Howick Hall: Historic house and outstanding garden in N.E. England



Howick Hall, England

This evening, I am focusing on what I consider to be an absolute gem of a historic house and garden, namely Howick Hall in N.E.England, not far from the more famous Alnwick Castle. Location is close to the east coast, about forty miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne.


Howick Hall, England

Summary information on Howick Hall:
  • Home of the Grey family from 1319 until death of 5th Earl Grey in 1963. The present Lord Howick of Glendale is the grandson of the 5th Earl Grey.
  • Howick is also the home of Earl Grey tea which was specially blended for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey to suit the lime laden water at Howick. Unfortunately, the Greys failed to commercialise their discovery.
  • The 2nd Earl Grey played a leading role in British parliamentary history when, as Prime Minister, he sponsored the Great Reform Bill of 1832 which forms the basis of Britain’s democracy.
  • The house (Hall) dates from 1782 and was designed by a local architect, William Newton.
  • The main Hall was gutted by fire in 1926 and interior subsequently rebuilt.
  • Close to the Hall is the Church of St. Michael & All Angels.
  • Earl Grey Tea House located in the old Ballroom.

Cream Tea at Howick Hall
  • Arguably, the key appeal of this property is the gardens and surrounds which includes:
    • Extensive gardens famous for snowdrops and spring bulbs.
    • Wildflower Meadows.
    • Woodland Garden.
    • Herbaceous Borders, which peak around June-September.
    • Rockery.
    • Bog Garden, which peaks July-September.
    • Arboretum extending to 65 acres and planted with 12,500 trees and shrubs from around the world using some 1800 species.
Video clip of gardens at Howick Hall.





Woodland Garden at Howick Hall


Bog Garden at Howick Hall


Meadow at Howick Hall.


Himalayan Poppy at Howick Hall.

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