Your Guide To Visiting Kirkleatham Walled Gardens: A Family Day Out Review & Visitor Guide

Kirkleatham Walled Gardens is one of the best family-friendly days out near Redcar and Teesside. Recently restored after being closed for more than 30 years, the gardens offer beautiful planting, outdoor play areas, a cafe and plenty of space for children to explore.

One of my aims since relocating back to Teesside is to spend more time outdoors with the kids, discovering and exploring new places. Days out in Yorkshire are some of my favourites and a recent (and somewhat revolutionary) discovery for us is Kirkleatham Walled Gardens.

_{[Post updated June 2026]}

Kirkleatham Walled Gardens at a glance

• Location: Redcar, North Yorkshire
• Entry Fee: £4 adults (£6 annual) £3 children (£3) Family and concession tickets also available
• Good For: toddlers, kids, families
• Food: onsite café
• Dog friendly: yes
• Accessibility: pram and wheelchair friendly
• Recommended visit time: 1–3 hours

Your Guide To Visiting Kirkleatham Walled Gardens.

How To Get To Kirkleatham Walled Gardens.

Kirkleatham Walled Gardens are located just outside Redcar in North Yorkshire, making them a lovely easy-to-reach day out from across Teesside, North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.

Address:
Kirkleatham Walled Garden
Plantation Road
Redcar
TS10 4AS

If you’re using a sat nav, it’s worth double checking your route before setting off, as the postcode doesn’t always take visitors to the correct entrance. I'd recommend following signs towards the Crematorium rather than Kirkleatham Museum to find the right entrance.

Getting To Kirkleatham Walled Gardens By Car

Driving is definitely the easiest way to visit, especially if you’re coming with children. The gardens are just off the A174 Parkway, which makes them easily accessible from Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton and surrounding areas. There is free onsite parking, including accessible parking spaces, so you don’t need to worry about finding a space nearby before your visit.

Approximate driving times:

• Redcar: around 10 minutes
• Middlesbrough: around 15 minutes
• Stockton-on-Tees: around 25 minutes
• Guisborough: around 15 minutes

Getting To Kirkleatham Walled Gardens By Train

The closest train station is Redcar Central, which is served by Northern services. From the station you’ll need to continue your journey by bus, taxi or car, as the gardens aren’t directly next to the station.

Getting To Kirkleatham Walled Gardens By Bus

If you’re travelling by public transport, local bus services operate to Kirkleatham, including routes operated by Arriva North East. It’s worth checking the latest timetable before travelling as routes can change seasonally.

The History Of Kirkleatham Walled Gardens

After being closed for more than 30 years, last year the gates to Grade II listed Kirkleatham Walled Gardens finally opened. Sounds a little Charlie and the chocolate factory doesn't it. The space has been restored back to its former glory and now hosts many features making it a brilliant day out in Yorkshire.

Things To Do At Kirkleatham Walled Gardens

One of the things I love about Kirkleatham Walled Gardens is that it’s much more than just a pretty garden to walk around. There’s plenty to see and do here, making it a lovely family-friendly day out near Redcar.

Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, older children, or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to explore, you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the gardens, enjoying the outdoor spaces and stopping for food along the way.

Explore The Restored Walled Gardens

The gardens themselves are the main attraction and are beautiful to explore throughout the year. Originally created in the 18th century to provide produce for Kirkleatham Hall, the gardens have been lovingly restored and are now home to colourful planting, historic features and lots of peaceful spots to enjoy.

There are different areas to discover as you wander around, from flower borders and pathways to hidden corners that make it feel like a little adventure for children.

It’s a lovely place for a slow stroll, a family walk, or simply somewhere to enjoy the outdoors without needing a full day of activities planned.

Let The Kids Explore

If you’re visiting Kirkleatham Walled Gardens with children, the outdoor space is a big highlight.

There’s so much space for little ones to run around, burn off some energy and enjoy being outdoors. It’s the kind of place where children can explore at their own pace rather than needing constant entertainment. For toddlers and younger children especially, it’s a great combination of nature, open space and things to discover.

Visit The Science Garden

The Science Garden is one of the more unique parts of Kirkleatham Walled Gardens. It’s a great place for curious kids to explore different activities while learning more about nature, plants and the world around them. It adds something a little different compared to a traditional garden visit.

Enjoy A Walk Through Nature

One of the best things about Kirkleatham Walled Gardens is that it’s an easy-going day out. There’s no pressure to rush from one area to the next — you can simply take your time exploring. It’s perfect for families who enjoy being outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for children to spot wildlife, explore different areas and enjoy some fresh air.

Enjoy Seasonal Events And Activities

Throughout the year, Kirkleatham Walled Gardens hosts different events and activities, meaning there’s often something new to see depending on when you visit. From seasonal displays to family-friendly activities, it’s worth checking what’s on before you go if you’re planning your visit around a particular event.

Stop For Food And Drinks At The Cafe

As you enter the walled gardens you walk past the tea room. It's a huge space with plenty of seating available. There's a lovely mix of smaller tables and longer tables with benches and it's really easy to meander through with the pram.

The cafe menu is pretty good with a wide selection of foods available from afternoon tea to burgers and freshly made cakes. I have to say, the prices have gone up significantly within the cafe over recent years. I remember first visiting in 2021 and I could get avocado on toast with a poached egg for a mere £3.50. It's a little pricer now in 2026, but isn't everything?

How Much Time Do You Need In Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

We usually spend at least an hour at Kirkleatham Walled Gardens. Although it very much depends on the day!... In the height of summer we've spent three or four hours there. With the stream running through the middle and shooting water fountains to the right it's the perfect place to let the kids explore and cool off in summer.

How Accessible Are Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

Kirkleatham Walled Gardens are incredibly accessible. In fact it's one of the more enjoyable places to visit with the pram. The gardens themselves have mostly track paths and the interior spaces are really well thought out too for pram or wheelchair access.

Because of the accessibility it's easily one of my favourite places to take the kids. There's something about the space which just feels so easy!

Is Kirkleatham Walled Gardens Easy To Access With Kids?

Yes! One of the reasons I think it makes such a fantastic family day out is that you can arrive easily, park close by and explore without a huge amount of walking before you even get started.

The gardens have wide pathways and accessible routes, making it suitable for prams, young children and wheelchair users.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Into Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

On your first visit you can either buy a daily pass or a yearly pass to the gardens. Personally we went for the yearly pass as it only cost £2 more. It felt like a no brainer at the time. If you buy the yearly pass, you'll also be given a free tea or coffee on your first visit.

I'm pretty frugal (it's a Northern thing) and even I can't complain about the prices here.

Daily tickets.

• Adults: £4.00
• Concessions: £3.00
• Family ticket (2 adults 3 children) £10.00

Yearly tickets.

• Adults: £6.00
• Concessions: £5.00
• Family ticket (2 adults 3 children) £20.00

Would I recommend Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

Absolutely yes! I bought our yearly ticket for the gardens back in October 2021 and we've already been back a number of times.

I love it even more so now that my eldest daughter goes to nursery on an afternoon. We're quite tight for time on a morning and often rushing around. Kirkleatham Walled Gardens allows me to constantly have an eye on my toddler whilst she runs around letting off steam. The tea room means we can easily grab something to eat before needing to drop her off. It's a place of convenience for us, but also a place of huge enjoyment.

It's a bargain too! If you're local to North Yorkshire or the Teesside area, I'd definitely recommend grabbing an annual pass to Kirkleatham Walled Gardens.

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Kirkleatham Walled Gardens vs Helmsley Walled Gardens – Which Is Better For A Family Day Out?

If you love visiting beautiful gardens in Yorkshire, you might find yourself choosing between Kirkleatham Walled Gardens and Helmsley Walled Garden. They’re both stunning historic walled gardens, but they offer quite different experiences.

Having visited both, I’d say the “better” option really depends on what kind of day out you’re looking for.

Kirkleatham Walled Gardens – Best For Families And Younger Children

Kirkleatham Walled Gardens feels more family-focused of the two. It’s a lovely choice if you’re visiting with toddlers or younger children and want somewhere they can explore, play and enjoy being outdoors. The gardens have a relaxed feel, with plenty of space to wander, family-friendly areas, a glasshouse, café and outdoor features that make it more than just a garden walk. There’s also free parking, which makes it an easy option for a spontaneous day out with kids.

I’d recommend Kirkleatham if you’re looking for:

• A toddler-friendly day out
• Somewhere children can burn off energy
• A relaxed morning or afternoon activity
• Easy parking and accessibility
• A garden visit combined with food and play

It feels less like a formal garden visit and more like a family attraction where children can enjoy themselves too.

Helmsley Walled Garden – Best For Garden Lovers And A Scenic Day Out

Helmsley Walled Garden has a slightly different atmosphere. Located in the beautiful market town of Helmsley, beneath the ruins of Helmsley Castle, it feels more like a traditional horticultural garden with a strong focus on plants, flowers and tranquillity. It’s a beautiful place to take your time exploring, with colourful borders, glasshouses, fruit trees, planting areas and the lovely Vine House Café.

I’d recommend Helmsley if you’re looking for:

• A peaceful garden visit
• Beautiful photography opportunities
• A romantic or relaxing day out
• A visit combined with exploring Helmsley town
• More of a traditional walled garden experience

It’s somewhere I’d happily visit for a slower-paced wander, a coffee and a browse around the plants.

Which Walled Garden Is Better For Kids?

For families with young children, I’d probably choose Kirkleatham Walled Gardens. There’s more of a casual “let’s explore and have fun” feel, whereas Helmsley is better suited to older children who might enjoy looking at plants, nature and exploring at a slower pace. That said, older children who enjoy being outdoors would still enjoy both.

Kirkleatham Or Helmsley Walled Garden – My Verdict

If I was planning a family day out with toddlers or younger children, I’d pick Kirkleatham Walled Gardens because it’s easier, more relaxed and has more for little ones to enjoy. If I wanted a peaceful garden visit, beautiful photos and somewhere to slow down, I’d choose Helmsley Walled Garden. Honestly, they’re both worth visiting, they just offer two different types of Yorkshire day out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkleatham Walled Gardens

1. Is Kirkleatham Walled Gardens worth visiting?

Yes, I think Kirkleatham Walled Gardens is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed family day out near Redcar. It’s a lovely mix of beautiful gardens, outdoor space, children’s activities and somewhere to enjoy a coffee or lunch.

2. How much does it cost to visit Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

At the time of writing a daily ticket currently costs £4 per adult and £3 per child. You can also purchase an annual ticket at £6 per adult and £3 per child.

3. How long do you need at Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

I'd say most visitors spend around 1–3 hours exploring Kirkleatham Walled Gardens. If you’re visiting with children, you’ll probably want longer as they’ll want time to explore the outdoor areas, play and enjoy the space. It’s also a nice place to take your time rather than rushing around.

4. Is Kirkleatham Walled Gardens suitable for toddlers?

Yes, Kirkleatham Walled Gardens is a great day out for toddlers and younger children. There is plenty of outdoor space for little ones to explore, with areas where they can walk, run and discover things at their own pace. There's a lot of low level plants too so you're able to see your children from quite a far distance.

5. Is Kirkleatham Walled Gardens dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome on short leads at Kirkleatham Walled Gardens.

6. Is Kirkleatham Walled Gardens accessible with a pram or wheelchair?

Yes, Kirkleatham Walled Gardens is accessible for families with prams and visitors using wheelchairs. I'd say it was one of the best things about the attraction.

7. Is there parking at Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

Yes, there is free onsite parking available for visitors, including accessible parking spaces. This makes it a really easy place to visit with children, as you can park close by and start exploring without a long walk before you even arrive at the entrance.

8. What else is there to do near Kirkleatham Walled Gardens?

If you’re planning a full day out, it’s easy to combine Kirkleatham Walled Gardens with other nearby attractions. This could include Kirkleatham Owl Centre, Kirkleathm Museum of Kirkleatham Museum Cafe.