Britain's Finest - Events

Join Colchester Zoo as they celebrate their charity, Colchester Zoological Society and the vital conservation work that they undertake in the UK and worldwide.

From meeting members of the Animal Care Team, to learning how to be a ranger on UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, there will be lots of chances to find out about their work.

They will also be hosting their very own Conservation Festival on 29th May where you'll be able to find out more about conservation efforts around the world and in the UK.

Enjoy a afternoon tea with a quintessentially English theme including a selection of sweet treats crafted by our pastry chefs in celebration of the all England lawn tennis tournament. 

Join us for an evening of intrigue at our Murder Mystery Event on Friday 21st June 2024 (7pm).

Play detective for the night and figure out “Whodunnit?” during an evening of twists, turns and intrigue at our ever-popular Murder Mystery event!

Arrive from 7pm to begin an evening of mystery and enigma set in the crime underworld of notorious Birmingham street gang, the Peaky Blinders. Pay close attention those around you and follow the clues to solve the murder mystery whilst enjoying twists, turns and laughs along the way.

Your evening will also include a delicious three-course meal.

Celebrate Father's Day on our sun-drenched terrace with a delectable two-course lunch. Enjoy a curated menu while honouring the father figures in your life. Gather with loved ones to toast and create cherished memories in a beautiful setting.

Join us for an Olympic-inspired afternoon tea and indulge in a gold-medal-worthy assortment of finger sandwiches, accompanied by fresh fruit scones paired with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of cakes. Celebrate excellence in every bite, making this afternoon tea a podium-worthy experience.

 Visitors will be able to view and purchase contemporary craft and art whilst enjoying the beautiful spring garden with its huge plant collection. Once again, alongside the marquees displaying and selling the work of some of the UK’s finest designer makers, the event will incorporate demonstrating artists, a food village and live music! Pre-book your tickets on line at no extra cost to normal garden entry.

Visit RHS Garden Wisley for a special Walkies at Wisley with your four-legged friend. The garden is open from 6pm–8:30pm so you can explore the outdoor areas with your canine companion. Members and dogs go free, non-members £9.25 and £5 (child).

The Gidleigh Park Estate Team takes immense pride in their Kitchen Garden, while Executive Chef, Chris Eden, champions the use of all its produce.

Your day commences at 10.00am with a welcome coffee before embarking on a guided tour of the Kitchen Garden. Following this, savour a glass of wine and indulge in a delightful vegetarian three-course lunch crafted from the garden's fresh vegetables and herbs. Finally, conclude with coffee and petits fours to round off the experience.

Join us for a delightful Family Afternoon Tea with kickstart the summer with a burst of excitement.

Join us for a thrilling Circus Workshop hosted by the talented local performer, Rob Horsman, and don't miss the entertaining sheepdog and duck herding demonstration by David Seamark. Participate in the excitement every hour between 12.00pm and 4.00pm. It's a unique blend of circus charm and adorable duck herding that promises a day filled with fun and unforgettable memories.

After the activities, make your way to your reserved table and enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with your family.

After an absence of several years we are delighted that Fiona Calder will be back in 2024 to exhibit her delightful floral pieces, at our Tearoom in Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens.

Fiona’s artwork celebrates her passion for flowers and foliage, she finds never ending inspiration in their delightful colours and beautiful shapes.

The art exhibitions are located in the tea room and are open to the public during regular garden opening times. Admission to the tea room and art exhibitions are free. The works of art will be available to purchase, please ask at the entrance hut.

We are delighted that Leeds based artist Rachel McNaughton will be kicking off our 2024 series of art exhibitions with her watercolours which are always well received by our visitors.

Her central focus is flowers and over the years she has moved away from botanical accuracy to a more expressive style.

The exhibition space is open during the regular garden opening times. It is free to visit the exhibition and tearoom, but there is a charge if you wish to explore the garden.

Join us in celebrating everything gin on World Gin Day.

Gather around the campfire amidst summer's chilled vibes and indulge in a quintessential British BBQ. Begin your evening with a tantalizing Cotswold Gin cocktail upon arrival, then explore a selection of diverse Gins through tastings. Embrace the warmth of the campfire and the flavourful Gins in this spirited celebration of all things gin.