancellation, perfect for a little getaway in the dales and it seems like we might get some sunshine

4 nights £260
3 nights £195
2 nights £130
Please note direct bookings only details can be found in comments.

19/06/2025

At Aysgarth we are right in the middle of Wensleydale lots of lovely villages to visit.
Check out our availability on our web site just a few dates left for summer
thehutintheirchard@aysgarth

Where do you like to visit in Wensleydale? It's one of the few dales not named after its river, the Ure (Yore on old map). Instead its named after the pretty village of Wensley which used to be a larger market town until the plague reduced its importance. Nowadays many start their visit to the Dales in Hawes, thanks to the fame of cheese from Wensleydale Creamery. The Dales Countryside Museum gives a great overview of life, history and traditions in the Yorkshire Dales. Wensleydale's other well-known market towns include Leyburn and Masham.

England’s shortest river, the Bain links Semer Water to the River Ure at Bainbridge. Visitors love Wensleydale's waterfalls: the best known ones are Hardraw Force, and Aysgarth Falls, with numerous others along the Ure.

You can give your car a rest and enjoy a journey on the Wensleydale Railway which runs from Leeming Bar to Leyburn, near Castle Bolton. Bolton Castle offers a fantastic vantage point from which to admire the Wensleydale countryside. The extensive ruins of Middleham Castle are also worth visiting: the castle was once the home of Richard 3rd. Both castles hold some great living history events.

Wensleydale is also the name of the local sheep breed, known for its lustrous fleece with silky ringlets. You can learn about farming in the Dales at the The Wensleydale Experience or at one of the summer shows such as Wensleydale Agricultural Show

Jervaulx Abbey is a delightful, restful place to explore and where Wensleydale cheese was first made.

Wensleydale's villages have great character and are all quite different from each other: don't miss a trip to Askrigg, Carperby, Wensley, and Aysgarth.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Wensleydale? Where do you like to eat and drink?

Photo: Guy Carpenter

06/06/2025

Aysgarth Falls is just a short fifteen minute walk from the hut

06/05/2025

The sun is shining and forecast looking good, fancy a little break at the hut, last minute availability three nights starting tomorrow Wednesday 7th £200

04/05/2025