Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough
A small, attractive park, nestling at the foot of Knaresborough Castle, providing a haven from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. The Gardens - named in honour of the town's links with Bebra in Germany, but which were formerly known as Moat Gardens because of their proximity to the Knaresborough Castle moat - provide areas of established trees and conifers, shrub and rose beds and are a home to a variety of wildlife. The adjacent Castle Grounds offer stunning views across the River Nidd and viaduct alongside outdoor activities, the Courthouse Museum and of course, Knaresborough Castle itself.
Masterplan
In 2007, the Friends of Bebra Gardens made a successful application to the Community Awards for All fund and received a grant of £9962 - just £38 short of the maximum available under this scheme. The grant was used to engage Golders Associates, a multi national company to produce a master restoration plan for the gardens. The outcome of this work is available to view or download from the links below.
- Bebra Gardens Masterplan part 1 (9,647KB, pdf)
- Bebra Gardens Masterplan - part 2 Appendix A & B (10,179KB,pdf)
- Bebra Gardens Masterplan - part 2 Appendix C, D & E (625 KB, pdf)
- Bebra Gardens Masterplan - part 2 Appendix F & G (1,574 KB, pdf)
- Bebra Gardens Masterplan - part 2 Appendix I, J & K (535 KB, pdf)
- Bebra Gardens Masterplan - part 2 Appendix L (4,545 KB, pdf)
Parking
Limited parking in the surrounding streets. There is a small Pay and Display car park alongside the Castle Grounds.
All-day parking at Waterside Car Park HG5 8DF. Waterside car park is nearest to Bebra Gardens and the gardens are signed from there.
Opening times
Bebra Gardens and Castle Grounds are open all year round, 24 hours a day. The outdoor games season in the Castle Yard runs from Good Friday to the end of October 11am-4pm daily. The paddling pool is open from May Bank Holiday (at the end of May) to the first week in September.
Disabled access
Via the main entrance on Brewerton Street. The Gardens are built on quite a steep slope that may cause difficulties for wheelchair users or the elderly. There are disabled toilets in the Castle Yard.
Friends of Bebra Gardens
Formed in 2005, the Friends have made wonderful progress by restoring these beautiful gardens working alongside Harrogate Borough Council's Parks team. The Friends and the Council's joint aim is to attain
Green Flag status for Bebra Gardens.
The Friends have been hard at work over the seasons, pruning back a lot of overgrowth and revealing some of the stunning views, restoring rockeries and have re-planted several areas with thousands of shrubs and herbaceous plants. They also continue to sweep and tidy.
The group meet every Monday throughout the year, at 9am at the main entrance on Brewerton Street.
If you are interested in joining the Friends, please contact Patrick Kilburn, the council's Head of Parks and Open spaces on 0845 300 6091or visit www.knaresborough.co.uk/bebragardens.