Day visit

The important grade II University of York Campus West 20th century designed landscape incorporates the physical remains of the early 18th century gardens and planting associated with the 16th century hall. It was laid out from 1963-1980 to designs by RMJM. As a physical manifestation of the University of York Development Plan, which was heralded as the beginning of contemporary university planning in Britain, and whose refined design successfully integrates a series of status buildings within a carefully designed landscape, it was recommended for inclusion in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Importance. The distinguished mid-C20 architects Andrew Derbyshire and Maurice Lee of RMJM created a landscape which complements and enhances the C17/C18 designed landscape of Heslington Hall, and combines both hard and soft landscaping to striking effect with formal and informal spaces, water courts, lawned areas, paths with contrasting straight edges and winding lines, and covered walkways, all drawn together by a large sinuous lake that acts as a key focal point within the campus site.

A link to an illustrated account of the walk will appear here shortly