Guided Tours at Stowe Gardens
31 Mar–2 Apr, 7–9 Apr…
Join a volunteer-led guided tour at Stowe Gardens to learn about the gardens’ history. Tours last approximately one hour to 90 minutes and begin at Bell Gate.
Near Stowe House
Stowe House is a lavish historic English country house known for its pioneering 21st-century restoration project, set within the renowned Stowe landscape with enchanting gardens. Visitors can explore the interior of the house and enjoy accessible facilities and food options onsite.
Summer of Play at Nunnington Hall
18 Jul–6 Sep
Summer of Play at Nunnington Hall is a family-friendly event running from 18 July to 6 September 2026, featuring a 10-point family trail inspired by fairy tale illustrations from the Gina Kaminski book series. Activities include helping the Three Little Pigs build houses, racing Cinderella's carriage, archery with Robin Hood, sorting Snow White's apples, breadcrumb trails of Hansel and Gretel, frog prince hunts, dressing up, creative play, meadow games, and hands-on activities in a Creative Hub.
Near Nunnington Hall
Nunnington Hall is a Grade I listed 17th-century country house in North Yorkshire featuring rich historic interiors, art collections, and period furniture. The hall sits beside the River Rye and is surrounded by organically managed gardens and orchards. It is managed by the National Trust and open to visitors interested in English heritage, architecture, and gardens.
October Half-Term at Beningbrough: Autumn Treasures Scavenger Hunt
24–25 Oct, 28 Oct–1 Nov
A half-term scavenger hunt through Beningbrough’s gardens, where young explorers can look for colourful leaves, unusual seeds and other signs of autumn.
Near Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall is a large Baroque mansion near Beningbrough, North Yorkshire, featuring historic interiors, extensive gardens, and an art gallery exhibiting 18th-century portraits. The venue includes a restaurant, garden shop, and activities for families including a wilderness play area.
Traditional Festive Wreath
6 Dec
Florist Sarah Pepper leads a workshop in making a traditional festive wreath using seasonal foliage, berries, cones, dried orange slices, ribbon and fairy lights. Participants create and personalise a wreath on a bound straw base.
Near RHS Garden Rosemoor
RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon offers beautiful seasonal gardens with accessible paths, a restaurant, café, and a garden centre. It welcomes dogs on specific days and supports group visits. The garden provides a diverse visitor experience both indoors and outdoors.
The Morley Consort: A musical experience at Ham House
1 Nov
The Morley Consort performs 17th-century music on historical instruments in Ham House’s Long Gallery, alongside the Cabinets Unlocked event. The programme includes music connected to the English Civil War and pieces from Playford’s English Dancing Master.
Near Turner’s House
Turner's House in London is a restored historic house offering guided tours, exhibitions, and accessible grounds reflecting the artist J.M.W. Turner's life and work. Visitors can explore both indoor spaces and the garden, with facilities accommodating mobility issues.
Half term Calan Gaeaf: Decorate an Autumn Mask
26 Oct–8 Nov
Visitors can decorate an autumn-inspired Calan Gaeaf mask using provided craft materials at the Bodley Stables Bookshop. Guided craft sessions run on 31 October and 1 November, and materials are available for self-led making throughout the event period.
Near Llanerchydol Hall
Llanerchydol Hall is a magnificent Gothic mansion set in extensive Grade II* listed parkland featuring unique gardens and a ruined clocktower. Visitors can tour the historic East Wing and grounds, including a Japanese Garden with some accessibility limitations. A light lunch is provided during tours.
Festive Cornus Wreath Making
28 Nov
Participants learn to make a festive asymmetric wreath using cornus bases and natural materials, with guidance from florist Peter Hughes. The workshop takes place in the Learning Studios at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
Near RHS Garden Bridgewater
RHS Garden Bridgewater is a large outdoor garden offering extensive plant collections, child-friendly learning areas, and several cafes for food and drink. Visitors can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and seasonal meals while exploring the garden.
History of Durham city walk
13 Oct, 20 Oct…
Join a guided walk from Crook Hall Gardens to explore Durham’s history, from its Anglo-Saxon origins onwards. The approximately two-mile route visits the city centre before returning to the gardens.
Near Crook Hall, Durham
Crook Hall Gardens offers interlinked gardens with varied plantings, tranquil water features, and views of Durham Cathedral close to the city centre. The garden showcases seasonal flowers, a walled garden, an orchard, and a living maze, providing a peaceful outdoor experience for visitors.
House of Discovery Exhibition at Dyffryn Gardens
7–10 Oct, 14–17 Oct…
An exhibition in the Morning Room of Dyffryn House explores the house’s history and the conservation and restoration work being carried out there.
Near Tinkinswood
Tinkinswood Burial Chamber is a Neolithic dolmen located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, notable for its massive stone capstone and historical significance as a communal burial site dating back to around 4000 BC. Visitors can explore the outdoor stone structure and nearby stone avenues associated with ancient burial practices.
Autumn Art & Mindful Monsters
30 Oct
Children aged 5–12 can take part in an outdoor session combining mindful sensory activities, gentle movement and autumn art inspired by nature. They will use natural materials and seasonal patterns to create their own artworks and creatures.
Near Doddington Hall & Gardens
Doddington Gardens in Lincoln feature restored Elizabethan gardens with formal East Front and West Garden, a Wild Garden, and a productive Kitchen Garden, alongside wildlife planting and seasonal colors. The gardens offer accessible facilities, refreshments, and parking, with free access for RHS members on specified days.
Summer of Play: Pop-up sports day
3 Sep
Summer of Play: Pop-up sports day is an outdoor event held on the south lawn at Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire. Visitors can find various pop-up games to play. It occurs on 3 September 2026 from 11:00 to 15:00. The event is free to attend, but normal admission charges to the venue apply and no booking is needed.
Near Beningbrough
Beningbrough is a historic hall and art gallery surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland in Yorkshire, featuring formal gardens, a walled kitchen garden, and new garden areas including a Pergola and upcoming Mediterranean Garden, with facilities for families and dogs.
Garden Design Drawing Skills (2-day course)
15–16 Oct
A two-day garden design drawing course with designer Andrew Wilson. Participants will practise improving hand-drawn garden plans, rendering colour and character, and using one- and two-point perspective to create three-dimensional drawings.
Near RHS Garden Wisley
RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey is a renowned horticultural garden offering extensive outdoor garden grounds with world-class plant displays, accompanied by multiple dining options and a garden centre. It provides a rich outdoor experience for visitors seeking to explore diverse flora and enjoy seasonal food offerings.
Winter Birdwatch
15 Nov
Join expert birders Matt Capper and Matt Vickers for a guided winter birdwatch through Wilder Doddington, looking for winter visitors, wetland birds and farmland species. The session includes walking beyond the public footpaths and is suitable for ages 16 and over.
Magic of Christmas: Craft and Food Fair
5–6 Dec
A Christmas craft and food fair at RHS Garden Rosemoor, featuring artisan traders and local producers selling gifts and seasonal food in the Garden Room.
Hanner Tymor Llwybr Calan Gaeaf | Half Term Calan Gaeaf Trail
24 Oct–8 Nov
A spooky monster-hunt trail around Bodnant Garden, where visitors can play games and complete tasks inspired by Welsh mythical creatures and Calan Gaeaf traditions. The trail features stories by local author and illustrator Rowynn Ellis.
Near Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Garden is a large National Trust hillside garden in Conwy, Wales, renowned for its extensive plant collections, historic terraces, woodland areas, and the longest Laburnum arch in the UK. Visitors can explore formal gardens, riverside areas, and woodland with a variety of rare plants and trees.
Exhibition | Quilts for the Longest Day: A Sewing Group’s Accidental Journey
8 Oct–14 Nov (another 36 days)
An exhibition in the Old Hall presents handmade quilts created by a local sewing group to support veterans, sharing the project’s craftsmanship and stories.
Near Wentworth Garden Centre and Historic Gardens
The RHS Partner Garden at Wentworth Woodhouse offers restored historic gardens with a formal Italian Garden, canal pond, woodland, Japanese garden, and a maze, providing a scenic outdoor experience. The garden is accessible, dog friendly, and has refreshments and plant sales on site.
Willow Wintry Wildlife
29 Nov
Participants weave a four-legged willow animal sculpture, choosing from wildlife such as deer, reindeer, foxes or badgers. A willow sculptor guides attendees through shaping and detailing the sculpture, with a short visit outside to see where willow is grown.
Spring Bulb Planting Workshop
25 Oct
Participants learn about spring bulbs, planting conditions and care, then plant a layered “lasagne” bulb pot to take home. The workshop includes time in the Learning Studios and Learning Greenhouse.
Forest Bathing in Autumn at RHS Garden Bridgewater
8 Oct
This workshop introduces the history, philosophy and benefits of Japanese forest bathing, followed by mindful sensory activities in the woodland at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
3 miles from Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is a vast indoor shopping and entertainment complex in Greater Manchester, featuring around 200 stores, Europe's largest food court, a 20-screen cinema, and ornate neoclassical design. It offers a wide range of dining, leisure, and entertainment options suitable for visitors of all ages.
Autumn Book Fair
23 Oct–1 Nov
The Autumn Book Fair at Stowe features donated fiction, non-fiction, vintage and collectable books, including signed editions and older volumes. Visitors can browse and buy books, with proceeds supporting the care of the Stowe landscape.
Near Stowe Gardens
Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire are a prestigious English landscape garden featuring extensive parkland, architectural monuments, classical temples, and historical structures designed by prominent 18th-century architects and gardeners. Managed by the National Trust, the gardens offer a significant outdoor visitor experience with preserved landscapes and classical architecture, a visitor centre, and a rich heritage of garden design.
Autumn Wreath Making Workshop
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Participants make a 14-inch moss-based autumn wreath in a two-hour workshop led by a florist and gardener, using sustainably sourced foliage and seasonal materials. Materials are provided, and the ticket includes refreshments and Garden entry.
Near Borde Hill
Borde Hill is a Grade II* listed English Heritage Garden set within 383 acres of woodland and parkland, famous for its diverse collection of unusual trees and shrubs and distinct garden 'rooms'. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, wheelchair accessible facilities, and family-friendly amenities including a cafe and picnic area.
Watercolour Painting: Toadstalls
24 Oct
Participants develop watercolour skills through a demonstration of painting techniques and create their own artwork inspired by nature and toadstools. The workshop is suitable for beginners and improvers and takes place in the Clore Learning Centre.
Near RHS Garden Hyde Hall
RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a large garden in Essex featuring extensive collections of plants and shrubs, wide-open views of the countryside, and accessible paths. Visitors can enjoy on-site dining at two cafés and a garden centre offering plants and gifts. Entry requires a ticket or RHS membership, with discounts for car-free travel.
Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–10 Jan 2027
A festive trail through Sheffield Park and Garden featuring ten hand-painted Snowdog sculptures, game stops, interactive activities and seasonal surprises. The trail is inspired by The Snowman animation and is suitable for all ages.
Near Sheffield Park and Garden
Sheffield Park and Garden is a large landscape and woodland garden in East Sussex, originally designed by Capability Brown. It features a significant collection of rare plants and trees, natural ponds, and extensive grounds for outdoor exploration. The garden remains a National Trust property and offers visitors a serene and historic natural environment.
Harlow Carr Library Talk: Elizabeth Blackwell and her Curious Herbal
22 Oct
A short talk explores Elizabeth Blackwell’s 18th-century herbal and the plants and remedies used in medicine at the time, drawing on RHS Libraries’ rare books, art and archives.
Near RHS Garden Harlow Carr
RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a horticultural destination in North Yorkshire known for its extensive gardens, seasonal displays, and visitor facilities including cafés and a garden centre. Visitors can explore outdoors through varied garden areas and enjoy seasonal food offerings onsite.
Located in Harrogate
Harrogate is a historic spa town in North Yorkshire, England, renowned for its spa waters, RHS Harlow Carr gardens, and rich cultural scene including festivals, galleries, and theatres. It is well-connected by rail and bus, with a walkable town centre featuring shopping, dining, and significant landmarks such as the Royal Pump Room and Royal Hall.
Photography Group at Powis Castle and Garden
7 Nov, 5 Dec
Join a relaxed photography group led by a volunteer photographer, exploring the garden and castle perimeter while sharing skills and taking photographs. All ages and experience levels are welcome, and participants can use a camera or phone.
Near Powis Castle & Garden
Powis Castle Garden offers a historic outdoor experience featuring 17th-century terraces, an Edwardian formal garden, and wooded landscape areas with impressive statues and vivid borders. It showcases evolving garden designs over 400 years and presents stunning views of the adjacent 13th-century castle.
Wilder Autumn Explorers
28 Oct
Children aged 5–12 can explore autumn habitats on a guided walk at Wilder Doddington, looking for fungi and wildlife and taking part in sensory activities. The session also includes nature-inspired art and activities about how wildlife prepares for winter.
October Half Term: ZooLab Animal Encounters
26–27 Oct
A family potions show featuring ethical animal encounters, audience participation and storytelling. A witch or wizard explores an ancient recipe while introducing real plants such as foxgloves.
3 miles from Danbury Common
Danbury Common is a large biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex featuring heathland, woodland, ponds, and uncommon species, with areas managed by the National Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust.
Christmas Late Night Opening 2026
18–19 Dec
Visitors can explore Mount Stewart’s Christmas-decorated historic house after dark, with Christmas music, activities and entertainment. The event also offers the chance to take photos by the tree, have a hot chocolate and do some Christmas shopping.
Near Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is a 19th-century historic residence in Northern Ireland featuring a neoclassically refurbished house, expansive themed gardens, and the octagonal Temple of the Winds. Owned by the National Trust, it showcases rich political history and elegant garden design inspired by Mediterranean influences, offering visitors both indoor and outdoor experiences.
Apple Weekend
31 Oct–1 Nov
Apple Weekend at Helmsley Walled Garden features traditional apple pressing and juice tasting, garden tours, apple-pruning demonstrations and a pumpkin trail for children. Sunday also includes demonstrations of pottery, willow weaving and wood carving.
Near Helmsley Walled Garden
Helmsley Walled Garden is a five-acre historic kitchen garden in North York Moors National Park, restored as a beautiful outdoor space featuring gardens, nature trails, and therapeutic activities. It includes a labyrinth, sculpture trail, a native plants border, and an open glasshouse, welcoming dogs and visitors with refreshments and plant sales.
Located in Helmsley
Helmsley is a historic market town in North Yorkshire, England, known for its medieval layout, castle ruins, scenic location near the North York Moors, and vibrant arts and tourism scene.
Willow Wintry Wildlife
28 Nov
Participants learn willow-weaving techniques and create a four-legged animal sculpture, such as a deer, fox or badger. The workshop is led by willow sculptor Jane Fletcher and includes a short outdoor visit to see where willow is grown.
Autumnal Foraging Workshop with Megan Howlett
15 Oct, 3 Nov
Join professional forager Megan Howlett for a walk and talk through Sheffield Park’s gardens, exploring seasonal wild foods and learning about their folklore, history, uses and edibility.
Ceramic Pumpkin Painting
26–30 Oct
Children aged 4 and over can decorate a ceramic pumpkin with acrylic paint pens during a 45-minute outdoor session, then take it home. Adults are also welcome to buy a ticket and paint a pumpkin.
Near Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
Anglesey Abbey offers extensive 35 acres of formal gardens and wildflower meadows with seasonal highlights including spring bulbs, roses, and a winter garden. The venue features outdoor attractions for nature lovers and families, including a children's play area and refreshments available on site.
Half Term Calan Gaeaf: Family-Friendly Spooky Storytelling
24–25 Oct, 28 Oct
A family-focused spooky storytelling session featuring seasonal tales told bilingually in English and Welsh. Fancy dress is encouraged.
Near Powis Castle
Powis Castle is a Grade I listed medieval castle and grand country house near Welshpool, Powys, Wales, featuring magnificent interiors with historical murals and family portraits. It is renowned for its extensive Baroque formal gardens with terraces and water garden remains. The site includes the Clive Museum, displaying South Asian artifacts from Robert Clive's collections, and offers a blend of indoor historic architecture and outdoor garden experiences. The castle is managed by the National Trust and attracts around 200,000 visitors annually.
Crook Hall Gardens tour: history and literary links
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
A volunteer-led guided tour of Crook Hall Gardens and its medieval hall, exploring the site's history, the families who lived there and its literary connections.
Near Durham University Botanic Garden
A 25-acre University Botanic Garden featuring diverse plant collections, accessible glasshouses, woodland areas, and a children's play area, with food available on-site and partial wheelchair accessibility. Access is free for RHS members on select days.
A Beginner's Guide to Gardening (2 days)
17 Oct, 31 Oct
A beginner-level gardening course covering plant types, planting and care, propagation, cultivation, pruning and lawn care. Across two sessions, attendees take part in lecture-based teaching and indoor and outdoor practical activities.
2 miles from Wey and Godalming Navigations
The River Wey and Godalming Navigations offer a 20-mile navigable waterway in Surrey, featuring historic locks and scenic towpaths managed by the National Trust, with connections to other canals and a visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf showcasing historic barges.
Craft Club
8 Oct, 12 Nov…
Craft Club is a monthly drop-in gathering for people to bring their own craft projects, share what they are making and craft alongside others. Limited materials are available for those who want to try a new craft.
Tiny Tots Halloween Trail
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Halloween activity trail around New Inn for children aged six and under, with playful actions such as walking like a mummy, flapping like a bat and meowing like a cat.
2 miles from Buckingham Chantry Chapel
Buckingham Chantry Chapel is a historic 15th-century chapel in Buckingham, noted for its Norman doorway and status as the oldest building in town. Owned by the National Trust, it is currently open to the public as a second-hand bookshop, offering visitors insight into medieval ecclesiastical architecture and local heritage.
Cyclamen Society Show
17 Oct (next Saturday)
The Cyclamen Society presents a display of flowering cyclamen species, with plants, seeds and publications for sale. Experts will be available to offer advice on growing cyclamen and raising them from seed.
Christmas Gift Fair
6–8 Nov
Browse stalls from independent traders selling gifts including jewellery, accessories, photography, handmade crafts and art. The fair also features a range of food and drink to browse and taste.
3 miles from Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood
Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood is a large natural reserve featuring ancient woodland, heathland, and historical military sites. Visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife, scenic walking trails, and explore the rich heritage of this Essex ridge-top location.
Heritage Open Days
18–19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Nunnington Hall offers free entry during the two-week festival with the hall open on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September 2026. Visitors can explore the historic house, learn about its history and collections, and enjoy the gardens, orchard, and riverside setting. No booking is needed, and the tour includes areas upstairs without lift access.
Meet Father Christmas at Nunnington Hall
21 Nov, 28 Nov…
Children can meet Father Christmas and his elf in the Panelled Bedroom at Nunnington Hall, share their Christmas wishes and receive a book. Each child’s visit lasts 10 minutes.
3 miles from Helmsley Archaeology Store
Helmsley Archaeology Store offers access to extensive archaeological collections from English Heritage sites in Northern England, spanning from Prehistory to modern times. Visits are free but by appointment only, with store tours resuming in April 2026. The venue is primarily an indoor research and archive facility.
Harlow Carr Library Talk and Garden Walk: The Oak Tree
26 Nov
A library talk explores the history and legends of oak trees in the UK, followed by a guided walk led by an RHS arborist to see the oaks at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Christmas Candle Making Workshop
12 Nov
A festive candle-making workshop at Borde Hill House where participants make and decorate three scented soy-wax votive candles, with guidance on candle-making and fragrance blending.
3 miles from Wakehurst
Wakehurst is a historic estate in West Sussex featuring a late 16th-century mansion, extensive botanic gardens, and the international Millennium Seed Bank. Visitors can explore the gardens and mansion, enjoy the woodland and wetland conservation areas, and dine onsite. It offers a rich horticultural experience including the largest Christmas tree in England and national plant collections.
Monthly Dog Walks
21 Oct, 18 Nov…
A monthly guided walk through the gardens at Stowe, led by a walk leader and welcoming people and their dogs. Dogs must be kept on leads, and participants may leave the walk early if needed.
Printmaking with Autumn Leaves using Gelli Plate
27 Oct
In this one-day workshop, participants learn Gelli Plate printing with acrylic paints and autumn leaves, experimenting with layered prints, positive and negative imagery, textures and metallic accents. Materials and tools are supplied, and participants can take their Gelli Plate home.
Seasonal Gardening - Winter
26 Nov
A seasonal gardening workshop led by RHS Rosemoor Garden Manager Geraldine King. Participants will take a guided walk through the garden, watch practical demonstrations and learn about winter tasks such as mulching and pruning.
Calan Gaeaf at Dyffryn Gardens
23 Oct–1 Nov
A family trail through the gardens celebrating Calan Gaeaf and Welsh fairy folklore. Visitors can look for fairy doors and other mythical features, and take part in games and storytelling.
Near Dyffryn Gardens
Dyffryn Gardens is a National Trust-managed historic Edwardian botanical garden and arboretum in Wales featuring extensive themed outdoor gardens, a grand Edwardian manor house open for tours, and a variety of plant collections and sculptures. The gardens combine formal and themed outdoor garden rooms with impressive lawn and water features, and visitors can explore both the natural and architectural heritage of the site.
Santa Paws Community Dog Walk (in collaboration with Tails on the Trails and Inspiring Tails)
5 Dec
A festive community dog walk through the grounds at Stowe Gardens, with advice from Tails on the Trails and Inspiring Tails on topics including lead walking, enrichment and building confidence with dogs.
Pumpkin Flowers Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden
31 Oct
In this flower-arranging workshop, attendees turn a fresh pumpkin into a vase and create a seasonal arrangement using chicken wire and water. Florist Debbie provides step-by-step guidance, and the ticket includes a drink, a baked treat and entry to Crook Hall Gardens.
3 miles from Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is a historic house, chapels, and gardens near Durham City offering visitors both indoor heritage spaces and extensive outdoor parkland. Designed by Augustus Pugin with accessible facilities, it features events, a cafe, and family friendly amenities including dog-friendly grounds.
Shady Stars: Plants that Shine in the Shadows - A Gardening Advice Talk
21 Oct
A 30-minute gardening advice talk explores plants suited to partial or full shade, including how to choose, position and care for them.
Taith Hydrefol y Garddwr | The Gardener's Autumn Tour
12 Oct (next Monday)
A seasonal guided walk at Bodnant Garden explores autumn foliage and colour, with practical ideas and inspiration for bringing autumn interest into your own garden.
Magic of Christmas: Craft and Food Fair
20–22 Nov
A festive craft and food fair in the Garden Room, featuring gifts and seasonal delicacies from local artists, artisans and producers. Visitors can browse and buy items from selected traders.
Festive Bauble Embroidery Workshop
19 Nov
A festive embroidery workshop led by textile artist Beth Power, where attendees make a fabric bauble using embroidery stitches, fabrics and trims. The session is suitable for beginners and those with stitching experience.
Visionary Landscapes: Ink and Wash Masterclass
12 Nov
Artist Eleanor May Watson leads an ink-and-wash workshop inspired by autumn landscapes and the work of Samuel Palmer. Participants will explore drawing and painting techniques and create an artwork to take home.
3 miles from High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden
High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden in West Sussex is a 27-acre botanical garden featuring rare and exotic plants, woodland glades, water gardens, and an ancient wildflower meadow. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, owner guided tours, a picnic area, and accessible facilities in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Afternoon tea at Hidcote Gardens
7–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
Guests can enjoy a traditional sweet or savoury afternoon tea in Winthrop’s Café at Hidcote, with sandwiches, savoury items, scones, cakes and tea or coffee.
Near Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a family-run garden in the Cotswolds known for its rare plants, the renowned Kiftsgate rose, and beautifully designed garden areas across different seasons. Visitors can explore extensive outdoor gardens with spectacular views, enjoy a cafe, and shop on-site.
Bring Your Own Terrariums - A Beginners’ Workshop
20 Nov
A beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop exploring how to create and care for terrariums. Participants can bring a clear glass container and make a miniature planted landscape with guidance from RHS horticultural advisers.
Rag Rug Christmas Decorations
7 Nov
Participants learn rag rugging techniques with tutor Elspeth Jackson and make a Christmas decoration, choosing from a wreath, mini-wreath ornaments or a tabletop tree. The introductory workshop covers preparing materials and working with different rag-rugging methods.
Autumn Walk and Talk
21 Oct
Join an RHS Wisley Garden Manager for an outdoor walk and talk exploring the garden’s autumn display, the plants that are in season and what to look out for in the coming months.
3 miles from Painshill Park
Painshill Park is a large award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey featuring winding paths, mystical follies including the Crystal Grotto, and beautiful parkland. It offers accessible routes, family-friendly facilities, a café, and seasonal food, making it ideal for a full-day outdoor visit.
Walkies
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Walkies gives visitors the opportunity to explore the outdoor areas of RHS Garden Harlow Carr with their dogs. Dogs must be kept on a short lead and follow the garden’s stated rules.
At the bend in the river: Paintings by Nancy Cadogan
10–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition of newly commissioned and existing paintings by Nancy Cadogan, inspired by Beningbrough’s landscape, gardens and literary history. Visitors can view large-scale landscapes and more intimate works exploring women, time and storytelling.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
25–26 Nov, 2–3 Dec
A two-hour Christmas wreath-making workshop led by a professional florist. Participants make and decorate a moss-based wreath using seasonal foliage and other materials.
3 miles from Nymans
Nymans is a Grade II* listed English garden in West Sussex, featuring extensive woodland, rare plants, and the picturesque ruins of a mock-medieval stone manor. Managed by the National Trust, it showcases a variety of historic horticultural styles and plant collections.
History of Garden Design
24 Oct
A workshop led by garden designer and horticulture lecturer Richard Easton exploring the history of garden design, from early gardens through to modern and naturalistic styles.
A Very Victorian Christmas Craft Workshop
4 Dec
A hands-on workshop exploring Victorian Christmas craft traditions. Participants will make decorations and gifts, including tin decorations, pomanders, beeswax candles, gilded nuts and Christmas crackers.
3 miles from West Horsley Place
West Horsley Place is a Grade I listed medieval manor house and estate in Surrey, rich in history with royal visits including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. It remains largely untouched for decades and offers tours and commercial events.
Live music at Crook Hall Gardens
19 Oct
Local musicians Julie and William perform dance music from England and Western Europe, spanning the medieval period to the 20th century. Performances take place in the gardens, or in the medieval hall in poor weather.
3 miles from Finchale Priory
Finchale Priory is a historic Benedictine monastery ruin located by the River Wear near Durham, featuring extensive medieval remains and a hermitage site, managed by English Heritage for public visits.
Christmas at Stowe
21 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Explore Christmas traditions from around the world at New Inn, then follow a festive trail through Stowe Gardens to discover seasonal facts, collect stamps and take photos.
Creating Free Plants - Editing and Division Workshop
22 Oct
A practical workshop on creating new garden plants through editing and dividing herbaceous perennials. It includes an indoor presentation, an outdoor demonstration, and the opportunity to practise plant division and learn about spacing and design.
A Roaring Twenties Christmas
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
A festive Roaring Twenties-themed event at Coleton Fishacre, with Jazz Age decorations, Charleston dancing in the Saloon and the chance to sample a cocktail. Visitors can also take winter walks in the coastal garden.
Near Coleton Fishacre
Coleton Fishacre is a historic Arts and Crafts style country house with 24 acres of rare, exotic gardens running down to the sea in Devon. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a combination of beautifully preserved interiors and scenic outdoor garden walks along the coast.
Christmas at Nymans
21 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–4 Jan 2027
Christmas at Nymans features festive scenes in the decorated house and a family adventure trail in the garden.
3 miles from Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is a historic 240-acre Grade I-listed garden in West Sussex featuring woodlands, lakes, diverse wildlife including deer and wallabies, champion trees, and a sculpture park with an art gallery. Visitors can enjoy both outdoor exploration and indoor exhibitions, alongside food and drink at the on-site Clocktower Kitchen.
Create Bulb Displays for Indoors and Out
30 Oct
A two-hour horticulture workshop with RHS tutor Esther Wolff on creating spring bulb containers using the “bulb lasagne” technique, as well as an indoor display container with fragrant and decorative plants.
Festive Modern Calligraphy
4 Dec
A two-hour beginner-friendly modern calligraphy workshop with a festive theme, covering mark-making, letter formation and numbers. Participants will practise with dip pens and take home their work and a starter kit.
Anglesey Abbey: Made and Remade
8 Oct, 13 Oct…
A talk with Anglesey Abbey house guides explores how the site changed from a medieval religious site into a country house and how Lord Fairhaven reshaped it through architecture, art, gardens and collecting. It includes stories about items in the collection, including paintings by Claude Lorrain and Canova’s Amorino.
Near Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey is a National Trust property in Cambridgeshire featuring a Jacobean country house built on a priory site, surrounded by 98 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds including a working historic mill. Visitors can explore the richly furnished interiors with art collections and tapestries, as well as extensive outdoor gardens with seasonal events and an outdoor cinema.
Harlow Carr Library Talk: Houseplant Trends Through Time
5 Nov
A librarian from RHS Garden Harlow Carr gives a short talk tracing the history of houseplants in the UK up to 1950, including changing plant trends and inventions that enabled indoor cultivation.
Make a Christmas Wreath
27 Nov
A Christmas wreath-making workshop led by Kathrine Armstrong-Bisson. Participants will construct a wreath using a metal frame, seed heads, berries, dried fruit, cones and Christmas decorations.
Winter Foliage in Festive Bas Relief Casting
15 Nov
Participants make three to five festive decorations by imprinting collected winter foliage and other plant materials into clay, then creating small casts and embellishing them. The workshop takes place mostly indoors, with time in the garden for inspiration.
Gweithdy Torch Hydrefol gyda Floverly | Autumn Wreath Workshop with Floverly
16 Oct (next Friday)
A hands-on autumn wreath-making workshop led by floral artist Kris of Floverly. Participants use seasonal foliage, natural materials and decorative elements to create a wreath to take home.
Festive Faux Calligraphy Workshop
5 Dec
Participants practise faux calligraphy and create personalised festive decorations to take home. Materials and tools are supplied, and the workshop is led by Helen Wallace.
Willow Weaving: Swedish Star
27 Nov
Participants learn to weave an eight-pointed Swedish willow star, a Christmas decoration, in a hands-on workshop led by willow weaver Deb Hart. Tools and materials are supplied, and the session is suitable for beginners and those with prior willow-weaving experience.
The Woodlands in Winter and Woodland Management
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Join a guided walk through RHS Garden Rosemoor’s woodlands to learn about its woodland management plan, management objectives and plans for resilient woodland. The route includes an area not normally open to the public and covers uneven terrain.
Being Human, Sensing Nature: A creative walk in Durham’s Green Corridor
8 Nov, 14 Nov
Take part in a creative walk with the Being Human team from Crook Hall Gardens to Finchale Priory, exploring Durham’s natural and cultural heritage through activities such as writing haikus, photography and sound recording. The walk is followed by refreshments, with return transport to Crook Hall by coach.
Storytelling session at Coleton Fishacre
1 Nov
Visitors can read together in a cosy storytelling corner or join a volunteer for stories and poems from children’s books written in the 1920s and 1930s.
Near Brownstone and Coleton Camp
Brownstone and Coleton Camp in Devon offers a coastal outdoor experience featuring rugged cliffs, dog-friendly beaches, historical WWII battery, and scenic walking trails along the South West Coast Path with opportunities to enjoy wildlife and countryside.
Guided Tree Tours 2026
17 Sep, 2 Oct…
Join an expert volunteer for a 90-minute outdoor tour of Nymans’ trees, including its Champion Trees and seasonal highlights. The tour also explores the Messel family’s influence on the gardens and gives visitors the chance to ask questions.
3 miles from Tilgate Nature Centre
Tilgate Zoo is a small accredited zoo located in Tilgate Park, Crawley, featuring 74 animal species across geographical zones with interactive experiences and conservation programs.
A Beginner's Guide to Garden Fungi
20 Oct
A beginner-level course exploring fungi and their role in garden ecosystems. Participants take a guided fungi walk around Wisley and practise identifying fungi in hands-on activities.
Wand Making
27 Oct
Children can make and personalise a wand during a supervised Halloween activity, with the chance to try casting spells. The session is led by Nature Nurture Sussex, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Diwali at Stowe
6–10 Nov
Celebrate Diwali at Stowe, see a volunteer-made Rangoli display in the Temple of Venus, and visit a selfie station. Diya painting is available on Saturday 7 November only.
Three Cheers for Pooh! Story trail
7–23 Oct, 26 Oct–23 Dec…
A family story trail through the gardens featuring Winnie-the-Pooh and characters from A.A. Milne’s stories, including Pooh and Tigger.
Near Quy Hall
Quy Hall is a Grade II* listed English country house known for its unique Victorian mural paintings and distinctive architecture. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the historic interior led by the owner, explore the attractive gardens with seasonal displays, and experience this rare glimpse into life in a private country home.
Gardening for nature at Coleton Fishacre
9 Oct
A guided garden tour led by the Head Gardener explores how Coleton Fishacre is adapting its gardening practices to support nature, improve habitats and increase biodiversity. Attendees can learn about the measures in place and get ideas for supporting wildlife in their own gardens.
2 miles from Dartmouth Castle
Dartmouth Castle is a historic artillery fort in Devon, built from the 14th century onward to protect Dartmouth harbour with significant gun batteries and fortifications. Now managed by English Heritage, visitors can explore both indoor historic buildings and outdoor gun platforms, enjoy scenic views, and learn about its military history from medieval times to World War II.
Traditional Christmas Wreath
29 Nov
Participants learn to make a traditional Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and decorative materials, with expert guidance. The workshop takes place in the Clore Learning Centre, and attendees take their finished wreath home.
Nature's Noel: A Greener Christmas
19–22 Nov, 26–29 Nov…
A Christmas display at Nunnington Hall features around 20 trees decorated by local organisations with natural or recycled materials, alongside natural displays, garlands, wreaths and swags. The decorations explore caring for nature and community involvement.
3 miles from Beadlam Roman villa
Beadlam Roman villa is an archaeological site featuring the remains of a large Romano-British farm from the third to fifth centuries AD, located on the east bank of the River Riccal in North Yorkshire. Visitors can view in situ walls and earthworks of the villa buildings, highlighting Roman history in the region.
Festive Cornus Wreath Making
27 Nov
Participants make an asymmetric Christmas wreath using a cornus base, evergreen foliage and other natural materials, with guidance from florist Peter Hughes. The workshop takes place in the Learning Studios at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
The Art of Illusion: The Theatrical World of Oliver Messel
13 Jun–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Nymans exploring the life and creative work of stage designer Oliver Messel, including objects relating to his work in interior design, film and theatre. A display in the Oriel Room features costumes created by students at Wimbledon College of Arts and inspired by Messel.
Plot to Palette in Botanical Watercolours (3 days)
9–11 Oct (another 2 days)
In this three-day botanical watercolour workshop, attendees learn drawing and painting techniques to create a botanical artwork inspired by autumn fruit and vegetables. The sessions include a visit to the Fruit and Vegetable Garden to see the subjects in place.
TOUR: Collecting Passions
7 Oct, 9 Oct…
A guided tour of Anglesey Abbey explores how Lord Fairhaven collected and displayed objects, visiting the Newmarket Bedroom, Library and Upper Gallery. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, followed by time for questions.
Contemporary Craft Fair and Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair
4–8 Nov
Browse contemporary craft and jewellery and silversmithing fairs at RHS Hilltop, featuring work by designer-makers, jewellers and silversmiths.
Read More: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
11 Nov
A Read More book club session focused on Elif Shafak’s novel *The Island of Missing Trees*.
Autumn Colour Photography Workshop: Beginners
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A beginner photography workshop at Sheffield Park and Garden, led by professional photographer Roger Bloxham. Attendees can practise in the garden’s early morning light and develop their photography skills and techniques.
Late-Flowering Chrysanthemum Show
8 Nov
A show by regional chrysanthemum growers, featuring prize-winning late-flowering chrysanthemums on display in the Learning Studios. Visitors can get advice from experts, and flowers will be available to buy from 3pm.
Antiques Valuation Event with Charles Hanson
9 Oct
Attendees can bring up to three small antiques, collectables, jewellery or curiosities for appraisal by auctioneer and antiques expert Charles Hanson.
Autumn Colours in Needlefelt
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Participants will take inspiration from autumn leaves and seasonal colours in the garden, then learn needle-felting techniques to create a 15 cm square artwork using British wool. Artist Julie Vickery will demonstrate the process and guide participants through composition, layering and detail.
Behind the Scenes Tour
7 Oct, 13–14 Oct…
A volunteer guide leads visitors through areas of Nunnington Hall that are normally closed to the public, introducing collection objects and the work involved in preserving the hall.
3 miles from Hovingham Hall
Hovingham Hall is an attractive historic family home featuring varied architectural styles, important collections, and the reputed oldest private cricket pitch in England. Visitors can explore both the elegant indoor spaces and the beautiful surrounding gardens with historic features.
Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail
5–9 Dec
Families can follow Ivy’s Christmas story trail around the garden, while children can also book a festive session with Elf Training Camp activities and a visit to Santa’s grotto.
Learn the Charleston with South West Lindy Hoppers
22 Nov, 28 Nov…
A drop-in Charleston dance class led by Jane and Derek of South West Lindy Hoppers. Attendees can watch a demonstration and learn the steps, rhythm and beat of the dance.
2 miles from Bayard's Cove Fort
Bayard's Cove Fort is a 16th-century artillery blockhouse located at the entrance of Dartmouth harbour in Devon. It features historic military architecture with multiple gunports and is managed by English Heritage, open to the public for exploration of its significant coastal defence heritage.
Flavours of Autumn
8–11 Oct (another 2 days)
Flavours of Autumn is a harvest festival at RHS Garden Rosemoor, with fruit heritage displays, talks and demonstrations, orchard tours, live music, seasonal food and drink, and family activities including drawing, storytelling and garden games.
Dementia-friendly sensory walks at Ham House and Garden
20 Oct
A monthly, gentle-paced guided sensory walk through the gardens at Ham House, designed for people living with dementia and those who support or care for them. Volunteer guides lead the group to explore seasonal highlights in nature.
Near Marble Hill
Marble Hill House is an early 18th-century Neo-Palladian villa in Twickenham, London, famous for its architectural design and historical associations with British royalty. Visitors can explore its richly decorated interiors and extensive parklands offering leisure and sports facilities, with a restored Georgian ambiance.
Wilder Walk: Meet the Piglets
21 Oct
Join a two-hour guided walk with Wilder Doddington’s Conservation Adviser to explore the changing estate landscape and learn how grazing animals support nature recovery. The walk includes a visit to meet the piglets.
Mindful Art – The Bridgewater Garden in Autumn
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An adult workshop exploring autumn in the garden through mindful drawing with pencils, clay forms and a tactile sculpture. Materials are provided, and some activities may take place outdoors, weather permitting.
WILD: The Drone Light Show
30–31 Oct
An open-air drone light show featuring synchronised drones that create illuminated images of animals in the night sky, choreographed to a cinematic soundtrack.
Near Wentworth Woodhouse
Wentworth Woodhouse features the largest country house in the UK with extensive gardens including ancient trees, woodland, follies, and a restored Camellia House. Visitors can explore accessible gardens, enjoy food overlooking scenic spots, and find activities for children and wellbeing.
Bath House Gift Shop –The Artisan Collective
14 Oct–15 Nov (next week)
Two artisans bring together work by their creative friends, offering visitors a showcase of handmade work and a shopping opportunity.
5K Zombie Run
1 Nov
A 5K Halloween-themed run or walk around the gardens, with participants encouraged to dress in spooky costumes. The ticket also includes all-day access to the gardens.
A Beginner's Guide to Pruning
3 Nov
A beginner-level course on pruning woody plants, covering routine and formative pruning, renovating overgrown shrubs, and choosing suitable methods for different plants. It also includes a guided garden walk to see pruning principles applied in the garden.
October Half Term – Spooky plants
24 Oct–1 Nov
A spooky half-term event about unusual and magical plants, featuring a garden trail, animal encounters, planting and craft activities, and Garden Detectives sessions.
Lifecycle of Trees: Guided Walk
12 Nov
Join RHS Garden Bridgewater arborist Josh Corbett for a guided walk and talk exploring the lifecycle of trees, their relationship with fungi, and what tree features reveal about their history and future growth.
Christmas Unveiling at Mount Stewart 2026
27 Nov
A late-night Christmas opening at Mount Stewart, where visitors can explore the historic house decorated for the festive season and enjoy Christmas music, activities and entertainment.
Near Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is a historic Irish demesne featuring beautiful woodland, orchards, farmland, and notable architecture including stable blocks and walled gardens. Visitors can enjoy outdoor walks, themed gardens, and child-friendly areas in a rich landscape steeped in history.
Summer of Play: Family trail
30 Aug–20 Sep
Summer of Play: Family trail is a new family trail event at Beningbrough gardens led by Dart the Dragonfly. It offers interactive panels and activities to enjoy outdoor time in nature over multiple days during late August and September 2026.
Goldsmiths North
13–15 Nov
Goldsmiths North exhibitors will display and sell handmade silverware and jewellery at Wentworth Woodhouse. Visitors can browse the exhibition and shop for handcrafted items.
2 miles from Dearne Valley Bolton Ings
Bolton Ings is a nature reserve in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, part of the Dearne Valley network, offering outdoor trails and bird watching opportunities with views of pools and reedbeds. It has no onsite facilities, and dogs are welcome under control.
Otter Madness for October Half-Term
24 Oct–1 Nov
An outdoor otter-themed trail in the gardens at Nunnington Hall, with family-friendly activities, challenges and games about otters.
Monthly guided walks by the coast
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Join the volunteer walking team for a guided coastal walk near Coleton Fishacre, exploring the Man Sands wetlands, bird hide and secluded beach, with a possible longer route to Scabbacombe beach.
2 miles from Little Dartmouth
Little Dartmouth in Devon offers scenic coastal and countryside walks, including a circular path passing historic ruins. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, wildlife, and a natural environment with an on-site car park. Dogs are welcome with some restrictions near livestock.
Close-up nature photography workshop with Phil Morley
27 Jun, 25 Jul…
A hands-on close-up nature photography workshop at Anglesey Abbey, led by professional photographer Phil Morley. Participants explore the garden and develop their photography skills using a camera or phone.
Halloween in the House
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow a Halloween-themed sensory trail through Mount Stewart House, discovering stories and magical creatures including witches and dragons.
2 miles from Grey Abbey House
Grey Abbey House is a Georgian mansion on the banks of Strangford Lough with gardens rich in unusual flora. Visitors can explore both the historic house and the adjacent Cistercian Abbey ruins. The estate hosts historical and horticultural group visits and provides catering on request.
Storytime with Father Christmas
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Children can join a 30-minute Christmas storytime session with Father Christmas, tell him about their year and share a wish list. Each child receives a book, and there is an opportunity to take festive photos.
Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can view more than 20 decorative cabinets and writing desks from Ham House’s collection opened for display, including examples of marquetry, lacquer and veneers. From 19 to 23 October, volunteer guides may also give short pop-up talks in the Long Gallery.
Near Ham House
Ham House is a well-preserved 17th-century Stuart era house in London known for its rare survival of original interiors, lavishly furnished state apartments, and extensive formal gardens along the River Thames. Visitors can explore the historic interiors, art collections, and enjoy the restored gardens, with facilities including a café. It is also a popular location for film and television productions.
Christmas Willow Decorations
28 Nov
Participants can join a morning or afternoon willow-weaving workshop with tutor Rachel Hutton to make Christmas decorations, choosing from guided projects or designing with the materials provided.
Home Education Workshops (Science)
25 Nov
A science-focused workshop for home-educated children and families explores plants, including their lifecycles, habitats and adaptations. Led by an Education Officer, the workshop takes place almost entirely outdoors.
Adventure Cinema
16–18 Oct (next weekend)
Adventure Cinema presents a programme of film screenings outdoors on the West Front Lawn, including family films, cult classics and blockbusters. Attendees can bring a picnic and watch screenings from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October.
3 miles from Dearne Valley Old Moor
Dearne Valley - Old Moor is a nature reserve featuring diverse birdwatching across seasons, with facilities including accessible paths, family-friendly play areas, and an onsite cafe. Visitors can explore indoor visitor centre exhibits, hides, and shop, as well as enjoy outdoor nature trails and wildlife spotting.
Christmas at Doddington
11 Nov–9 Dec
Visitors explore Doddington Hall’s rooms, each transformed with handcrafted installations inspired by classic Christmas films. The visit is self-paced, with volunteers available to chat, and ticket holders may also explore the gardens during their visit.
Guided walk: Crook Hall Gardens to the Oriental Museum
25 Oct, 15 Nov
Join a guided circular walk from Crook Hall Gardens to Durham University's Oriental Museum, learning about the city's history along the way. The walk covers about four miles and includes a 20-minute visit to the museum.
Nature explorers: Getting to know Barn Owls
28 Oct
A pop-up talk from the Barn Owl Trust covering barn owl habitats, conservation, the effects of extreme weather and climate change, and feeding habits through pellet analysis. No live barn owls will be present.
3 miles from Greenway
Greenway House is a historic Georgian estate on the River Dart in Devon, once home to Agatha Christie. Visitors can explore the house, riverside gardens with diverse plants, and the Barn Gallery showcasing local art, with connections to Christie's literary legacy.
5K Santa Run
6 Dec
A festive 5K Santa-themed run or walk around the gardens, with participants encouraged to dress up as Santa.
Willow Weaving: Pheasant
29 Oct
Participants learn willow weaving techniques and create a three-dimensional pheasant sculpture under expert guidance. The one-day workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
Traditional Christmas Wreath
28 Nov
Participants make a traditional Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and decorative materials, learning how to moss a wire frame and shape the wreath under expert guidance. The workshop takes place in a classroom and all tools and materials are supplied.
October Half Term: Kids crafts
28–30 Oct
Children aged 3 to 10 can take part in Halloween-inspired crafts with their accompanying adults at the Hilltop Lodge.
Home Education Science Workshop for Secondary Students
3 Dec
Students aged 11 and over can take part in a guided science workshop exploring biomes, plant adaptations, plant life cycles and habitats. The session is aimed at home-educated students studying KS3 and KS4 science and geography.
Festive Wreath Mosaic (Outdoor)
5 Dec
Create a festive mosaic wreath inspired by winter flowers and foliage, with guidance on cutting and arranging tiles. The workshop takes place mostly indoors, with time in the Rose Garden for inspiration, and includes a grouting demonstration.
Stargazing Evening with Jane Green and Seven Sisters Astronomy Group
21 Nov
Astronomer Jane Green gives a visual and audio-visual talk exploring the cosmos, followed by stargazing opportunities with the Seven Sisters Astronomy Group. The evening is presented as suitable for families, beginners and experienced stargazers.
Folde Deeper – Wellbeing Retreat
14 Nov
The Homecoming is a day retreat featuring guided movement and yoga, gentle breathwork, conversation, reflection and periods of rest. It also includes a seasonal lunch, time in nature and use of a woodland sauna.
Autumn Weekend
16–18 Oct (next weekend)
RHS Garden Harlow Carr’s Autumn Weekend celebrates the garden’s autumn colours and produce, with a fruit and vegetable competition, an apple display and expert advice. Visitors can also attend talks and join fungus forays, which require pre-booking.
What Now? November/December
6 Nov
A gardening workshop with tutor Olive Green covering seasonal jobs for November and December, including bulb planting, taking cuttings, garden maintenance, planting bare-root plants and winter pruning.
Water Capture and Conservation
28 Nov
A beginner-level workshop at RHS Garden Wisley covering ways to collect rainwater, retain water in the garden and water plants efficiently. Participants will learn practical approaches to water conservation in gardening.
Brambly Hedge at Hidcote
26 Sep–1 Nov, 6–8 Nov…
Visitors can follow a Brambly Hedge story trail through Hidcote, helping Primrose the mouse find her way home. The experience begins inside the Manor House and continues in the gardens, with miniature mouse homes, story scenes and interactive displays.
Near Hidcote
Hidcote Bartrim is a Grade I-listed Arts and Crafts-inspired garden in Gloucestershire featuring 10.5 acres of garden rooms with diverse atmospheres and named plant varieties, gifted to the National Trust by its creator Major Lawrence Johnston.
Evening Online Talk: How Humble Hedges Make Cities More Liveable
4 Nov
An online talk with RHS researcher Dr. Tijana Blanusa about how urban gardens and hedges can improve city environments, drawing on RHS research into planting and ecosystem benefits. Attendees can submit questions during the talk.
Wedding & Accommodation Open Day
1 Nov
Doddington Hall’s Wedding and Accommodation Open Day invites visitors to explore its wedding venues, wedding suite and holiday cottages, and meet the team and a selection of recommended wedding suppliers.
Flavours of Autumn
8–11 Oct (another 2 days)
A seasonal event at RHS Garden Wisley featuring a food and drink market, grow-your-own inspiration, talks, cookery demonstrations and live music.
Frightful Fernery - Halloween Trail
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can walk the Frightful Fernery Halloween trail at Mount Stewart, where ghouls and other eerie figures inspired by folklore and literature have appeared.
Christmas Dementia-friendly Sensory Walk
15 Dec
A gentle, guided sensory walk exploring festive highlights in the ground floor of Ham House and its gardens. The walk is designed for people living with dementia and those who support or care for them.
2 miles from East Sheen Common
East Sheen Common is a spacious urban park in London featuring woodland, sports facilities including a cricket field, tennis courts, and a bowling green, as well as a newly added woodland play area and nature trail for children.
Fungi Walk
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A local mycologist leads a circular walk through the woods and meadows of Borde Hill’s South Park to explore fungi. Afterwards, attendees can ask questions over tea, coffee and cake inside the Ginkgo Coffee Shop.
Gweithdy Gosodiad Canol Hydrefol gyda Floverly | Autumn Centrepiece Workshop with Floverly
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Create an autumn floral table centrepiece using seasonal flowers and foliage inspired by Bodnant Garden. A floral artist guides participants through the activity, and they can take their finished centrepiece home.
Herbarium Session
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Children aged 7 and over can take part in a 90-minute workshop exploring how plants and pollinators interact, with activities matching pollinators to flowers, using UV light to discover patterns and identifying foods that depend on pollinators.
Winter Pruning of Apples and Pears
17 Nov
An outdoor course led by RHS Garden Wisley’s Fruit Team demonstrating winter pruning techniques for apple and pear trees, including formative pruning and work on established and neglected trees.
Festive Cards in Watercolours
14 Nov
A watercolour workshop with tutor John Piper, where participants learn painting techniques and create at least two festive cards featuring seasonal flowers, foliage and berries. The day includes a short walk in the garden for inspiration and painting in the classroom.
A Beginners Guide to Soil
20 Nov
A beginner-level gardening course about soil texture and chemical balance, with guidance on improving soil for healthy plants. Attendees will bring a soil sample from their garden for testing.
Meet Father Christmas
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Children and their families join Christmas characters for a festive mini adventure, followed by a Christmas story shared by Father Christmas in Anglesey Abbey’s Lower Gallery. Children also receive a gift, and there is an opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas.
Zombies of Lamport Trail
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a zombie-themed trail through Stowe Gardens, solving puzzles to help a scientist find an antidote and clear the zombies from Lamport. The trail is designed for children aged 6 and over.
Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 2026
30 Aug–3 Sep
Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 2026 is a family-focused event where visitors can play games, dress up, and participate in various physical and creative activities throughout the gardens. The event includes led pop-up events and self-led activities such as family yoga, outdoor sports, puppet shows, and creative dress-up areas. The event runs daily from 30 August to 3 September 2026, 10:00 to 17:00, with no booking required but normal admission charges apply.
Stranger Folk Adventure at Sheffield Park
7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to take part in an outdoor, games-based adventure inspired by British folklore. Guided by the Old Crone, teams complete magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate.
Grow Your Own Cut Flowers
23 Oct
A cut-flower-growing workshop covering suitable flower varieties, sowing and growing techniques, and how to cut and condition flowers for longer-lasting displays.
Halloween Activity: Magic Shows with Professor Hiccup
26 Oct
Children join Professor Hiccup for a Halloween-themed magic show, with visual effects, tricks and opportunities to learn and demonstrate magic as his apprentices.
Carvery Lunch
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A two-course carvery lunch at Hilltop Lodge, with a choice of roast meats or a vegetarian Wellington followed by dessert. The event takes place on 18 October 2026.
Canopy Tree Climbing
29–31 Oct
Canopy Tree Climbing offers one-hour recreational climbing sessions in Borde Hill’s woodland, where participants use specialist equipment and are guided by experienced instructors. The activity is open to climbers aged six and over, including families and adults.
Harvest at Nunnington
17–18 Oct (next weekend)
Harvest at Nunnington explores harvest traditions and autumn displays, with visitors able to join a guided garden tour to learn about the gardens as they change for the season.
Introduction to Botanical Illustration Watercolours
23 Oct
A beginner-level workshop introducing botanical illustration in watercolour, using live plant specimens. Participants will learn observation, drawing and painting techniques through group and individual tuition, with plants and equipment provided.
Half Term Calan Gaeaf: Sweet Spotter Trail
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors search the Powis visitor areas for hidden colourful glass sweets as part of a family activity for Calan Gaeaf. Attendees can explore and count how many sweets they find.
2 miles from The Dingle Garden
The Dingle Garden is a spacious five-acre garden in mid-Wales featuring colour-themed beds, landscaped pools, and a diverse collection of trees and shrubs, with special appeal in spring, early summer, and autumn. The garden welcomes children and dogs and offers parking and plant sales.
Royal Geographical Society: Earth Photo 2026
12 Sep–21 Oct (another 12 days)
An outdoor exhibition presents shortlisted photography and film exploring nature, people, places and environments, including the impacts of and adaptations to climate change. The exhibition takes place throughout the garden at Coleton Fishacre.
Heritage Open Days
18–19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Beningbrough allows free entry to the public during the festival. Visitors can explore the historic ground-floor rooms of the Hall and roam the eight acres of gardens and parkland. The event takes place over two days with no booking needed.
'Guardians of the garden' autumn tree trail
17 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Follow an outdoor trail through Coleton Fishacre’s garden to find the Green Man’s tree-hugging hands and discover facts, folklore and stories about ancient woodlands and caring for green spaces.
Autumn Colour Photography Workshop: Advanced
30 Oct
An advanced photography workshop at Sheffield Park and Garden, led by professional photographer Roger Bloxham. Participants practise in the garden’s early morning light and develop their photography skills and techniques.
Welly Walk - Awesome Art
9 Nov, 16 Nov
A preschool Welly Walk at RHS Garden Rosemoor themed around art, using the Leaf Man story for inspiration. Children collect leaves during a garden walk, make leaf-based art and share a story and a drink.
Heritage Open Days at Crook Hall Gardens 2026
16 Sep, 19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Crook Hall Gardens 2026 offers free entry to explore the Grade I listed medieval hall and a series of interlinking gardens with features like a maze, secret walled garden, orchard, wildlife-rich moat pool, and views of Durham city and cathedral. On 16 September, visitors can join guided tours including history and literary links, seasonal poetry walk, and horticulture tours with gardener volunteers.
November 2026 weekday conservation tours
2–6 Nov, 9–13 Nov…
Visitors can join a 50-minute behind-the-scenes tour of Ham House to see conservation work, explore its historic rooms and learn how the house and its objects are cared for.
2 miles from Coombe Conduit
Coombe Conduit is an historic Tudor waterworks site in Kingston upon Thames, open on select days, showcasing a rare surviving structure of a system that supplied water to Hampton Court Palace. The outdoor grounds are uneven and not wheelchair accessible, with no on-site facilities.
Bath House Gift Shop- Whispers of Summer and Autumn Hues
8–11 Oct (another 2 days)
A collection of handmade gifts and other work by local artists and makers, inspired by the natural world and its beauty, is displayed in the Bath House Gift Shop.
Autumn Colour Photography Workshop: Focussing on Composition
20 Oct
A photography workshop at Sheffield Park and Garden, led by professional photographer Roger Bloxham, where attendees can practise composition and develop their camera skills while photographing the garden’s autumn colours.
Cabinets Unlocked: Sensory Explorers
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Ham House’s decorative cabinets through sensory activities, including listening to music and smelling spices, and look for cabinet keys. The event also includes activities and toys in the Garden Room, seasonal garden exploration, and a 17th-century musical performance on 1 November.
3 miles from Treaty Centre
The Treaty Centre is an enclosed shopping mall in Hounslow, Greater London, offering over 270,000 square feet of retail space with 51 stores including Wilkinsons, and ample parking.
Garden Design Principles for Beginners
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A beginner workshop led by lecturer and author Christine Lavelle explores garden-design principles, including assessing a space, garden aspect, soil type, colour, plant choices and border design. Participants will consider how to plan and plant a garden to make effective use of its space.
Folde Deeper – Wellbeing Retreat
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A full-day wellbeing retreat led by movement teacher Carl Faure, combining guided movement, breathwork and relaxation with a seasonal lunch, woodland sauna and cold plunge, time outdoors and a closing fire circle. No previous experience is needed.
Grow with Stowe: Daffodil Bulb Planting
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can plant daffodil bulbs at Stowe Gardens alongside other participants, helping to create a spring display.
Temple of the Winds - Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat Experience
19 Dec
A Winter Solstice sound spa retreat at Mount Stewart’s Temple of the Winds, led by Tessa Ann and featuring live sound, singing bowls, gentle percussion and periods of stillness. The experience is followed by a light seasonal lunch, with the option to visit the gardens afterward.
Christmas Seedpod Earrings
21 Nov
In this workshop, participants will learn about botanical-inspired jewellery design and make a pair of seedpod earrings to take home, guided by jewellery maker Charlotte Whitmore.
Wellies, wildlife & autumn fun trail | October Half Term 2026
17 Oct–1 Nov, 6–8 Nov
A self-led autumn trail at Crook Hall Gardens invites visitors to throw a wellie, look for bat species, play in fallen leaves and explore the season’s colours.
Autumn Colour Early Morning Self-Led Photography
14 Oct, 21 Oct
Visitors can enter Sheffield Park and Garden before its normal opening hours to enjoy the autumn colours, walk around the lakes and take photographs.
Afternoon Tea
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Guests can enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the Thatched Barn, with sandwiches, savoury bakes, homemade cakes and scones, alongside tea or coffee. Gluten-free, vegan and children's menus are also available.
Festive Lino Printing Workshop
21 Nov
Participants learn to carve festive lino relief prints and use them with coloured inks to make their own wrapping paper. The beginner-friendly workshop takes place in the Learning Studios, with materials provided.
What Now: November and December
10 Nov
An introductory gardening session with RHS experts covering seasonal tasks for November and December, including pruning, dividing plants, taking cuttings and winter vegetables. The course includes practical activities and an outdoor walk in RHS Garden Wisley.
Willow Foraging Basket
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Participants learn traditional English willow-weaving techniques and make a rustic-framed foraging basket to take home. The workshop includes instruction from basketmaker Sarah Le Breton and takes place mostly indoors, with some time in the garden.
October half term: Spooky Plants
24 Oct–1 Nov
A half-term activity at RHS Garden Hyde Hall exploring the spooky secrets and magical powers of plants, with craft activities for visitors.
Evening Online Talk: Sustainable Planting Combinations
18 Nov
RHS horticultural advisor James Lawrence discusses sustainable planting combinations, including schemes designed for different conditions and environmental benefits. The talk takes place live online and includes an opportunity to submit questions.
New Ideas and Old Loves: Sissinghurst and Italy
26 Sep 2026–6 Jun 2027 (another 240 days)
An exhibition exploring the influence of Italy on Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring objects, love letters, photographs and multimedia experiences.
Near Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent is a renowned historic garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring an influential series of garden rooms, including the iconic White Garden. Located on Tudor-era estate buildings, it showcases a vast collection of old garden roses and other plants, attracting large numbers of visitors and managed by the National Trust.
Choosing and Growing Roses
14 Nov
A workshop on choosing, planting, pruning and training roses, including a visit outdoors to Rosemoor’s rose gardens to see varieties and maintenance techniques. Participants will also discuss common rose-growing problems and take home a related book or plant project.
What Now: November and December
11 Nov
An RHS horticulture session covering seasonal gardening tasks for November and December, including dividing plants, pruning, taking cuttings and winter vegetables. Participants can try some practical tasks and take a walk outside in the garden.
Garden Design (2-day workshop)
17 Oct, 7 Nov
This two-day workshop introduces garden design principles, including colour, light and shade, line and form, balance and contrast. Participants will consider examples at RHS Rosemoor and develop and review design ideas for their own gardens.
100 years of Coleton Fishacre
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A year of events marking 100 years since the D’Oyly Carte family moved into Coleton Fishacre, including archive and contemporary photography exhibitions, a guided walk with the Head Gardener, and a 1920s-style Christmas party.
Celebrating Autumn Harvest in Expressive Acrylics
21 Oct
Participants will practise sketching fruit and vegetables in the garden before developing an acrylic painting in the classroom, using techniques such as underpainting, line drawing and layering colour. Artist Hannah Oram will guide the workshop, which is suitable for all skill levels.
Festive Foliage Star
6 Dec
Florist Sarah Pepper leads a workshop on making a contemporary festive foliage star using seasonal foliage, berries, cones and dried orange slices. Attendees can personalise their decoration with fairy lights.
Dried Flower Autumn Wreath Workshop
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Participants will make an autumn wreath using a willow base and dried flowers and foliage grown at Wisley, with guidance from florist Emily Luker of Paper and Sprig.
RSPB Autumn Birdwalk
1 Nov
Join an early-morning walk around RHS Garden Wisley with the RSPB North West Surrey Group to look for and identify the birds in the garden. The walk focuses on autumn birdlife, including winter visitors.
How to Make and Use Compost
5 Nov
This workshop covers how to make and use compost, including suitable ingredients and practices. It includes a short presentation followed by a walk to see the garden’s composting site.
Rownd y byd yng Ngardd Bodnant! / Round the World at Bodnant Garden!
31 Aug
Set off on a globe-trotting adventure this summer as you follow a family trail through Bodnant Garden, discovering fascinating plants from around the world. Collect stamps in your passport, create brass rubbings, and enjoy interactive pitstops as you journey across the continents without leaving North Wales. The event features sporty challenges like croquet, archery, and skittles, storytelling sessions, themed crafts, and bug hunts on selected days, making it ideal for spending time together in nature.
Welly Walk - Potions and Broomsticks
12 Oct, 19 Oct
A preschool workshop at RHS Garden Rosemoor themed around potions and broomsticks. Children can spot spooky pictures, collect leaves and petals to make a potion, create a broomstick from sticks, and finish with a drink and a story.
The Robin's Tale: Christmas 2026 at Ham House
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Explore Ham House’s Christmas decorations while following a robin’s story through the rooms, with festive displays, songs and family activities including dressing up and letter writing. Visitors can also take a winter stroll in the gardens.
3 miles from Syon House
Syon House is a historic Tudor mansion remodelled by Robert Adam, featuring stunning interiors and set in extensive gardens and parkland with a domed conservatory. Visitors can explore both the house and outdoor gardens with guided tours and enjoy facilities including a cafe and picnic areas.
Military Uniform Collection Tour
20 Oct
A guided tour of the MC Tsen Military Uniform Collection, featuring historic uniforms and related accessories, explores the collection’s military history and craftsmanship. The tour takes place in a purpose-built space above the Doddington Farm Wagon Collection.
Expert talks: Kate Cotterill from She Grows Veg
9 Oct
Kate Cotterill of She Grows Veg introduces heirloom vegetables, explaining what makes these heritage varieties special and how to grow them. Attendees can bring questions for an interactive vegetable-gardening Q&A.
Festive Watercolour Brush Lettering
4 Dec
A two-hour beginner-friendly workshop teaching watercolour brush lettering and loose Christmas florals. Participants will practise lettering and colour techniques to create festive cards, crackers and gift tags, and take home a brush starter kit.
Leaves, Lanterns and Baskets, family crafts | October Half Term 2026
30 Oct
A drop-in, hands-on autumn craft activity where visitors can make lanterns and baskets inspired by autumn leaves, harvest colours and pumpkins. It is suitable for children aged 3 and over, who must be accompanied by an adult.