Garden Organic Ryton

Garden Organic Ryton is the home of Garden Organic, the UK’s leading organic growing and lifestyle charity which is dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food. We currently have a membership of 32,000 people across the UK and further afield together with two other gardens in Kent and Essex.

Garden Organic began in 1954 as the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA). Initially it was based in Essex, but in the mid ‘80’s it re-located to its current site at Ryton where the demonstration gardens have grown and developed into one of the UK’s premier organic gardening visitor attractions.

The 22 acre gardens boast 30 different planting displays including the Vegetable Way, a Herb Garden, Pest and Disease Control, World’s biggest flowerpot, soft fruit gardens, biodynamic garden, All Muck and Magic TV garden and a Children’s garden. At the Core of the gardens is the Vegetable Kingdom a visitor centre packed full of interactive displays telling the history of vegetables in the UK.

Also on site is the Heritage Seed Library which preserves traditional varieties of fruit and vegetables which would otherwise be at risk of dying out. It is possible to join the HSL and receive heritage seeds every year to plant in your own garden. 

If you want to relax and refresh we have a nationally recognised organic restaurant which has just been awarded Best British Organic Restaurant by the Soil Association. We serve full meals from 11am – 3pm and snacks throughout the day. We also have the Garden Cafe which serves tasty snacks and drinks. In our Shop you can purchase souvenirs, gifts and a wide selection of organic food products. We also have superb conference facilities and rooms available for seminars, meetings and workshops. All facilities inside and out are accessible to wheelchair users.