Step into the Kitchen Garden at Ripon Workhouse Museum and discover how herbs shaped everyday life in Victorian Britain.

Herbs were vital in Victorian workhouses. They added flavour to simple, often bland meals and were relied upon as affordable remedies for everyday ailments.

Our free Herb Trail invites you to explore ten carefully selected plants growing in the garden. Using the illustrated guide, you can find, touch and smell each herb while learning about its culinary and medicinal uses.
In Victorian workhouses, food was often plain and filling rather than flavourful. Herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme helped add taste to soups, stews and roasted meats. Others, including peppermint and lemon balm were used in infusions to aid digestion and lift the spirits.

The trail also highlights fascinating stories behind herbs such as mullein, once used historically to treat respiratory illnesses and known for its tall yellow flower spikes, and lavender, valued for its calming properties.

Gardens such as ours are living links to the past – preserving historic crops that would once have been grown, cooked and eaten by workhouse residents.

Collect your free Herb Trail map from the Museum’s front desk upon entry and follow the map around the Kitchen Garden.
The trail is aimed at adults but can easily be enjoyed with children.
Pot your own herb

From April onwards (subject to availability), visitors will have the opportunity to pot up a different herb each month to take home and start their own herb garden – a living reminder of your visit.

Come and explore the sights, scents and stories of the Workhouse Kitchen Garden this season.

Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Peppermint
Lavender
Lemon balm
Calendula
Marjoram
Fennel
Mullein

We look forward to welcoming you.

Free with museum entry. Daily – from 21st July 2026.

Find out more here: Herb Trail