Archaeological digs at Abbey House on the headland have recently revealed the outlines of a garden dating back over 500 years. This would have contained medicinal and culinary herbs and been tended by monks who served as custodians, educationalists and practitioners. They drew upon centuries of knowledge and experience passed on through the brotherhood.

As part of the Abbey Headland Project the original Abbots Lodgings has included the restoration of the original garden. Weddle Landscape Design and Palmers of Leeds have together recreated the garden as it would have been in monastic times. Planting has been carried out in the top soil avoiding disturbance of historical remains. Visitors will be able to identify herbs and plants and learn more about how they can be used.

Elsewhere on the Headland excavations have uncovered the layout of an ancient stone garden with geometric patterns marked out using pebbles, stones and rocks – minimum maintenance………………………..!