Nature in the spotlight this spring at Kiplin Hall & Gardens

Kiplin Hall and Gardens is set to open for the 2026 season with a new display of photographs in their café. As well as a museum exhibition in the hall, and the greatly anticipated annual snowdrops strolls in the gardens, all open from Friday 6th February.

Helen Tabor, an award-winning Ripon based photographer, has worked to bring the outside in, through a display of seasonal garden images displayed in the new café. A new Visitor Centre opened at the historic site in 2025, occupying a tranquil courtyard space featuring the café which welcomes both ticket holders and café only customers. The impressive photographs are scaled up and printed on large canvases to create windows into the world that awaits visitors to Kiplin Hall and Gardens. Inviting visitors to notice new views of nature in the estate. Just beyond the warm redbrick facade of the courtyard visitors can find a sheltered walled garden, meandering lakeside paths and peaceful woodland walks surrounding the 400-year-old hall.

Helen Tabor is a professional photographer with a passion for her work, as she explains:

“Photographing buildings and gardens has become my greatest joy; nothing makes my heart sing more. I have especially enjoyed seeing Kiplin in all its shades, from early morning dew to daytime glory, in full summer and at the height of its wonderful autumnal colour. The grounds are both tranquil and inviting, offering intriguing angles to set botanicals in the spotlight against the man-made architecture and wider sweep of the surrounding woodland.”

Helen’s work in the café is in line with a broader theme at Kiplin Hall this year, ‘Plants, Trees and the Country House’. Kiplin Hall is one of many historic houses in the region exploring this theme during 2026 as part of the Yorkshire County House Partnership.

Visitors to Kiplin Hall this year will discover a new exhibition on the top floor. Wood: from utility to beauty, highlights objects in the museum collection made from wood. Both native trees and exotic species feature. From domestic items of kitchen wear to beautiful and detailed decorative furniture. All of this is taking place as swaths of snowdrops bloom in the gardens, enticing people outside whatever the weather.

Whether catching up with friends in the café over a pot of tea and a scone, or exploring the gardens and museum, visitors to Kiplin Hall and Gardens are sure to be inspired by the wonders of nature this spring. Open 6 days a week (closed on Thursdays) from Friday 6th February. Visit kiplinhall.co.uk for more information