Britain's Finest - Events

We are delighted that renowned garden designer, Tracy Foster, is returning to Stillingfleet Lodge to lead this workshop where you will learn how to create a planting plan for your garden.

If you want to give your garden a makeover, this is the course for you. Learn how to make a planting plan that will turn an ordinary garden into something unique.

During the session you will find out how to:

• measure up your plot
• assess the site and soil
• draw to scale
• develop you plan.

A planting plan is a detailed document or drawing that specifies the arrangement and layout of plants in a particular area, such as a garden, landscape, or outdoor space.

Tracy will be sharing her expertise and tips on plant selection, such as choosing the right plants for your site, and the quantity of plants you will need and how densely they will need to be planted for the effect you want. There will also be consideration of where to place each plant, for instance to provide focal points, and also the seasonality of the plants to give interest throughout the year.

Once you have developed your planting plan, you will be thinking about planting it up and hope that you will be inspired by the many plants we have for sale in our plant nursery.

Tracy is a Chelsea Gold Medal Winning garden designer who has been creating beautiful gardens in the north of England and elsewhere since 2002. She is perhaps best known for ‘The Bronte Garden’ which one her an RHS Gold and the People’s Choice Award at Chelsea in 2012. She was also a awarded an RHS Silver for her ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’ Garden in 2017.

All courses include entry to the garden plus welcome coffee and biscuits. Unless stated,  materials are provided and you will leave each workshop with plenty of reference information.

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 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.

Join us as we welcome back renowned local band The Big Beat for an evening of live music.

Enjoy a night of live music from house favourites The Big Beat, as they perform a selection of popular classics and up-tempo contemporary hits from 7pm! You can also look forward to a delicious two-course meal (served from 7:30pm) and disco to round off the evening.

Tickets | £37.00 per person

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

Full pre-payment required upon booking.

Pre-order required. Please notify our team of any allergies or dietary requirements prior to your visit.

Bring the family to Wisley this half term and see the garden in its early summer splendour. There will be planting and daily activity sessions and a family garden trail to follow. Included in normal garden admission.

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.

We will be opening up our doors to give you the chance to explore our beautiful manor house wedding venue.  Join us for a glass of prosecco and meet our experienced wedding coordinators, Françoise Gysemans and her team of wedding experts.

Their hand-picked selection of wedding suppliers will be available to answer all your questions and bring those Pinterest boards to life!

No appointment required.

Why not treat your dad to a 3 course Sunday Lunch & Complimentary pint for Father's Day ? 

Please advise Dad's name upon booking

£28.00 per person / £16.00 per child

Served from 12.30pm until 4.30pm

Booking Essential, please contact our ReceptionTeam

Join Vanessa for a garden walk when she will show you the highlights of the garden in July. This will be an informal tour with the garden owner, Vanessa who will provide you with plenty of tips on the best plants to grow to give you beautiful borders throughout the year. You will also learn how the garden is managed for wildlife and Vanessa will highlight some of the many ways she has blended stunning planting with being a wildlife-friendly garden.

The walk is included in the garden admission for the afternoon, but is on a first-come-first-served basis. There will only be 12 places, so make sure you get on the list when you arrive at the hut!

Start is at 2:00pm prompt and will last about an hour, so plenty of time afterwards for refreshments and a visit to the plant nursery.

Another opportunity to learn how to make a wire blackbird sculpture under the expert guidance of Chris Moss. At the end of this half-day course you will have your own wire blackbird to take home.

These sculptures will be made from galvanised wire, so they will be able to be kept outside without going rusty. Materials and tools will be supplied. Please wear practical clothes (no delicate textiles).

SUNDAY 21ST APRIL 2024 | 10AM - 3PM

Join us on Sunday 21st April from 10am until 3pm to view the beautiful Garden Pavilion, surrounding gardens and accommodation. You will also be able to speak with our partnered external caterers to discuss your special day in more detail!

Meet our partnered caterers who will be there on the day:

• Sai Mandaps
• Preeti Catering
• Greenleaf
• Blackstone
• Ankit Govind Photography
• Shimla Foods