Formality near the house merges into wilderness around the lake. Beyond that vistas lead the eye to the Three Peaks of Yorkshire and undulating fields local fields grazed by sheep and cattle. Across the garden are sculptures and follies. Most notable of theses are the pyramid, at the entrance to the symbolic garden of Life & Death, Rapunzels' tower and a temple beside a pool.

Don Quixote on his horse has a prominent position: the Last Tzar on his huge seat and sculptures portraying the Four Seasons maze all add to the fun. The most recent sculpture is a fish carved on the land with CDs as its scales.

The planting is exuberant. The bog garden with bistort, clematis and primulas in Spring leads to borders of cottage garden plants in early summer with roses that climb high into the trees by July. The topiary of yew and box give form to the garden. The sound of the Clearbeck as it passes through the garden adds another dimension.