On Friday 1st May, our group of thirty-six set off on what was to be a beautiful blue-sky, sunny day, to our venue situated on the outskirts of Alnwick, Northumberland.
Howick was the home of the Grey family from 1319 to 1963 when the estate passed to the 5th Earl Grey’s daughter and through her to the present Lord Howick of Glendale. Charles, the 2nd Earl Grey, is the most distinguished member of the Grey Family as Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834 during which time the Great Reform Bill of 1832 was passed.
The gardens are primarily the work of Charles, 5th Earl Grey and his family following the informal and natural style advocated by William Robinson in the late 19th century. The grounds offer botanical treats year-round but today it was the turn of the magnificent Rhododendrons and Azaleas in Silver Wood … a charming woodland walk in dappled shade accompanied by a gentle cooling breeze. We then took a stroll around the Bog Garden, The Sensory Garden, and a little diversion to the Church of St Michael & All Angels that had on display The Howick Kneelers – a display of 82 exquisite kneelers which have been designed, painted and hand stitched by local people.
Howick is the home of Earl Grey Tea, specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey, to suit the water from the spring at Howick, using bergamot to offset the taste of the lime in it. Unfortunately, the Greys failed to register the trademark and as a result, they never received a penny in royalties.
The arboretum opened in 2006 and covers approximately 65 acres and has been planted with around 12,500 trees and shrubs from about 1800 different species of plants collected globally. For the energetic there is a path to the sea called ‘The Long Walk’ of 1 ½ miles, where, on a good day, a picnic may be enjoyed on the beach. Also available to the visitor is The Earl Grey Tearoom. The Hall itself, still a family home, is not open to the public though there is a Visitor Centre on the ground floor.Our next Garden Group trip is on Friday 5th June 2026 to Littlethorpe Manor Gardens and Ripley Castle Gardens, departing from outside Addisons in Barnard Castle at 9.00am.
By Julie, Kate & Fran